MIO: Memories in Orbit and the power of slow, meaningful exploration

GAMING NEWS AlexP - Jan 7, 2026, 11:46 AM

MIO: Memories in Orbit fits into the growing group of side-scrolling action adventure games often called Metroidvanias. These games focus on exploration, steady character growth, and worlds that slowly open up as you gain new skills. This style has become more popular over the years because it rewards patience and curiosity, letting players move at their own pace while still offering real challenge. Instead of constant action, the experience is built around discovery, mood, and learning how the world works piece by piece.

One clear example of how strong this genre can be is Hollow Knight, a game that earned huge success thanks to its deep world, smooth controls, and emotional tone. Players were drawn in by its quiet storytelling and sense of mystery rather than long explanations. MIO follows a similar path, aiming to create a space where atmosphere and exploration matter just as much as combat, while still offering its own identity and ideas.

A journey through memory and space

The story of MIO takes place aboard a massive ship drifting through space. This vessel once carried life and purpose, but now it feels abandoned and broken. You play as MIO, a small robot who wakes up with little memory of the past. As you explore, you uncover traces of what happened, meeting strange machines and remnants of systems that once kept everything alive. The setting mixes cold metal corridors with areas slowly taken over by nature, giving the world a calm but lonely feeling.

Gameplay centers on movement and exploration. The ship is full of paths that loop back on themselves, locked doors, and hidden routes that only become reachable later. New abilities allow MIO to move faster, reach higher places, or cross dangerous areas. These upgrades are not just tools but keys that help the world make more sense over time.

Combat is present but not overwhelming. Enemies are mechanical and varied, encouraging careful timing instead of rushing in. The controls feel light and responsive, making movement a pleasure on its own. Combined with a soft, atmospheric presentation, MIO: Memories in Orbit offers a thoughtful journey focused on discovery, memory, and quiet moments between action. Make sure you use our price comparison tool to find the best prices for MIO: Memories in Orbit.