MIO: Memories in Orbit has arrived on Steam as of January 20, 2026, and it’s already making a strong first impression with an 87% “Very Positive” user rating. In a genre packed with new releases, this action-adventure Metroidvania stands out fast thanks to its striking, painterly presentation and movement-focused design that rewards precision.
Created by French indie studio Douze Dixièmes and released with publisher Focus Entertainment, MIO: Memories in Orbit launched after a short one-month delay. The extra time went toward polishing performance for “Switch 2” and high-end PC optimization, and the results are noticeable—especially for players who care about smooth traversal, responsive controls, and crisp visuals.
The game takes place aboard The Vessel, a decaying technological ark drifting through space. It’s an atmospheric setting built for discovery, with interconnected biomes that shift from overgrown gardens to frozen, ruined city-like environments. You play as MIO, an android exploring this collapsing world while uncovering what happened to it—and what MIO’s role is within it.
At its core, MIO is a precision-dependent Metroidvania where movement isn’t just a way to get from room to room—it’s the main event. Traversal centers on a “hairpin” grappling hook and spider-like wall climbing that demand rhythm, timing, and confidence. Whether you’re threading through hazards or chaining climbs and swings mid-air, it’s the kind of platforming that can feel exhilarating when you nail it and punishing when you don’t.
Combat leans deliberate and methodical, with many players describing it as Souls-inspired in pacing. However, there are accessibility and assist options that let players gradually weaken bosses over multiple attempts. That said, the game doesn’t offer a way to skip its most difficult encounters, so progress still hinges on learning patterns and improving execution.
A major part of what keeps the gameplay fresh is the modular “Modifier” system. As you fight, you can scavenge components from enemies and build a custom setup that fits your style. That can mean turning your grappling hook into a weaponized lasso, trading defense for more destructive projectiles, or piecing together a loadout that changes how both movement and combat feel. This build-crafting angle adds a welcome layer of experimentation to the traditional Metroidvania loop of exploration, upgrades, and backtracking.
Still, not all feedback is glowing. Even with its strong Steam rating, discussion among players has increasingly focused on late-game design choices that some consider unnecessarily harsh. One controversial, story-driven mechanic can permanently reduce MIO’s health if you enter certain optional, high-difficulty areas. Critics argue this discourages exploration—one of the main reasons people play Metroidvanias in the first place. On top of that, a late-game plot moment can temporarily remove the ability to shop or spend resources, leaving some players feeling boxed in at exactly the time they want to prepare for tougher challenges.
From a performance standpoint, the Steam version is packed with modern options. It supports 4K and can reach 60 FPS on mid-range hardware such as a GTX 1650 paired with a Ryzen 3 1300X. On Steam Deck, it’s widely described as a great fit for handheld play, but there’s an important tweak: switching the graphics preset from High to Medium is recommended to keep a stable 60 FPS and hold battery draw under 12 W.
Even with some frustration around certain late-game mechanics and pattern-heavy stretches, MIO: Memories in Orbit is already being talked about as a potential standout Metroidvania of 2026. Between its comic-book/watercolor-inspired look, the haunting presence of The Vessel, and movement systems built for players who love precision platforming, it offers a distinct identity in a very crowded space. The game is priced at $17.99 on Steam, following a 10% launch discount.
