Roundup: MIO: Memories In Orbit Gets Strong Reviews As It Arrives On Xbox Game Pass

Two games are landing on Xbox Game Pass today, and one of them — MIO: Memories In Orbit — is a brand-new day one release, which means early reviews are now starting to come out for this new Metroidvania title.

The early outlook seems pretty positive for MIO, with it hovering in the low 80s in terms of an aggregate score. So, we're going to gather up some of those reviews down below to give you a flavour of what to expect from MIO: Memories in Orbit on Xbox Game Pass.

The Indie Informer (9.5/10)

"From the gleaming towers of the city to the vibrantly lush trails in the garden, I gleefully sailed and fought my way through MIO: Memories in Orbit. Its stunning art style perfectly offsets the tragic narrative. I found it so hard to put down and became so invested in the world’s fate that I couldn’t accept its death. Instead, I searched for an option the game graciously offered for my persistence. Though either way, the conclusion is pierced with hope and sadness."

Destructoid (9/10)

"MIO: Memories in Orbit is a gorgeous, exploration-driven platformer that thrives on your curiosity. What starts as a dark, confusing journey slowly unfurls into a vibrant world packed with secrets, hidden bosses, and environmental storytelling that rewards thorough exploration. While combat mechanics remain simple, fluid movement, challenging boss fights, and a richly atmospheric ship make uncovering the Vessel’s mysteries consistently satisfying—for players willing to get lost along the way."

Checkpoint Gaming (9/10)

"MIO: Memories in Orbit is outstanding. Douze Dixièmes have managed to nail the difficult balance between teaching players just enough while still stepping back and letting the player learn on their own in a world crafted to support them. The platforming is precise and challenging, but every obstacle is fairly designed, rewarding skill and perseverance. With a backdrop of gorgeous art, standout music and thoughtful world design, MIO: Memories in Orbit is a phenomenal example of just how good Metroidvanias can be."

Game Informer (8.8/10)

"With many great games, I am eager to shout from the rooftops to get as many people as possible to play. I sincerely enjoy Mio, but I’d also be extremely hesitant to recommend its rigors to all but very experienced players, eager for platforming, bosses, and exploration that are often more chore than satisfaction. However, if that kind of thing sets your heart aflutter, Mio should be very high on your list of must-plays."

Nintendo Life (8/10)

"MIO is a compelling adventure with solid platforming and combat. The Vessel is a great place to explore and the mod system adds versatility. A great Metroidvania, then, though its similarities to genre heavyweights stop it from being essential. If you are in the mood for another tightly designed Metroidvania on Switch, however, this is an easy recommendation."

Insider Gaming (8/10)

"MIO: Memories in Orbit stands out in a crowded field of Metroidvanias with beautiful art direction and an engaging narrative. The rewarding gameplay loop and amount of character upgrades provide plenty of replayability for the first standout indie game of 2026."

Nintendo World Report (7.5/10)

"It is a disservice to the beautiful world on display here that I was reset back to the start so many times and lost a lot of the meaningful progress I had made. MIO - Memories in Orbit is at odds with itself too much for my personal taste. But I also cannot deny that if you are a fan of this particular genre, MIO is one that should not be overlooked."

Gamer Escape (7/10)

"There will be a lot of familiar elements to those with prior metroidvania experience, and while they’re all implemented serviceably, they simply don’t do as much heavy lifting as the platforming, world building, and music."

At the time of writing, MIO: Memories in Orbit has a Metacritic rating of 84 and an OpenCritic score of 81, and the Metroidvania is rolling out now on PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Is this one you'll be checking out on XGP? Talk to us about MIO: Memories in Orbit down below.