Orbitals, a retro anime split-screen co-op adventure developed by Shapefarm, is poised to challenge Hazelight's dominance in the genre. After playing the opening hour on Nintendo Switch 2, it's clear that the game successfully captures the look and feel of 80s and 90s space anime like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Cowboy Bebop, thanks to a film grain filter and stuttered gameplay animation.
Art Style and Story
The game's intro cutscene, focusing on heroes Maki and Omura, convincingly evokes classic anime despite running on Nintendo Switch 2's less powerful hardware. Rescued as children after a catastrophic accident, the two are bonded as space explorers trying to fix their crumbling space station home. According to game directors Marcos Ramos and Jakob Lundgren, who previously worked on Hazelight titles, the tale is heartfelt and engaging.
Gameplay Mechanics
Orbitals is entirely split-screen co-op. Unlike It Takes Two, characters are not locked to specific roles; instead, players choose tools like the Scrap Hook or Liquid Launcher to solve puzzles. Early tasks included putting out fires and turning rods, requiring good communication. The game also features space navigation where one player pilots a subship while the other gunners.
In one puzzle, a player guided a chibi robot while a partner lifted numbered wall panels to keep it powered. This 'rub your head, pat your belly' design is fun and accessible.
Pacing and Variety
The preview offered a good sense of pacing, with objectives both inside and outside the ship. Players can choose the order of derelict vessels to visit, adding replayability. The puzzles are not overly difficult, ensuring a smooth experience.
Technical Performance
Despite initial concerns about Nintendo Switch 2's capabilities, Orbitals runs smoothly and maintains its visual ambitions. The art style successfully transports players back to the era of classic anime.
Release Date and Expectations
Orbitals is set to launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 3, 2026. If the co-op puzzles continue to grow in ambition, it could be a must-play for co-op fans and a standout title of the year.
