Ori and the Blind Forest was one of the most beloved platformers of the generation when it was released in 2015. The game’s beautiful visuals, wonderful worldbuilding, great storytelling, and interesting gameplay made it one of the best games of its time. So when Moon Studios announced a sequel, fans were understandably excited, but also a little worried as well. Would the new game be able to live up to the high bar set by its predecessor? As someone who was a huge fan of Ori and the Blind Forest, I also delayed playing the sequel fearing it would not live up to expectations, but thankfully after giving in to friends I finally played the sequel and I’m glad I did.
Story
I want to start off with one of the best things about this game and that would be the story. The game picks up where Blind Forest left off, with Ori and his friends seeking to find a new home for themselves in a world that’s still reeling from the events of the first game. And like the first game’s story, the second game knows how to tug on the player’s heart, with the game’s ending being one of the best endings I have had the chance to experience. Of course, I won’t tell you what that ending is, for that you will have to play the game for yourself.
Visuals
In terms of visuals, this game is on par with the first, while not adding much, it does show us a whole new side of Ori’s world which is beautiful and serene. Introducing us to new environments that make the player feel as if the world they are seeing is one that could truly exist, even if it’s behind a screen.
With stunning visuals, we are also shown a world which contains many different places, some beautiful and filled with color, and some devoid of color, giving us the feeling of the world being almost desolate. Every location in Will of the Wisps is a joy to explore. And the best part is that each area is filled with secrets and hidden paths, encouraging players to revisit them and discover everything they have to offer.
The character animations are also smoother and more expressive, with Ori and the other creatures of the forest looking more alive than ever before.
Gameplay
Of course, a game can look pretty all day long, but if the gameplay isn’t good then it’s not worth playing for long. Thankfully Will of the Wisps delivers on that end as well with easy gaming mechanisms which a player can quickly grasp on to and use with ease. And adding on to the original, we are given more abilities as well as weapons to Ori’s arsenal.
Now I won’t lie to you and say that the game is easy, far from it, some bosses are a headache to deal with at times and there are many puzzles that require a bit of patience from the player if they want to get past it. But, if a player gives it time, I can assure you it will be worth the effort you put into the game.
Conclusion
All in all, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is an exceptional sequel that improves on the strengths of the first game while also adding new features and mechanics that make it stand out on its own. With its breathtaking visuals, compelling story, and satisfying gameplay, it’s a must-play for anyone who enjoyed the first game or is a fan of the platformer genre. And as someone who loved the original, I can with confidence say that if you loved the original than you will definitely love the sequel.
