The developers at Another Axiom, known for creating Gorilla Tag, are bringing something fresh to the table with Orion Drift’s very first significant update following its early access release just last month. They are introducing an exciting new mini-game called “Capture the Beacon” (CTB) to its expansive space station setting.
Imagine capture the flag, but with a twist. In CTB, players aim to transport a beacon shaped like a rod to their team’s base. What’s unique here is that Orion Drift doesn’t restrict player numbers or impose a time limit on the game. This means you can dive into the action whenever you like, adding a spontaneous flavor to the gameplay.
The studio hinted at more additions with this update, although they’ve kept those details under wraps for now. We can expect to uncover all the surprises when the update rolls out tomorrow at 10 AM PT.
Launched in late February in early access on Quest and available for free, Orion Drift taps into the dynamic movement mechanics of Gorilla Tag. Players navigate the vastness of the space station by physically mimicking a running motion, propelling themselves forward with every arm swing.
Beyond CTB, you’ll find that the game offers a variety of activities. One of its main highlights is ‘Drift Ball’—a spiritual successor to the now-defunct Echo VR, but bearing a stronger resemblance to low-gravity handball.
Spread across the station’s diverse districts, there are mini-games like parkour that draw on the climbing style of Gorilla Tag. You can also find arenas to practice your Drift Ball techniques, engage in golf and basketball challenges, and relax in lounges where you can watch ongoing matches across several arenas.
Currently, the game accommodates up to 75 players per server. However, Another Axiom has ambitious plans to expand that capacity to 200 players. With the ongoing addition of mini-games, Orion Drift appears to be on a promising path, even though it’s still in its formative stage.
So far, Orion Drift hasn’t caught fire quite like Gorilla Tag did, despite following a similar blueprint of engaging, social, drop-in games. At present, the free title has amassed roughly 3,300 user reviews and hasn’t broken into the top 50 best-selling Quest games. Leading the pack are Animal Company, Yeeps, and Gorilla Tag itself.