Shapefarm’s debut title Orbitals transcends a typical couch-cooperative experience, serving as a love letter to vintage anime. By weaving together influences from Cowboy Bebop, Evangelion, and Sailor Moon within a high-concept sci-fi narrative, the game features meticulously animated cutscenes. While it does not fully break from these established visual touchstones to become a standalone masterpiece, its abundant nostalgia is likely sufficient to satisfy players during the relatively brief playthrough.
The shadow of Hazelight Studios looms large over the couch co-op genre, particularly given the studio’s acclaimed track record with titles such as It Takes Two and Split Fiction. Comparing new entrants to this benchmark is almost unavoidable, though it may inadvertently overlook the potential of studios still finding their footing.
Orbitals distinguishes itself precisely because its team includes former Hazelight veterans. Game Director Jakob Lundgren has noted the title’s intention to incorporate the studio’s signature DNA, and in practice, the game not only honors that legacy but also refines and expands upon the award-winning formula in several meaningful ways.
The ’80s anime style does the heavy lifting for a by-the-numbers narrative
While Orbitals embraces a high-concept sci-fi framework, its narrative and characterizations amount to affectionate homages to celebrated anime series rather than original storytelling.
The respawn machines, or IMs, echo the existential undertones of Evangelion, though the game only briefly explores these implications. Spaceship designs carry a grimy, industrial aesthetic reminiscent of Cowboy Bebop, while Maki’s appearance and demeanor evoke a magical girl archetype, and Omura combines intellectual sharpness with prideful swagger, channeling a blend of Ranma and Spike Spiegel.
Not every element successfully reinvents its source material; the game often assembles fragments from beloved works into a new context without fully transcending them. Orbitals undeniably leans into nostalgia for animation’s golden age, and this approach resonates strongly—but most narrative beats remain formulaic, preventing deep emotional investment. It took considerable engagement before the story clicked, and even then, full immersion proved elusive.
Puzzles are challenging — and might be frustrating for some
Whether Orbitals appeals to couples unfamiliar with the genre depends on their co-op history. Its compact structure—completable in roughly three sessions—offers a lower time commitment than the sprawling experiences of its predecessors. However, the title still presents surprisingly demanding coordinated challenges that may test less experienced pairs.
The kinetic puzzling offers a more active, less hand-holding experience compared to many Hazelight titles. A common frustration in co-op platforming—one player halting progress for the other—is largely avoided here, keeping both participants in motion.
The game features only a handful of moments requiring complete synchronization, primarily doors or button presses that demand simultaneous input from both players.
Even when separated, the title maintains constant co-op engagement. Players utilize an assortment of gadgets—lasers, water guns, jump packs—to assist one another, solve environmental hazards, and construct paths. Strategic timing and communication become essential, particularly during the game’s most demanding sequence, where synchronizing movement across a side-scrolling screen is critical while evading an approaching spirit.
Longtime gamers are unlikely to find Orbitals prohibitive, though its mechanical difficulty exceeds typical genre fare. Precision platforming executed in concert with a partner may pose a steep learning curve for newcomers.
The handcrafted anime aesthetic remains the title’s strongest selling point, infusing it with distinct personality and meticulous detail. While certain gameplay mechanics may deter some players, the visual design alone justifies the experience. Anticipate frequent moments highlighting Omura’s wiggly dance, and recognize that even those unmoved by other aspects will appreciate Studio Massket’s exquisite, retro-styled hand-drawn cutscenes.
Orbitals is now available exclusively on Switch 2 at a price point of $40.