At the end of 2020, we were introduced to French independent development studio Douze Dixièmes with their debut game, Shady Part Of Me. A game that valued complex puzzles and unique art. They are back with publisher Focus Entertainment to bring us a new 3D metroidvania platformer set in space, MIO: Memories in Orbit, which highly values the same qualities.
MIO: Memories in Orbit
Release Date: January 20, 2026
Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch/Switch 2
Developer: Douze Dixièmes
**Disclaimer: This review will have minimal spoilers to allow for the exploration and enjoyment of the game**
Mio: Memories in Orbit is about a space station called the Vessel, and all of the robot inhabitants facing extinction. The Vessel is dying, and you wake up as Mio, a tiny inhabitant on a mission to save her home. Navigating through the Vessel is a journey where Mio will meet new allies, explore the different ways the other residents are coping with the current circumstances, and enemies who want to prevent her from saving the Vessel.
Art & Music
Breathtaking. I was in awe of how beautiful this game was at all times. The range of color, the seemingly hand skeptched details, the layering. All of it was so beautifully done that one could not help but be fully immersed in this world of plants and metal.
The music was a phenomenal accompaniment for this adventure as each track was curated with the environment and current situation in mind. It shows that a lot of thought went into the game’s sound design, from the sound effects and chorus to the lo-fi for exploration and the funky battle music for fighting scenes.
Mechanics
This is where I have mixed feelings about the game. First, let’s talk about the things this game absolutely got right. I loved the fact that character movement was more flowy and that you were meant to spend the majority of the game in the air instead of the normal, snappy, and precise movements normally seen. Most mechanics are very similar to those of standard metroidvanias. You have your double jump, downward dash, and more. It feels familiar in this way. However, it also includes features such as seeing your enemies’ health bars, extra layers of protection, and special healing. These are abilities you can unlock and equip as you progress in the game.
This leads me to the questionable choices that take an already difficult game to the next level. Even when you unlock the different abilities, since you are a robot, think of yourself as similar to a computer with a limited hard drive. You can uninstall an ability and install another if you have the space for it. The game features over forty modifications, so it was a constant balancing act to try to figure out which modifiers would be useful at which points. sometimes sacrificing a modification of convenience for one of necessity. As the game progresses, you do unlock more space, but again, with over forty options, it was still a challenge.
Gameplay
It’s easy to get fully immersed in this game and lose track of time. If you are dedicated to getting through the game, you are looking at around 10 – 14 hours for the main story, 20-30 hours if you include more side quests and more optional interactions, and about 25 – 40+ hours for a completionist run.
There are 19 network gates where you will respawn and can be used to adjust your modifications. You will always respawn at the last gate you visit. The map is fairly comprehensive in showing you where you’ve been and what you still need to unlock.
Be aware that this game can feel very punishing, but it is all a part of the bigger picture of reviving the Vessel. Every death helps your mission, even though it feels like it is setting you back.
