The wait is finally over for those craving their next two-player, couch co-op adventure! Orbitals, the stunning debut title by Tokyo-based studio Shapefarm, arrives later today exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. You can actually get a head start on your journey with its soundtrack, which dropped early at midnight sharp on your preferred streaming platform. It should show up on Bandcamp this afternoon.
UK label Laced already gave us a glimpse of the score by releasing Orbitals' opening theme, featuring legendary anime singer Mami Ayukawa. A 7-inch vinyl was even pressed for the occasion, heavily implying that the full soundtrack will eventually get the same treatment... right?
Don't be misled, though. Even if the opening and ending tracks lean hard into that familiar retro anime sound, the bulk of the score is actually composed by Fredrik Segerfalk and Carl-Johan Fogelklou, aka Falk & Klou. For the most part, Orbitals' music is more atmospheric and intriguing than over-the-top. I had a great time listening to it, though I'm pretty sure this is the kind of OST that works best in context, if you catch my drift.
Anyway, judging by the glowing reviews that dropped earlier this week, Orbitals feels like a worthy successor to the Hazelight (It Takes Two, Split Fiction) formula and should resonate deeply with millennials who grew up on anime like Dragon Ball, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam.
If you're a fan, be sure to add this one to your wishlist, as Bandcamp Friday returns this Friday, September 4. As always, I'm cooking up a big, juicy list of recommendations for you—though my latest roundup still stands, of course.
In other news, Rockstar finally debuted actual gameplay footage for the highly anticipated GTA VI, treating us to a sprawling 26-minute trailer packed with music, both licensed and original!
Find all listening links for Orbitals (Original Game Soundtrack) by Falk & Klou on its dedicated page:
→ https://nwpl.ing/orbitals
