The video game industry has found an inexhaustible goldmine in cooperative gameplay, and now comes a title that blends this formula with a very particular aesthetic. It's called Orbitals, a game developed by Shapefarm and published by Kepler Interactive, arriving exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. The game has been presented as a love letter to classic anime, with a puzzle-adventure approach designed solely for two players.
The premise puts us in the shoes of Maki and Omura, two young explorers who must save their space station trapped in a cosmic storm. To achieve this, they will have to cooperate at all times, as there is no option to play solo. This decision, reminiscent of Hazelight's philosophy, becomes the heart of an experience that seeks to emulate the feeling of being inside an anime series from the 80s and 90s.
A tribute to classic anime
The visuals are undoubtedly Orbitals' biggest draw. The graphics use cel shading with grain and chromatic aberration reminiscent of VHS tapes from that era. Character animations run at 12 or 24 frames per second, while the game itself runs at 30 fps, a contrast that reinforces the feeling of watching a traditional animated production. The studio collaborated with Studio Massket, known for the ending theme of Cyberpunk Edgerunners, and with veteran Hidetoshi Yoshida, who has experience with series like Bubblegum Crisis.
The soundtrack, featuring Mami Ayukawa, includes a main theme performed by the artist, and the Spanish dubbing (from Spain) is a real success. The voices of Clara Schwarze and Iván Priego, known for the Ranma ½ remake, bring the protagonists to life. In addition, the game has details like a pettable cat and unlockable minigames that add charm to the adventure.
Cooperative: the key to the experience
The game is designed so that both players have something to do at all times. Tools aren't exclusive to each character; they can be swapped on the fly , allowing puzzles to be adapted to each player's abilities. This is evident in sections like the dark matter cave, where one player manages platforms while the other activates mechanisms. Communication is essential, and the game offers different modes: local multiplayer on a single console, online multiplayer with a friend pass (the guest doesn't need the game), and GameShare for playing with a single copy on two consoles, even an original Switch.
The estimated playtime is around 10-12 hours, with a varied pace that includes ship piloting, minigames, and boss battles. While some puzzles may feel somewhat conventional, the difficulty progression is well-balanced, and the checkpoints are plentiful, preventing frustration. The experience benefits from the direction of Jakob Lundgren, who worked on A Way Out, It Takes Two, and Split Fiction, which is evident in the level design.
Release, editions and extras
Orbitals will arrive on September 3, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2. The physical edition will include the complete game on the cartridge, with no additional downloads required. In addition to the standard edition for €39,99, there is a Deluxe Edition for €49,99 that adds a digital artbook, the original soundtrack, two exclusive costumes for Maki and Omura, and two ship skins. It has also been confirmed that the complete soundtrack will be available on digital platforms on launch day, along with a 7-inch vinyl record through Laced Records.
For those interested in trying the game early, a demo will be playable at gamescom 2026 thanks to the Global Friend's Pass, available as a free download at launch. This demo will allow players to experience online co-op with a friend, and attendees will receive an exclusive sticker sheet.
In short, Orbitals stands out as one of the most appealing cooperative games for the Switch 2, combining a bold aesthetic with polished gameplay. Despite minor shortcomings in the story and some repetitive moments , the overall experience is original and highly enjoyable, especially for those who grew up with anime in the '80s and '90s. With its release just around the corner, fans of the genre will find here a title that proves cooperative gameplay can be both fun and challenging.