Lost Orbit: Terminal Velocity review

Lost in space, is a fantastic concept to build a game around. The possibilities are endless, just like the blackness of the universe. However, often in darkness you will find strength and a light at the end of a tunnel. Space for all its vast emptiness, and its harsh conditions, it sure has the ability to produce awe and wonder, for all the dullness and murkiness, there are also explosions of colour and beauty, as you encounter the planets and stars with in different solar systems, and dare I say it life.

A space exploration setting in any form of media often kicks our imaginations into overdrive and captures our hearts. Maybe it’s the uncertainty behind the whole situation, the lack of knowledge, the fantasy of embarking on adventure and exploring the relatively unknown, that get’s us enthralled in anything Science fiction.

Lost Orbit: Terminal Velocity takes us on a journey, an exciting adventure, the apparitions of our dreams, being played out right in front of us, as you play the role of Harrison, a humble maintenance worker on a ship which has been destroyed in deep space. Stranded with no signs of help, it’s up to you to survive the perils of space and find a way back home.

PixelNAUTS the game’s creators have produced a game with a fantastic idea that we can all relate with, not personally, but certainly from the silver screen. Having grown up with shows and films such as Lost in space, I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of space survival, and I’m sure the developer’s whilst sipping their coffee’s, something I know they love to do, have drawn inspiration from.

The game is based around tragedy and highlights the very dangers of pushing the boundaries of research and space, as it is in real life. Your space craft explodes, and you are the lone astronaut (Harrison) of the mission. Stranded in the outer limits, you first thoughts are of pure extinct, how am I to survive?

So, with that firmly at the front of your thoughts, you set off on a perilous, unpredictable journey to re-join civilization. Harrision, with only an improvised set of equipment available to him and a strong relentless spirit alongside his training of physics, looks to use the gravitational forces of planets to his advantage, propelling himself though space, using these known planets and stars as his only form of navigating.

Lost Orbit: Terminal Velocity is set in a wonderfully created world, full of charming and delightful colours, with a fabulous pallet of pink’s and purples which complement a wonderful soundtrack of synth wave music, excellent for setting the game’s tone, atmosphere and direction.

The game’s combination of tragedy mixed with comedy flows nicely throughout and aids the games loneliness and wonder elements. With the addition of risky situation’s thrown in for good measure, that offer high reward should you mange to pull off some spectacular gravitational pull glides. Using these gravitational pulls to swing out of orbit thus gaining a major acceleration boost offers a lot of fun and excitement, just watch out you don’t go full face into an oncoming planet or asteroid. There is no forgiveness out in space, and should these boosts go wrong, which they will from time to time, will lead to some wonderful animations of your death, and maybe the odd giggle as you watch your demise and the splatter of your sorry character on the side of giant rock.

Lost Orbit: Terminal Velocity features some unimaginable level designs with easy on the eye visuals, the game has 65 levels set across 5 unique solar system, with progressive difficulty which is perfect for the style of the game, as is the scoring system included in the game, with a marvellous crafted scoring and ranking system.

With the addition of a time trial mode, and upgrade process, allowing you to upgrade your set of abilities and customise Harrison, this game has it all packed in. The Control system is a joy to be hold, perfect for those swim-like movements, as you try to bounce, leap and teleport your way through an ever-increasing myriad of obstacles. So simple to pick up and play, yet hard to master those quick transitional glides of speed out of orbit.

Lost Orbit: Terminal Velocity has a perfectly poised balance between technical moments and cleansing graceful flight, with a hypnotic and mesmeric feel to it, which makes it engaging and pleasing to play.