Shapefarm's upcoming co-op title Orbitals is turning heads, and based on a recent preview from Polygon, it looks like one of the more exciting indie co-op experiences in the pipeline. The game blends retro anime visuals with tight cooperative gameplay that the developers openly describe as sharing significant DNA with Hazelight Studios' acclaimed It Takes Two.
In conversation with Polygon, the Shapefarm team confirmed that Orbitals pulls "a lot of the same design" philosophy as It Takes Two - a game widely regarded as one of the best co-op experiences of the last decade. That's a bold point of comparison to make, but from what the preview describes, the studio seems to have the chops to back it up.
What makes Orbitals tick
The game's retro anime aesthetic is immediately striking, pushing it into a visual space that feels distinct from the crowded indie co-op market. Shapefarm appears to be leaning hard into the style as more than just window dressing, with the art direction clearly informing the overall tone and feel of the experience.
Co-op design that channels It Takes Two's approach is genuinely exciting because that game succeeded by constantly reinventing itself, throwing players into wildly different gameplay scenarios that always demanded genuine teamwork. If Orbitals captures even a fraction of that inventiveness, it could be a serious contender for co-op fans looking for their next couch session obsession.
A promising debut from Shapefarm
For a debut studio, the ambition on display here is notable. Aiming to land in the same conversation as a Josef Fares production is not a small ask, but indie developers have repeatedly proven they can punch well above their weight class when the design fundamentals are solid.
Polygon's hands-off preview paints an optimistic picture of where Orbitals is headed. The combination of a distinct visual identity and a proven co-op design philosophy gives the game a strong foundation to build on before release.
There's no firm release date locked in yet, but Orbitals is one to keep on your radar if cooperative games are your thing. Follow Shapefarm's development updates closely - this one has sleeper hit written all over it.
