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Little Orpheus

Solid and definitely has an audience. There could be some hard-to-ignore faults, but the experience is fun.
Little Orpheus Game Cover
65%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
stability, grinding
63% User Score Based on 200 reviews
Critic Score 67%Based on 14 reviews

Platforms

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Little Orpheus Game Cover

About

Little Orpheus is a single player casual platformer game with fantasy, kids and science fiction themes. It was developed by The Chinese Room and was released on September 13, 2022. It received mostly positive reviews from both critics and players.

"Little Orpheus" is a Soviet-themed adventure game where players control Comrade Ivan Ivanovich, a cosmonaut who embarks on a journey to the center of the Earth in a exploration capsule. After disappearing for three years and losing the atomic bomb that powered his vessel, Ivan returns with claims of saving the world. Taking place in a secret bunker, the game features Ivan's debriefing with the fearsome General Yurkovoi, as he recounts his extraordinary tale of exploring lost civilizations and encountering strange creatures.

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Little Orpheus screenshot
Little Orpheus screenshot
Little Orpheus screenshot
Little Orpheus screenshot
Little Orpheus screenshot
Little Orpheus screenshot
Little Orpheus screenshot
Little Orpheus screenshot
Little Orpheus screenshot
Little Orpheus screenshot
Little Orpheus screenshot
+13
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63%
Audience ScoreBased on 200 reviews
story82 positive mentions
stability10 negative mentions
  • Stunning graphics and vibrant environments that create a visually captivating experience.
  • Engaging and humorous narrative with great voice acting that keeps players entertained.
  • Simple and accessible gameplay that makes it suitable for a wide audience, including younger players.
  • Gameplay is overly simplistic and repetitive, lacking depth and challenge.
  • Several bugs and glitches, particularly in later chapters, can disrupt the experience.
  • The story's conclusion feels unsatisfying and leaves players wanting more substance.
  • story
    203 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Little Orpheus" is a whimsical and humorous narrative centered around a Soviet cosmonaut, Ivan, who recounts his outrageous adventures while drilling to the Earth's core. Players appreciate the engaging storytelling, vibrant visuals, and comedic elements, although some criticize the plot's coherence and the gameplay's simplicity. Overall, the game is celebrated for its charming narrative and artistic presentation, making it a delightful experience for fans of story-driven titles, despite some shortcomings in gameplay depth.

    • “Every chapter is a new story that sounds outlandish and wild, but is somehow connected in the grand scheme of it all.”
    • “The dialogue is witty, the characters are endearing, and the plot twists are expertly timed, keeping you on the edge of your seat while still making you laugh.”
    • “The amazing humor, the driven plot, the way the game keeps you involved in the story, makes the time just fly by.”
    • “Although the story is a marvel of the imagination, it makes little sense, with parts seemingly out of sequence, and due to the lack of depth, I was bored of it before the end.”
    • “The game promises you early on that you need to know the whole story to understand what happened, but ultimately none of it comes together.”
    • “The story is unfinished, and at the end, it feels like it is entirely pointless, with no meaning.”
  • gameplay
    91 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Little Orpheus" has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it simplistic and repetitive, often likening it to a walking simulator with minimal challenge. While the visuals, music, and narrative are praised for their quality and engagement, the lack of depth in gameplay mechanics has left some players wanting more, leading to a consensus that the game prioritizes storytelling and atmosphere over complex gameplay. Overall, it appeals to those who enjoy narrative-driven experiences but may disappoint players seeking more challenging or varied gameplay.

    • “The gameplay itself is wonderfully paced, with simple yet satisfying mechanics that make the exploration feel effortless.”
    • “The platforming mechanics are accessible, making the game suitable for a wide audience.”
    • “Overall, I'd recommend this game to fans of story-driven titles that enjoy exploring some cool locations with nice graphics and like chill gameplay without much of a challenge.”
    • “Good graphics, nice music, an excellent narrative, great voice acting, but utterly tedious gameplay.”
    • “Visually stunning with spectacular scenery, graphics, and oodles of style, but the lackluster gameplay makes for a short, rote, and unchallenging experience.”
    • “The gameplay is simple: you run through the story, jump, and duck.”
  • graphics
    61 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their vibrant, detailed art style and stunning visuals that enhance the overall atmosphere. Many reviewers noted the beautiful environments and captivating design, which effectively complement the narrative and music. However, some critiques highlight that while the graphics are impressive, they often overshadow the lackluster gameplay, making the experience feel more like an interactive visual showcase than a challenging game.

    • “The art style itself was vibrant and detailed, and I loved seeing just how much every scene varied from one another.”
    • “The environments range from lush jungles to ancient ruins, all rendered in a painterly, hand-crafted art style that evokes a sense of wonder and nostalgia.”
    • “This definitive edition brings the magic of the original to life in stunning remastered visuals, making it the perfect way to experience this gem.”
    • “At least, not with these graphics running at the deck’s lower resolution.”
    • “The graphics are obviously inexpensive but the artistic style is a perfect match for the game.”
    • “All graphics, not enough gameplay for my taste.”
  • humor
    44 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its quirky and imaginative storytelling, with many players enjoying the funny moments and engaging dialogue, particularly between the characters Ivan and Yurkovoi. The voice acting and musical elements enhance the comedic experience, making it a lighthearted and entertaining journey. However, some players found certain jokes to miss the mark, indicating that the humor may not resonate with everyone.

