![]() The game’s platforming starts off from the basics once again, a good thing considering it’s likely been quite a while for many players since they played the original. With this release Moon Studio has proven that they’re dedicated to developing extremely high quality titles and aren’t satisfied with simply retreading old successes. There’s also a myriad of quality of life improvements as well, making the journey to 100% a run through something I actually considered doing for the first time in…quite a long time. unlocking new areas in already completed mission with new abilities) not once did I feel like I was missing a significant part of a level because I didn’t have a certain ability. The level design has also been significantly improved as whilst it follows the standard metroidvania trope (I.E. Instead you’ve got multiple different paths to progress through, each of them with different mechanics for their progression. The progression system has been significantly increased in breadth and complexity, no longer being a simple choice between a couple different skill talent trees. The Will of the Wisps retains the same core game loop as the original with some of it’s newer elements borrowed some elements from some modern metroidvania titles. For many games the sound track is an afterthought so it’s always great to see when it’s given just as much care and attention as everything else that’s put in. Once again he’s managed to create a brilliant set of emotional pieces of music that beautifully match the events happening on screen. ![]() I also have to give a special mention to the soundtrack that Gareth Coker, who was responsible for the original’s as well, created for The Will of the Wisps. I’m hopeful that these will become available in future patches however as I’d love to play this again in full 4K resolution with all graphics settings pushed right to their limit. ![]() There are some solutions for this available thankfully although none of them natively supported by the in-game graphics options. The only downside with the heavier focus on the 3D elements is that during some cutscenes the resolution of some models becomes apparent which draws away from the impact those close in scenes should have. The simple fact that I have a screenshot directory with some 34 screenshots in it is a testament to just how gorgeous this game is, every one of the frames it renders not feeling out of place in a concept art reel. The environments still have that wonderful dreamlike quality about them with their lavish use of bright colours, unreserved use of bloom and lighting effects galore. Ori and the Will of the Wisps maintains the original’s art styling with a little more emphasis towards the 3D elements than the 2D ones. This is how your journey begins, a simple quest to reunite with your little owling, but the destination is far more meaningful than you can possibly imagine. However before they can return a storm hits and the pair gets separated. Her and Ori then set off on their first journey together and follow a band of owls to the old forest of Niwen. However Gumo finds a feather which he then attaches to Ku’s wing, giving her the ability to fly. She was unfortunately born with a broken wing, rendering her unable to fly. Picking up right where The Blind Forest left off you follow the story of how Ori, Naru and Gumo raised the lone hatchling of Kuro (the original’s protagonist) who they’ve named Ku. SPOILERS FOR ORI AND THE BLIND FOREST FOLLOW Suffice to say, Moon Studios has done it again and I’m an emotional wreck because of it. Now here I am today having finished the game and taking a good week to process it emotionally before I could write the review. Spin forward to the game’s first moments and suddenly I’m back there, 5 years ago, just after the game finished with all those feelings rushing back again. So to say that I had high expectations for the sequel is putting it lightly I was expecting the kind of near perfection that they had delivered the first time around and was extremely nervous that they wouldn’t be able to match it. From the early moments on I was hooked and all the other aspects of the game’s craftsmanship just served to amplify those deep feelings I had. The reason at the time, and it still holds true today, is that there’s been no other game that’s made me care so deeply about the characters so quickly and then used that against me. ![]() Ori and the Blind Forest took out my game of the year for 2015, beating out many other worthy competitors such as The Witcher 3 and Bloodborne. Strap yourselves in everyone, we’re taking a feel trip today.
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