Kepler Interactive and Japanese indie developer Shapefarm have released co-op adventure Orbitals on Nintendo Switch 2.
Orbitals is inspired by classic 80s and 90s sci-fi anime, such as Evangelion, Gundam, and Akira. Two players take on the roles of Maki and Omura, who together search for help for their crumbling space station.
Gameplay is built for asymmetric cooperative play, meaning each character has unique tools to overcome challenges, and only by combing their unique skills and abilities, can the duo succeed.
It definitely sounds familiar to the Hazelight cooperative games such as It Takes Two and Split/Fiction. But I’m not complaining — we need more built-for-co-op games!
Orbitals also takes a page from Hazelight in offering a Friend’s Pass. Using the Orbitals: Global Friend’s Pass, players can freely download a multiplayer version of Orbitals online to join with friends (the host must own the game). The game can also be shared via GameShare across local systems, or simply played on a single system using split-screen.
Local GameShare also has the advantage of working with the original Switch system!
Note that a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online is required to play any online games together (including online GameShare).
Here’s a helpful graphic that explains all the different ways to play co-op in Orbitals:
Orbitals is available in physical ($49.99) and digital ($39.99) versions, as well as a Digital Deluxe Edition ($49.99). The Digital Deluxe Edition includes a digital artbook, soundtrack, and unique skins for Maki, Omura, and their ship.
Orbitals is rated E10+ with Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence, and Mild Language.
