Lost Orbit: Terminal Velocity takes its origin in vertical shoot’em up games. I absolutely adore the craziness involved when playing a bullet hell shmup. There’s something about maneuvering towards the only safe space on the screen and blasting off enemies. Like any normal person, these type of games builds up my stress level to the point I just have to stop to take a breather. Lost Orbit: Terminal Velocity might be the perfect game to still get the rush but without the added stress factor.
Harrison in space
In Lost Orbit: Terminal Velocity, you are Harrison, and you are lost in space. Your spaceship crashed and you are left with a small amount of trust power in your spacesuit. Being in this situation might look like a lost cause but Harrison doesn’t seem to care much as he still tries to get as close to his home planet as possible. This endeavor is viewed by a robot who keeps following Harrison to see how he does while conveniently acting as the game’s narrative. Along the journey, the two become friends as the robot decides to help Harrison get home and provide him with useful tips to make the ordeal bearable.
Space is endless
Lost Orbit: Terminal Velocity successfully strips the combat factor from a vertical shoot ’em up to leave you with an epic adventure in getting through space. Your main concern is to avoid crashing into meteorites and satellites. At first, this might seem easy but as you traverse system after galaxy after system, things get harder and harder. New elements like for instance space lasers and floating debris are added along the way. The paths you take get more narrow which makes for some very precise space manoeuvering. When you fly off one side of the screen, you re-appear on the other side nicely symbolizing the endlessness of space.
Stay in orbit
While flying through space you’ll encounter other planets. The larger the object in space, the bigger the gravitational pull is. Planets attract you to the point of you orbiting it. This is a nice mechanic to pick up speed and to refill your fuel. Without fuel, you can’t use your boost ability which is a key element in avoiding crashes. Using planet orbits as a sort of slingshot to get to the next checkpoint fast feels very satisfying. In fact, everything about the way you fly feels soothing even when death lurks with every close call.
Improve yourself
While getting through the different levels you come across a lot of purple pick-ups. These act as the game’s currency. Whenever you feel like it, you can go to the upgrade screen and use your currency to improve yourself. Some updates alter your defense, others upgrade your boost. The utilities upgrade even reference another famous space flight game with their “do a barrel roll” upgrade.
Ambient space music
The graphics in Lost Orbit: Terminal Velocity look great. The screenshots might not do it justice here. The light effects used, make it look breathtaking. Solar flares bursting in the background are among the nicest things you’ll encounter. While the graphics look great, the music takes the cake. The ambient music with short bursts of faster-paced beats when harder passages, add an extra layer to the way the game is experienced. Traveling through space at breakneck speed while avoiding crashes left and right just feels soothing largely because of the music.
Conclusion
Lost Orbit: Hight Velocity is an unexpected gem on the Nintendo Switch. The frantic space flight simulator seems a perfect fit to go handheld and play in short bursts. I’m definitely planning some more time with the game in the near future. Steam and PS4 owners can also enjoy this game.
