Lost Orbit is an addictive dodge–em–up game developed by Pixelnauts. A charming, frantic, enthralling work of art, Lost Orbit allows players to step into the boots of a deep space maintenance worker, Harrison, who finds himself lost after a pulse of energy destroys his ship and the communications relay. Without a ship or any form of communication with civilization, he only has his wits and a jury–rigged spacesuit to make it back to his home planet.

Lost Orbit sets up the atmosphere perfectly with certain levels dedicated to explaining Harrison’s story and why he has such an intense drive to make it back home.

Harrison is a lovable character with his witty comments and relentless drive, despite grueling circumstances.

The narration of the game leaves gamers asking many questions, but explains itself as the game progresses. I couldn’t put the controller down because the game only gives more clues which makes players want to continue on, and solve the impending questions of the game.

The graphics and artstyle, while somewhat cartoon–like, are beautiful and immediately catch the player’s eye. I found myself, at times, staring at the background, admiring how stunning it was. Each of the four solar systems the player discovers have different aesthetics to them. One system is an abandoned mining colony littered with barely functional equipment, while another system is filled with alien trees sprouting from large asteroids.

The game uses an easy–to–learn control system with only a few necessary buttons. This makes the game much easier to learn and master. Once the players get a hang of the game, it is a wild adventure filled with loneliness, charming aesthetic, obscurity and death. After the first few levels, the game becomes exponentially more difficult. The player starts to encounter asteroids hurling through space, old mining colonies with dangerous equipment still functioning and the occasional risk of crashing into a nearby planet. The game balances the difficulty with a limited upgrade system that allows players to purchase new abilities which Harrison can use to escape the stickiest of situations.

While the game is a blast to play, one of its shortcomings is its element of humor. While the comedy fits in at some points, in other instances it is unnecessary and takes away from the depth of the narrative.

Overall, Lost Orbit is an endearing tale of an isolated repairman with a large will and his perilous journey back home. With an incredibly unique art style, an easy–to–learn control scheme and an enthralling narrative, Lost Orbit is one of the best indie games I have ever played. Lost Orbit is available for purchase on Steam and Playstation Network for $11.99. With 40 levels and time trials to challenge friends, Lost Orbit is a steal for its price. This game is great for anyone who enjoys enchanting adventures or for someone looking to spend some time in the most enjoyable way.