On January 20, 2026, French indie studio Douze Dixièmes and publisher Focus Entertainment released MIO: Memories in Orbit across all major platforms, after a brief one-month delay to finalize its “Switch 2” and high-end PC optimization. The title arrives during a crowded time for this genre, yet it has quickly carved out its own identity through its proprietary engine, which renders a “comic-book/watercolor” design that players already love. 

The game is set aboard “The Vessel” – a decaying technological ark drifting through space. Players control the android MIO as they navigate interconnected biomes ranging from overgrown gardens to frozen metropolitan ruins.

MIO is a precision-dependent Metroidvania, where traversal is defined by a “hairpin” grappling hook and spider-like wall-climbing abilities that require strict timing and rhythm. Unlike standard action-platformers, MIO makes use of a modular “Modifier” system, so players can scavenge enemy components to customize their build – for example, transforming the grappling hook from a movement tool into a deadly lasso or sacrificing shields for high-damage projectiles. While combat is generally described as “deliberate” and “Souls-inspired,” the game includes assist options that allow players to weaken bosses over multiple attempts, though there is no “skip” function for its toughest fights.

While the game holds a “Very Positive” 87% rating aggregate on Steam, community discourse has moved towards several “cruel” design choices in the final acts. Specifically, players don’t like a controversial narrative-driven mechanic where the protagonist can permanently lose health points in optional, high-difficulty areas, a choice that critics argue punishes exploration in a genre which is built around it. Additionally, a late-game plot point can temporarily disable the ability to shop or spend resources.

The Steam release is pretty robust on its own, supporting 4K resolutions and 60 FPS on mid-range hardware (GTX 1650 / Ryzen 3 1300X). For Steam Deck (curr. $675 on Amazon) users, the game is a “joy to play” but requires a specific manual adjustment: switching the visual presets from “High” to “Medium” is necessary to maintain a stable 60 FPS and keep battery drain under 12 W. Despite some issues regarding “pattern-heavy” runs, the sheer atmospheric weight of The Vessel and the precision of its movement systems have made MIO an early contender for one of the best Metroidvanias of 2026 so far. It’s priced at $17.99 on Steam, post a 10% launch discount.

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Anubhav Sharma – Tech Writer – 1337 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024

Most of my time goes into writing – and somehow it hasn’t stopped being fun yet.
My work mainly revolves around everyday tech, gaming, watches, DIY modding, and the occasional piece on tech-policy chaos when companies and governments clash. I try to keep things simple and honest, without sounding like a product brochure.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Engineering and an Associate Degree in English Studies from the College of New Caledonia in British Columbia, Canada.
Away from articles and deadlines, life usually shifts to making music, taking photos, or trying to finish games that should have been completed months ago.