If you were waiting for the first true contender for Game of the Year in 2026, the wait is over. MIO: Memories in Orbit isn't just another entry in the crowded genre; it is a visual and mechanical triumph that demands your attention. As critics hail this MIO: Memories in Orbit review as a defining moment for developer Douze Dixièmes, players are discovering a world that balances breathtaking watercolor beauty with punishing, precise combat. Launching today on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and the heavily anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, MIO delivers a 'powerless fantasy' that evolves into a ballet of destruction.

A World Apart: Exploring the Vessel

The game places you in the metallic shell of MIO, a nimble android awakening aboard the Vessel—a colossal, decaying spaceship that serves as the game's labyrinthine map. Unlike the dark, gothic corridors of many competitors, MIO’s world is a vibrant tapestry of neon-soaked overgrowth and hand-drawn comic book aesthetics. The proprietary engine used by the French studio creates a seamless blend of 2D art and 3D depth, making every frame look like a moving painting.

Exploration is the heart of the experience. The Vessel is dense with secrets, shortcuts, and environmental storytelling that rivals the environmental depth of Hollow Knight. You aren't just filling out a map; you are reviving the memories of a dying ark, piecing together why its AI caretakers, the Pearls, have gone silent. It is a haunting, melancholic journey that manages to feel alive despite the ruin.

Gameplay: The Art of the Powerless Fantasy

The term 'powerless fantasy' has been thrown around in marketing, but in MIO, it’s a tangible mechanic. You begin fragile, capable of little more than a basic jump. However, the progression is masterful. As you scavenge components from fallen machines, you unlock MIO game review scores highlights like the multi-directional grappling hook and the spider-like wall cling.

Combat is rhythmic and demanding. One key mechanic involves 'pogoing' off enemies—striking them mid-air resets your double jump and dash, turning combat encounters into aerial platforming challenges. The 'Modifiers' system allows for deep customization, letting you sacrifice defense for damage or alter how your abilities function. It’s a system that respects player agency, forcing you to adapt your build to the challenge at hand.

Boss Guide: Surviving the Guardians

For those seeking a MIO: Memories in Orbit boss guide, be prepared for a steep difficulty curve. The game features over 15 major bosses, each requiring distinct strategies. Early encounters like 'The Mosquito' test your aerial mobility, demanding you stay airborne to avoid electrified floor hazards. Later, 'The Scarecrow' serves as a massive skill check, forcing players to master the parry mechanics introduced in the second biome.

These fights are where the Hollow Knight vs MIO comparison becomes most apt. Like Team Cherry’s masterpiece, MIO doesn't hold your hand. Patterns must be memorized, and reflexes must be sharp. However, the game includes a thoughtful 'Pacifist Mode' assist option, which prevents enemies from aggroing unless attacked first—a welcome feature for players who want to focus on exploration without hitting a brick wall.

Nintendo Switch 2 MIO Performance

One of the biggest questions leading up to launch was regarding the Nintendo Switch 2 MIO performance. We are happy to report that the game sings on Nintendo's new hardware. Running at a locked 60 frames per second in handheld mode, the vibrant colors of the OLED screen make the watercolor art pop significantly more than on standard monitors.

In docked mode, the resolution scales beautifully, maintaining fluid responsiveness essential for a precision platformer. The haptic feedback on the new controllers adds a tactile layer to every grapple and impact, immersing you further into the android's struggle. It is arguably the best way to experience the game on a console.

Verdict: One of the Best Metroidvanias of 2026

MIO: Memories in Orbit is a rare gem that honors its inspirations while carving out its own identity. It creates a loop of exploration and combat that is addictive, frustrating, and ultimately euphoric. With its challenging difficulty, stunning art direction, and flawless performance across platforms, it easily secures its place among the best Metroidvanias 2026 has to offer.

For fans of challenging indie games 2026, this is an essential purchase. Douze Dixièmes has crafted a world worth getting lost in, and MIO is a protagonist worth fighting for. The year is young, but the bar has been set incredibly high.