Yesterday, September 13, a former Apple Arcade exclusive named Little Orpheus expanded to PC and console platforms and drew praise from a wide array of critics and publications. In honor of the launch, the creators released a trailer to showcase the new release and its enhanced presentation.
The story unfolds in 1962 as Soviet cosmonaut Ivan Ivanovich sets off on a perilous ascent into the earth’s depths, venturing toward the planet’s mysterious interior to prevent catastrophe and save humanity. Players accompany him on a surreal odyssey through landscapes that defy ordinary geography, from long-forgotten civilizations to submerged realms, from ancient jungles to fantastical kingdoms awaiting discovery. The game blends adventure, action, and platforming in a 2.5D visual style, drawing inspiration from classic pulp epics and timeless adventure fantasies. Works such as Flash Gordon, Sinbad, and The Timeless Land provide tonal and imaginative reference points for the world-building, tone, and episodic wonder that permeate the journey.
The remastered edition of Little Orpheus upgrades the presentation with sharper graphics, higher-resolution textures, and reworked animations that contribute to a more fluid, cinematic feel. Lighting has been revisited to enhance atmosphere, with new effects that heighten the sense of discovery and danger as players traverse every strange corner of Ivan’s subterranean voyage. The remaster also bundles all previously released bonus content, including the interactive episode A Rush of Onion to the Head Episode 9 and the Lost Recordings mode, ensuring a richer, more complete experience for returning players and newcomers alike.
On distribution platforms, Little Orpheus is available on Steam with a promotional price that provides a discount during the current window, and it is also listed on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Epic Games Store, and Nintendo eShop. The release marks a notable milestone for the title as it crosses from a curated mobile arcade offering into a broader, premium console and PC presence, expanding its audience and allowing more players to dive into its distinctive blend of retro-inspired visuals and modern design sensibilities.
In the broader context of narrative-driven action adventures, Little Orpheus stands out for treating its set pieces as cinematic acts, each with its own mood, tempo, and set of challenges. The game emphasizes exploration, quick reflexes, and puzzle-solving woven together with a storytelling approach that leans into spectacle, humor, and a touch of absurdity. This combination keeps the pace lively while inviting players to linger on poignant, surprising moments as Ivan uncovers the secrets buried beneath the earth, beyond the ordinary horizon.
Industry commentators have noted the game’s ability to balance homage with fresh experimentation, delivering both a strong sense of nostalgia and a contemporary, polished gameplay loop. The remastered version demonstrates a commitment to visual fidelity and gameplay refinement, making it a compelling option for fans of retro-inspired platformers and adventure games alike. The expansion of accessibility across major storefronts further reinforces its appeal to a global audience seeking a distinctive, story-driven experience with a vividly realized world and memorable set pieces. [VG Times]