If you’re like me and have been obsessively refreshing for any hint of Hollow Knight Silksong news (thanks for nothing, Summer Game Fest), you know the pain of waiting for a true Metroidvania fix. Team Cherry’s elusive sequel is practically gaming’s white whale at this point-Steam backend updates have fans speculating, but real news is still MIA. So imagine my surprise when a newcomer, MIO: Memories in Orbit, launched a slick-looking free demo on Steam to keep us occupied while the Silksong drought stretches on.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Focus Entertainment |
| Release Date | 2025 |
| Genres | Metroidvania, Action-Platformer |
| Platforms | PC (Steam), more TBA |
Let’s be honest: the Metroidvania genre is in a weird spot. On one hand, it’s thriving with indie creativity—on the other, every new release inevitably gets compared to Hollow Knight, and lately, everything seems to be a waiting room for Silksong. That’s why MIO: Memories in Orbit immediately caught my attention. Developed by French studio Douze Dixièmes (previously known for their artful puzzle game Shady Part of Me), MIO is clearly aiming for that sweet spot between atmospheric exploration, smart ability progression, and satisfying challenge. And after taking the free demo for a spin, it’s clear this isn’t just a placeholder until Team Cherry shows up—this game’s got ideas of its own.
You play as MIO, a sleek little robot who wakes up in the abandoned, mysterious “Vessel”—a massive living ark filled with decaying technology and lush, interconnected ecosystems. The art direction pops immediately: it’s got a crisp, hand-painted look with enough environmental detail to make each biome feel distinct. The platforming feels tight, and unlocking traversal upgrades like the grappling hook and wall-cling brings back that satisfying “aha!” moment when a previously unreachable path suddenly opens up. The demo lets you experiment with different builds—maybe you want your grapple to double as a weapon, or you’re willing to ditch your shield for a glass cannon playstyle. I love when games don’t lock you into one way of playing, and MIO seems to get that.
Combat is more than just mashing attack: there are over 30 types of enemies and 15 serious guardian boss fights in the final game, which should keep things interesting if the pacing and enemy variety hold up. Douze Dixièmes isn’t shy about the difficulty either—they straight up warn players to “expect to die. A lot!” But here’s a smart move: even the demo has difficulty settings, so if you’re here for art and vibes, or you just want a break from the soulslike punishment, you’re covered.
It’s also worth mentioning that Focus Entertainment, the publisher, is more known for backing visually distinctive or ambitious projects (like Space Marine 2 and A Plague Tale). That’s a good sign that MIO will get the polish and marketing it needs. But as always, the proof will be in the late-game systems, boss design, and how exploration holds up over time. There’s always the risk with Metroidvanias that the early magic fades if backtracking or ability gating isn’t handled smartly—something even big studios have stumbled on.
For now, the demo is generous, giving you a good taste of traversal, combat, and the game’s visually rich world. It’s already more than just a Silksong substitute—it’s a game with its own identity, and I’m genuinely curious to see if it can stand toe-to-toe with the genre’s best when it lands in 2025. If you’re tired of Metroidvania clones that lack soul, MIO is absolutely worth downloading.
The endless Silksong wait has left a big void for fans of tight, atmospheric platformers. MIO: Memories in Orbit isn’t just another game trying to cash in on Metroidvania hype—it’s got unique worldbuilding, flexible playstyles, and a willingness to challenge you (but not punish you endlessly if you prefer otherwise). The demo’s timing is brilliant: it’s a lifeline for anyone desperate for some fresh, high-quality exploration and combat. Even if Silksong drops tomorrow, MIO looks like it’ll be an essential addition to the genre’s future, not just a distraction in the meantime.
If you’re hungry for a new Metroidvania, don’t sleep on this one. The demo’s free, the art’s gorgeous, and the gameplay foundation feels strong. That’s more than enough reason to step aboard the Vessel and see what MIO’s memories are hiding.
Still waiting for Silksong? Same here. But MIO: Memories in Orbit’s free Steam demo is the real deal—beautiful, challenging, and full of promise. It’s not just a Metroidvania stopgap, it’s a game with fresh ideas and plenty of potential. Give the demo a shot and see if it scratches your itch while we all keep holding our breath for Team Cherry’s next move.