Space Race! No, wait, the center of the earth’s race..? The year is 1962, and NASA is trying to put a man on the moon. In a remote corner of Siberia, a Soviet cosmonaut is heading in the other direction. Fearless Ivan Ivanovich is dropped into an extinct volcano in his exploration capsule, Little Orpheus, to explore the center of the Earth. He promptly vanishes. Sounds intriguing.
Three years later, he emerges, claiming to have saved the world. He has also lost the atomic bomb powering Little Orpheus. He is taken to a top-secret bunker deep below the Ural mountains to be debriefed by the fearsome General Yurkovoi – a man so frightening even Stalin won’t buy him a drink. The General rolls his sleeves, fixes Ivan angrily, and says, “So… where have you been, comrade? And where is my bomb?” And Ivan looks him back and says, “Well, General, you might not believe what happened to me, but I’ll do my best. Because it happened like this…”
Little Big Adventures
Join our bold yet hapless hero as he explores lost civilizations, undersea kingdoms, prehistoric jungles, and lands beyond imagination. Gasp as he battles the subhuman tribe of the Menkv and escapes the clutches of dreadful monsters! Cheer as he triumphs over impossible odds and brings socialism to the subterranean worlds!
So, what do we get? Little Orpheus is a technicolor side-scrolling adventure game inspired by classic movies like Flash Gordon, Sinbad, and The Land that Time Forgot. Delivered in eight bite-size, commute-friendly episodes, Little Orpheus is simple enough for casual players but rich sufficient for seasoned adventure fans. If you’re a fan of old-school family blockbusters, want a roller-coaster story that’ll take you to the Earth’s core and beyond, or are just in some need of ideologically correct entertainment, join the most unlikely hero to hit the Nintendo Switch on an adventure beyond belief. With stunning visuals, brilliant acting, and a world-class score, Little Orpheus is an epic you’ll never forget.
Little Orpheus is a game that seamlessly transitions from Apple Arcade to Nintendo Switch. The gameplay is a delightful blend of classic platforming and thrilling action. The game’s challenges include crate pushing, vine climbing, and avoiding dangerous enemies, making it the Soviet version of Little Nightmares. The levels require quick reflexes to dodge patrolling monsters or solve simple puzzles and also feature rope swinging, crumbling surfaces, QuickTime dodges, and chase sequences that see you vaulting over obstacles as the beasts of Ivan’s imagination pursue you. While some levels add a low gravity effect, the same few tasks are repeated with minimal variation in each level, providing a constant challenge throughout the game.
Popcorn Time?
Little Orpheus takes players on a cinematic journey without distractions or hidden surprises. While there are occasional collectibles to be found, they are scattered along the main path without any secret hiding places. The game’s beautiful artwork is a standout feature but it lacks the challenge and unpredictability of other modern platformers like Inside or Little Nightmares. However, Little Orpheus has a light tone that keeps players from dying too often. This also means there are no frustrating or unfair obstacles to overcome, making it a pleasant experience.
This game has many positive aspects, particularly its sound design. The music matches the tone of the off-screen story being told through Ivan and the general’s conversation. For example, trumpets play when there are slip-ups, and tense strings are heard during stressful chase sequences. The game also includes good-natured comedy, making it suitable for playing with a young child. The short adventure lasts only three or four hours, which is perfect for this type of story. The writing is clever, but the game’s design is not as exciting as Ivan’s descriptions but leaves room for imagination on a new game from this studio.
Conclusion
So, to conclude! If you are a parent or looking for a relaxing game after a long day, this game could be a good choice. However, this game might not be for you if you prefer platformers with more challenges. Luckily, plenty of options might offer a more suitable challenge for players out there.
