2015’s Ori and the Blind Forest left players breathless and stunned, and it’s easy to see why: between the stunning graphics, the incredible musical score, and the one-more-try platforming gameplay, Ori and the Blind Forest was a masterpiece. The good news is that its sequel Ori and the Will of the Wisps follows directly in its footsteps with new changes to the formula that keep the feeling fresh and unique.
Beauty in Tragedy
Most Metroidvania-style games are not heavy on story but Ori and the Will of the Wisps continues the story started in the original. There is little in the way of dialogue, but the characters are able to drive the narrative through gestures, especially when backed up by the soundtrack. The score swells and crests throughout the game, its haunting melody evoking indescribable emotion.
Ori’s story is developed further through moods created by the combination of an evocative score and glorious visual presentation. Each zone in the game is packed with details that can so easily be overlooked, but each of these details, big or small, add up to create a specific feeling. The entire game is defined by its atmosphere: one of sadness that is at the same time relaxing and calm.
Just like the original, Ori and the Will of the Wisps has distinctive biomes that offer a host of puzzles and foes to overcome. Music, lighting, environmental hazards and obstacles combine to set the biomes apart. This helps a player guage their progress as they proceed and, perhaps more importantly, jogs their memory as they backtrack during their travels.
Gameplay Shifts
You have to learn to contend with Ori’s new angles of attack and all of the possibilities they open up. Adding the swordplay into Ori’s fluid movement and by the end of the game you will be able to run, burrow, and triple-jump through levels without a second thought, swinging your blade into enemies as you go.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps includes a skill tree like the first game had, but also provides new abilities that can be purchased from a vendor throughout the game. These abilities aren’t strictly necessary, but they add variety and customization to your play style.
The abilities found in the original game make their return in Ori and the Will of the Wisps, but they are joined by brand-new skills that open up completely new avenues of gameplay. Rather than relying on the beam-like attacks from the first game, Ori can now use a sword. The combat is far more melee-focused this time around, which requires a different way of thinking.
Ori and the Sound of the Forest
Ori’s musical score is breathtaking. The Main Theme conveys the mood of the game, but there are 60 different musical pieces that all serve a purpose in telling the overall story (the best of which is ‘A Yearning for the Sky’). Even if you don’t play the game, throw the OST on Spotify and give it a listen. It ranks with the likes of The Legend of Zelda for orchestra-worthy songs.
In addition to the music, there are sound effects scattered throughout each zone that further the immersion and suck you into the game. The buzzing of insects, the splash of water, or the creaking of wood in the forest add to the atmosphere.
Unmissable on Switch
Ori and the Will of the Wisps received glowing praise on its original release on Xbox One last March. Running at 60 frames per second, docked or handheld, on Nintendo Switch is no mean feat given the studio’s own doubts over the port’s framerate as recently as June this year.
I will say little about the story except this: if you have not yet played Ori and the Blind Forest, pick it up and play it first. The story is worth a playthrough on its own. Go in knowing as little as possible and you will enjoy the experience significantly more.
In the modern era of gaming, there are a lot of good games, but only a few truly great ones. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is one of the best adventures I’ve had in a decade, and you owe it to yourself to try it out.
Review code provided by publisher