    • “The voice acting, led by the charismatic portrayal of Ivanovich, adds personality to the narrative, drawing players into the unfolding drama and humor.”
    • “It's quirky, funny, and amazingly imaginative.”
    • “The amazing humor, the driven plot, the way the game keeps you involved in the story, makes the time just fly by.”
    • “It's supposed to be funny - and perhaps to some degree it is, but it was mostly annoying. Because of that, I actually lost interest in the story and was praying for this guy to finally shut up.”
  • music
    35 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has been widely praised for its enchanting and fitting compositions, which enhance the storytelling and overall atmosphere. Composed by Jessica Curry, the soundtrack shifts seamlessly between whimsical and suspenseful tones, perfectly complementing the game's visuals and narrative. Many reviewers noted that the music not only enriches the experience but also reacts dynamically to gameplay events, making it one of the standout features of the game.

    • “The music complements the game's tone, shifting from whimsical to suspenseful as the story progresses.”
    • “The music really brings it all together, reacting to the events with perfect timing, and the constant narration is humorous and entertaining, driving new, exciting, and awe-inspiring discoveries.”
    • “The visual beauty of the game in the colorful and breathtaking worlds is accompanied by enchanting music.”
    • “The music also went very well with every scenario, and the unbelievable (obviously lying) narration very well complemented the game progress as well.”
    • “The world is remarkably animated, the music keeps it exciting (and sometimes the music is tied directly to what you're doing!), and the atmosphere created in these worlds gives a feel of really being involved.”
    • “To be fair, the game's visuals, soundtrack, and story are its main strong points, and I think that the developers did a great job when it comes to that.”
  • atmosphere
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its impressive graphics, sound design, and storytelling, creating an immersive experience that captivates players. While some reviewers note a lack of depth in gameplay mechanics, the rich visuals, thematic music, and engaging narratives are highlighted as the primary reasons to play. Overall, the game's atmosphere is described as a standout feature that enhances the emotional and narrative depth, making it a compelling choice for fans of story-driven experiences.

    • “Its emphasis on atmosphere and storytelling over complex gameplay mechanics sets it apart from traditional platformers.”
    • “What you 100% can expect from The Chinese Room's games is great storytelling and atmosphere, smart writing, great voice acting, solid audio design, and very good music.”
    • “While the focus on storytelling and atmosphere is evident, the lack of depth in gameplay mechanics may leave some seeking more engagement.”
    • “The presentation is great with lots of little touches which add to the atmosphere, although the episodic TV show format does seem a bit superfluous.”
    • “The world is remarkably animated, the music keeps it exciting (and sometimes the music is tied directly to what you're doing!), and the atmosphere created in these worlds gives a feel of really being involved.”
  • stability
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability is notably problematic, with frequent glitches and bugs, particularly in the later chapters, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences. While the extensive save system mitigates progress loss, players report needing to restart the game multiple times to resolve issues, significantly impacting overall enjoyment.

    • “However, chapters 7 and 8, as wonderful as they were, did have some glitches that made it difficult to play.”
    • “Freezes were pretty prominent, happening at least once a level.”
    • “Towards the end of the game (particularly episode 8), I experienced a lot of glitches and bugs which forced me to have to shut the game down and restart in order to resolve.”
  • emotional
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players appreciate the emotional depth of the game, particularly through its engaging character development and impactful moments, which enhance the overall experience. The introductory sequences create a sense of immersion, likening the game to a TV show, while personal connections to the setting add a layer of warmth. Despite some criticisms regarding the story and gameplay, the emotional resonance remains a standout feature.

    • “One of my favorite things about the game was the little intro the devs designed to play at the beginning of every episode, and it made me feel like I was a part of a TV show of sorts.”
    • “Omsk/Tomsk mixing up was especially heartwarming for me as I live around these two.”
    • “Egttr is beautiful, intriguing, has a big cast of well-written characters, and has some devastating emotional moments.”
    • “It's a very boring story with even more boring gameplay, but amazing graphics.”
  • grinding
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and time-consuming, often feeling that it detracts from the otherwise strong graphics, music, and narrative. While the story and voice acting are praised, the repetitive gameplay can lead to frustration and a sense of exhaustion.

    • “Good graphics, nice music, an excellent narrative, great voice acting, but utterly tedious gameplay.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The narrative can get a little tedious with time, making you empathize with the person listening to the protagonist.”
  • replayability
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, while the game provides an enjoyable experience, many users feel it falls short in terms of complexity and replayability compared to other titles in the genre, suggesting that its replay value is limited.

    • “Some have expressed that while the game offers an enjoyable experience, it lacks the complexity and replayability of other titles in the genre.”
    • “Oh replayability, well, there is some.”
  • optimization
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Reviews indicate that the game's optimization may be problematic, potentially linked to the Unity engine, leading to performance issues and bugs.

    • “Maybe it's an optimization issue or maybe it's just Unity in general.”
    • “Performance and bug-related incidents are a major concern.”
  • monetization
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization of *Little Orpheus* is not perceived as a cash grab; instead, it is viewed as a genuine product that offers value to players.

    • “Just don’t get me wrong, by no means is 'Little Orpheus' a market-oriented cash grab; it is nevertheless a genuine product.”
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67%Critics’ scoreBased on 14 critic reviews
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12h Median play time
10h Average play time
4-15h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Little Orpheus is a casual platformer game with fantasy, kids and science fiction themes.

Little Orpheus is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, iPhone and others.

On average players spend around 10 hours playing Little Orpheus.

Little Orpheus was released on September 13, 2022.

Little Orpheus was developed by The Chinese Room.

Little Orpheus has received mostly positive reviews from both players and critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its stability.

Little Orpheus is a single player game.

Similar games include American Arcadia, Lifeless Planet, Somerville, Planet of Lana, Deadlight and others.