Orbitals: A co-op adventure game with a strong 80s-90s anime vibe is coming soon.

Orbitals is a co-op game inspired by 80s and 90s anime, featuring a unique hand-drawn art style, and is scheduled for release on Switch 2 in 2026.

Orbitals impresses with its classic anime style.

The game Orbitals takes a different approach, drawing direct inspiration from 80s and 90s anime. Developed by Shapefarm, the game utilizes hand-drawn animation, thick lines, and bold colors, creating a distinctly nostalgic feel.

The project also garnered attention as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, scheduled for release in 2026. With its distinctive visual style, Orbitals quickly stood out among the wave of modern anime games.

Official trailer for Orbitals

A space adventure storyline inspired by classic anime.

Orbitals follows two characters, Maki and Omura, on their journey to explore the universe and save their homeland. The story is adventurous, combining moments of lightheartedness with challenging situations.

The development team stated that they drew inspiration from works such as Dragon Ball and Neon Genesis Evangelion. However, the game leans towards a brighter color palette while still exploring emotional depth through the relationships between the characters.

Mandatory co-op gameplay and innovative design.

Orbitals is built entirely around a co-op experience, where two players cooperate to solve puzzles and overcome challenges. Each character has their own tools, forcing players to constantly coordinate to progress further in the game.

The gameplay is reminiscent of popular co-op titles like It Takes Two, with levels designed to focus on interaction between two players. Additionally, the game utilizes the GameShare feature on the Switch 2, allowing players to share with friends without needing to purchase two separate games.

The gameplay requires two players to cooperate in solving the puzzles.

Manual development process and no AI involved.

One notable point is that Shapefarm chose not to use AI in the development process. Instead, the team focused on manual methods, including hand-drawn storyboards by veteran anime artists.

The game's visual style also clearly reflects this philosophy, with a frame rate designed to resemble traditional animation, giving the feeling of watching a classic anime.

With its investment in art and co-op gameplay, Orbitals is expected to become one of the most unique games of 2026, especially for those who love the retro anime style.

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