What Is MIO: Memories in Orbit, the Hollow Knight-Like Game Coming to Xbox Game Pass Soon?

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The metroidvania genre has become very popular, especially since the success of Hollow Knight, and there are now a lot of games like it – similar to how many soulslike games there are. However, MIO: Memories in Orbit looks like it could be something different. This visually stunning and action-packed side-scrolling game is scheduled to release on January 20, 2026, and will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one.

When thinking about MIO: Memories in Orbit, Hollow Knight is an obvious comparison, but it also shares similarities with Ori and the Blind Forest, particularly in its beautiful visuals, unique environments, and fluid platforming. Like the studio’s previous game, Shady Part of Me, MIO boasts stunning hand-drawn graphics and animations that are reminiscent of Moebius’ style, yet feel fresh and original. The game’s art style is intricate and distinctive, combining soft pastel colors with bold lines and imaginative character designs. However, MIO: Memories in Orbit aims to offer more than just appealing aesthetics, promising a captivating story, engaging combat, and gameplay inspired by the metroidvania genre.

What is MIO: Memories in Orbit About?

MIO: Memories in Orbit’s Story

You play as MIO, a robot who wakes up with no memory aboard a huge spaceship called the Vessel. The ship is in trouble after a strange power outage knocked out many of its systems. MIO needs to explore the Vessel, reactivate its robotic inhabitants, and discover what happened to everyone on board.

Initially, the story of MIO: Memories in Orbit doesn’t feel particularly original. It relies on the common trope of a protagonist with amnesia – a device often used in video games because it’s a simple way to explain things to the player or help them connect with the character. Amnesia also naturally creates tension and makes even simple events feel important to someone who doesn’t remember their past.

Despite the initial concerns, MIO still promises a compelling narrative. The developer, Douze Diximes, has hinted at a tragic backstory for the main character, suggesting the story will have real emotional depth and impact. This history is also connected to the game’s world, which could lead to fascinating worldbuilding. Beyond the story, MIO: Memories in Orbit has the potential to explore interesting themes and offer unique lore thanks to its all-robot cast and futuristic setting. Overall, MIO appears to offer much more than just a simple story.

Many metroidvania games rely on storytelling that’s open to interpretation, so the familiar premise of memory loss in MIO probably won’t bother most players.

MIO: Memories in Orbit Boasts Slick, Smooth Traversal

First impressions of MIO: Memories in Orbit consistently highlight how you move around the game world. It takes place in low-gravity areas filled with obstacles, creating a movement system that’s both easy to pick up and a little confusing. The developers, Douze Diximes, want players to get into a smooth rhythm using abilities like gliding, wall-running, and a grapple hook to quickly and efficiently travel between locations.

While early looks at the game’s movement system are promising and reviews have been generally positive, some concerns have surfaced. Players have noted that the character moves a bit slowly and that the grapple hook can be unreliable at times. Despite these issues, moving around in the game appears fluid and visually appealing, and could be a standout feature.

MIO: Memories in Orbit’s Touchstones Will Hopefully Be Counter-Balanced by Originality and Innovation

The developers of MIO: Memories in Orbit have drawn comparisons to popular, challenging games like Hollow Knight, Celeste, and Dead Cells, and it’s easy to understand why. These games are all known for their difficult but rewarding combat and movement, and MIO is clearly aiming for that same level of challenge. In fact, the developers have emphasized that MIO will be a tough game, inspired by the ‘soulslike’ genre, and players should expect to die often.

However, MIO aims to stand out with several unique features. One of these is a system of Modifiers, which many who’ve previewed the game compare to the Plug-In Chips in Nier: Automata. This system lets players trade basic information, like enemy health, for more power in their abilities. Douze Diximes believes that, combined with challenging bosses, exciting action sequences, and a beautiful art style, these Modifiers will make MIO: Memories in Orbit a compelling game, even for players who are already fans of the metroidvania genre.

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2025-12-30 23:04