Orbitals: An anime co-op adventure you can play

The upcoming game Orbitals, developed by Shapefarm and published by Kepler Interactive, promises a unique co-op experience in an anime setting. The story takes place 15 years after a storm isolated the settlement of the main characters, Maki and Omura, from the rest of the world. The game focuses not only on a retro gaming feel, but also on the childlike sense of wonder that anime can evoke.

Game development

Development on Orbitals began with a team of just six people, but has since grown to around 50 members. Game director Jakob Lundgren and creative director Marcos Ramos have been able to draw on their experience from other co-op titles such as It Takes Two and A Way Out , to create a game that is accessible to both newcomers and more experienced players. The team has also paid close attention to balancing the gameplay mechanics to make sure they are both challenging and fun.

Story and characters

In Orbitals, players follow the adventures of Maki and Omura, who have been best friends since childhood. The two go on a transformative space adventure with the goal of saving their people. There are also interesting elements, such as the use of a consciousness-uploading machine, which explains their ability to return after fatal damage. This raises questions about the moral implications of such technology.

Anime influences and visual style

The game is heavily inspired by classic anime, and its design blends several styles, with Studio Massket involved in creating the cutscenes. Working with the studio has been essential in maintaining a consistent visual style that captures the charm of anime. The developers used approaches similar to traditional animation, while also adding original ideas to bring the story and characters to life.

Gameplay and co-op elements

Orbitals offers a co-op gameplay experience that encourages teamwork and communication. Players can freely swap tools, allowing them to creatively respond to the challenges they face. The gameplay includes puzzles ranging from fixing ship maintenance issues to challenging platforming sections across different themed environments.

The game is designed to appeal to a wide range of playstyles, giving players the chance to develop their own approach and work together to solve puzzles. This increases the chances of spontaneous, funny moments that are typical of co-op games.

Conclusion

Orbitals has the potential to become one of the most beloved co-op games in its genre, thanks to its unique approach to gameplay and story, as well as its visual style. The combination of retro anime influences with modern gameplay mechanics and a strong emphasis on cooperation makes it a title to watch.