Story & Lore
The story and world of Orbitals — the supernatural Storm Wall, the crumbling station home, Studio Massket cutscenes and the creators behind the retro anime adventure.
Introduction
The Story & Lore hub explores the world of Orbitals: the supernatural cosmic storm, the crumbling space station home, and the two inseparable explorers who refuse to give up. The premise is simple — Maki and Omura's home is trapped inside a supernatural cosmic storm, and to save it they must venture beyond the Storm Wall into perilous asteroid fields and abandoned stations. The world wears its inspirations on its sleeve: a retro anime setting that draws from Cowboy Bebop, Dragon Ball, Neon Genesis Evangelion and Studio Ghibli, with hand-crafted cinematic cutscenes from Studio Massket, the studio behind Lycoris Recoil. Game director Jakob Lundgren, formerly of Hazelight, leads the creative team.
World & Creators Quick Reference
| Element | What It Is | Influence |
|---|---|---|
| Storm Wall | The supernatural cosmic storm trapping the station home | Core story driver |
| Maki & Omura | Two inseparable explorers with more determination than experience | Co-op duo |
| Studio Massket | Anime studio crafting the cinematic cutscenes | Lycoris Recoil |
| Jakob Lundgren | Game director, formerly at Hazelight | It Takes Two |
Lore & World Details
The Storm Wall
The supernatural cosmic storm that traps the home.
Studio Massket
Anime studio behind the cinematic cutscenes.
Retro Anime World
A world inspired by classic anime and Ghibli.
Maki & Omura
Two inseparable explorers with more determination than experience.
Core Mechanics
The narrative is framed as a tale of exploration and friendship. The supernatural cosmic storm is more than a backdrop — it is the force that has trapped the station home and the reason the duo must leave everything familiar behind. The world mixes cozy retro anime aesthetics with the cold dangers of deep space: hand-crafted cutscenes, a retro-style soundtrack, and characters whose looks are inspired by Sailor Moon and Ranma. The team behind the game is part of its identity: Shapefarm is a Tokyo-based studio and a founding member of the Kepler Interactive collective, and the creative vision blends anime nostalgia with the cooperative design philosophy of It Takes Two.
Advantages
Understanding the lore enriches every puzzle. When you know why Maki and Omura are out here — to save a home trapped inside the Storm Wall — the abandoned stations and asteroid fields stop being abstract level design and become chapters of a story. The lore hub also helps fans connect with the creators: the anime inspirations, the Studio Massket collaboration and the directorial pedigree all explain why Orbitals looks and feels the way it does. For retro anime fans, this is the section that confirms the game's pedigree.
Challenges
Before release, the full plot, chapter structure and ending are unknown. The wiki describes confirmed elements — the Storm Wall, the station home, the duo, the inspirations — while clearly avoiding invented story details. Some thematic analysis is interpretive and based on trailers and previews rather than official story summaries. Expect deeper lore coverage only after the game ships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Storm Wall in Orbitals?+
Who is making Orbitals?+
What anime inspired Orbitals?+
Quick Tips
Read the lore hub before playing so the opening chapter means more — the Storm Wall sets up everything Maki and Omura do.
Watch the cinematic cutscenes carefully; Studio Massket packs background world-building into every scene.
Follow the News & Updates section for story reveals leading up to the September 3, 2026 launch.
Featured
Orbitals story explained: plot, cosmic storm, and ending
Unravel the full Orbitals story explained chapter by chapter: Maki and Omura's mission, the cosmic storm threatening home, and the ending's meaning.
Orbitals story behind the game: cutscenes and studio team
Go behind the scenes of the Orbitals story behind the game: cinematic cutscenes, opening scenes, and how Studio Massket and Shapefarm crafted the duo's journey.
Orbitals story of Maki and Omura: bond and journey
Follow the Orbitals story of Maki and Omura, inseparable explorers whose bond drives the plot, reveals station secrets, and shapes every co-op chapter.
All Articles
Orbitals storyline: narrative, setting, and ending beats
Trace the full Orbitals storyline across chapters with universe setting, key narrative beats, major twists, and how the ending ties the cosmic mission together.
Orbitals world building: setting, storm, and themes
Explore Orbitals world building, from the retro anime space setting and supernatural Storm Wall to the spiritual themes shaping Maki and Omura's bond.
Orbitals Studio Ghibli inspiration and other anime roots
Explore the Orbitals Studio Ghibli inspiration behind every frame, plus Cowboy Bebop, Evangelion, and Dragon Ball influences shaping Maki and Omura's adventure.
Orbitals storm wall: lore, meaning, and the way home
Understand the Orbitals storm wall blocking the way home, what the supernatural barrier means for Maki and Omura, and the station lore shaping every chapter.