Version Tested: PS4
Also available on: Steam
Developer: PixelNAUTS Games
Publisher: Sony
Think along the lines of a mixture of games like Temple Run and Angry Birds and you can get an idea of what kind of game Lost Orbit is. On one hand you are dodging debris and little aliens that need shaking off, while on the other you are being graded on how many deaths, how fast you get through the level, and collectibles you get. Lost Orbit is like a mobile game on your consoles. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
The story in Lost Orbit really is hard to keep up with. For starters it is just a ton of exposition. This exposition is a little hard to follow at times when you are trying to dodge debris and various other obstacles in the levels. In a way, you are able to focus on gameplay more and if you want, take a moment to listen to the dialogue to follow the story. The story seems optional and that could be a big draw to gamers. This game does seemingly rely on gameplay more than anything.
Lost Orbit’s gameplay is pretty straight foreward: dodge various obstacles in each level all the while collecting materials to level up different stats. With the leveling up it is like the developer tried to add an RPG element but it isn’t really necessary to level. I myself got through the whole game only leveling up once but that was just to see what it was like.
If you do decide to level up, the options are pretty simple. You could upgrade things like your speed or you can get a barrel roll. With the options being simple it doesn’t detract from the overall gameplay. It is a little side distraction.
Handling Harrison is pretty simple. You just move the left thumbstick. There are times though it does get a little difficult to control in such instances like if you need to turn around if you want to pick up a material you missed. If you push down the X button you can boost. There really isn’t much else to it, unless you do decide to level up. You can barrel roll with the bumper buttons (L1/R1), make a bomb detonation with the square button or go even faster with the push of R2. Even though all the controls were responsive for the most part, I didn’t really seem the need to use them all.
Each world in Lost Orbit introduces a new obstacle. For instance in one world you are introduced to lasers, in another you need to dodge asteroids that break into more. The same goes for things to help you get through the obstacles. In one world I was able to go through worm holes to avoid debris or there was a launch pad to have you jump. These were nice little things to add variety to the level, making the game fun and fresh in each new world.
The level design is over the top view and for the most part it works for this kind of game. There were moments though that my view was blocked by debris or things bordered on annoying because there wasn’t much notice to the next obstacle. Yes this can add a challenge to the game and might have been on purpose, but it actually hurts the game a bit because it just tries to be this super hard game when it should keep it simple through out.
In addition to the obstacles you have in each level you also have challenges: time, deaths, and collectible challenges. If you beat the game in a certain amount of time, don’t die so much, and collect all (or most) of the materials you get a rank. This adds replayability to the game that already is fun to replay so you can try new things.
There is also the time trials. I didn’t spend time in this area but it gives me reason to go back and play some more. The time trials is getting through the game as fast as you can. You are ranked by how fast you go.
The soundtrack and sound design in Lost Orbit isn’t all that special. Its biggest problem was that it cut out every now and again for a brief few seconds. If you are trying to follow the story (which is told in exposition), it is hard to do so at times just because of the sound cutting out. For the most part though the voice acting was pretty solid but the soundtrack is forgettable.
Overall Lost Orbit is a fun game. It has some replay value in its challenges for each level and time trials. With the variety in level design as well, there is much that will keep you hooked. You can beat the game without doing the challenges in roughly 4 hours. That isn’t bad with the $12 price tag. This game might not be for everyone but it is definitely worth a try.
[review]
