Shapefarm has officially released Orbitals, a new split-screen cooperative puzzle adventure game designed for two players.
Development and Creative Direction
The title is directed by Jakob Lundgren, a former Hazelight Studios designer whose past credits include It Takes Two and Split Fiction. This background is evident in the structural design of Orbitals, which relies heavily on synchronized split-screen mechanics and continuous player coordination.
The narrative follows two protagonists, Maki and Omura, as they navigate a sci-fi environment. Visual storytelling is bolstered by cinematic sequences animated by Studio Massket, integrating cutscenes directly into the flow of gameplay.
Mechanics and Audio Support
Gameplay centers on a combination of ship-based exploration and tool-based puzzles that require both participants to execute complementary actions simultaneously. To accommodate diverse player bases, the release includes comprehensive dual-language audio settings from day one, allowing users to customize voice tracks according to their preferences.
The launch of Orbitals establishes a direct addition to the cooperative genre popularized by recent Hazelight releases, offering a dedicated split-screen experience for players seeking synchronized puzzle-solving and ship navigation mechanics.
The development team at Shapefarm specifically engineered the spacecraft controls to reflect the dual-protagonist dynamic, ensuring that neither Maki nor Omura ever feels like a secondary passenger during transit phases. Each character possesses distinct capabilities and specialized instruments required to bypass specific security barriers and environmental hazards encountered throughout the journey. This division of labor prevents overlapping responsibilities and forces genuine communication between participants, echoing the core design philosophy championed by Lundgren during his tenure at Hazelight.
Studio Massket’s contribution extends beyond simple visual flair, as the animated sequences serve as critical transitional narrative beats that contextualize the puzzles ahead. These cinematic interludes seamlessly bridge the gap between high-intensity navigation segments and slower, cerebral puzzle chambers, maintaining a balanced pacing throughout the adventure. Furthermore, the inclusion of robust dual-language audio options ensures that the emotional resonance of Maki and Omura's mission translates effectively across different international markets without sacrificing immersion or timing.
Ultimately, Orbitals arrives as a polished, intentional entry into the "Hazelike" subgenre, successfully distilling the essence of collaborative play into a focused sci-fi journey. By prioritizing mechanical synergy over individual skill, Shapefarm has crafted an experience that feels less like a game of two parallel solo runs and more like a true partnership. Whether players are navigating the treacherous vacuum of space or decrypting complex technological systems, the constant need for verbal feedback and shared timing serves as the game’s true heartbeat. As the cooperative landscape continues to evolve, Orbitals stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of couch co-op, proving that when two players are forced to rely on one another to survive, the resulting gameplay is as rewarding as it is challenging. For those looking to test their communication and coordination, this mission is ready for takeoff.
