Lost Orbit

All in all, Lost Orbit is a winner. At about two to three hours to get through its campaign, it doesn’t overstay its welcome, but it can definitely last longer for those who want to go for all the platinum medals. It is only ever as easy or as hard as the player wants it to be, and it does that through smart design rather than by artificial difficulty tweaks. Boiled down to its essence it’s a game about dodging obstacles, which isn’t exactly an amazing concept. But it takes that concept and runs with it, doing its dodging thing well.

That is, of course, a minor criticism, and it shows just how effective a title PixelNAUTS has created. Lost Orbit is a highly addictive, free-flowing gem that manages to toe that marginal line between challenge and frustration. The game may prove too short for some, but Lost Orbit is nonetheless a worthwhile addition to a speed-run aficionado's game collection.

Lost Orbit features an endearing story that is wrapped in a wonderful package with great attention to detail. However, even at 40 levels, the game is over too soon and the wonky controls can be problematic for a genre that requires lighting fast timing. It's a good game that tells a narrative that will stick in my heart long after I've forgotten about the gameplay.

Space can be a cruel mistress, many dangers lurk about up there, each waiting to ruin your day. We have seen it countless times across many games, we have faced some of the greatest dangers with the utmost determination and succeeded and all for the great goal of finding a way home. However unlike many games before there is no great beast that needs slaying (sort of), Lost Orbit is about the great journey to survive against all odds and the greatest dangers and make your way home.

I found my time with Lost Orbit to be enjoyable, and I wish there was more to it outside of the three hour campaign and time trial mode. The fact that I want more speaks highly of Lost Orbit and how it managed to hold my attention all the way through. The levels are well crafted, the voice acting well done, and the environmental art looks fantastic. There’s also an enticing level of challenge, especially if you go for the platinum medals or look to climb the world leaderboards. If you like dodge ’em ups then this is one of the best available, and if you’re new to the genre it’s a great startin...