Back in 2015, Moon Studios and Xbox Game Studios gave us a stunningly beautiful action-platformer titled Ori and the Blind Forest. Set in the dying forest of Nibel, the orphaned forest spirit Ori travels through the wilderness and across treacherous puzzles in an exploration of a story filled with love, hope, and sacrifice. Blind Forest quickly became one of the most highly acclaimed games of the decade, with a perfect 10/10 on Steam after more than 27,000 reviews.
Exactly five years later, the studios have teamed up again to bring us the sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Released on Steam and Xbox consoles, Ori and the Will of the Wisps contains much of the same beautiful magic and emotionally charged storytelling that Ori and the Blind Forest contained.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is out NOW. We are thrilled to explore the world of Niwen and hope you will join us on this journey. #11daysofOri #OritheGame https://t.co/EfLiigVG00 pic.twitter.com/2JA3ClDUJs
— Ori the Game (@OriTheGame) March 11, 2020
Players once again find themselves guiding Ori through a dangerous path as they forge ahead, tackling puzzles and challenges with a strong mixing of action-platformer mechanics.
“Embark on an all-new adventure in a vast world filled with new friends and foes that come to life in stunning, hand-painted artwork,” Moon Studios writes on Steam. “Set to a fully orchestrated original score, Ori and the Will of the Wisps continues the Moon Studios tradition of tightly crafted platforming action and deeply emotional storytelling.”
If you played the first one, the phrase “fully orchestrated original score” was likely the most exciting part of the description, as the soundtrack to the first game is practically legendary. Composer Gareth Coker returns to reprise his role in Ori and the Will of the Wisps, having crafted the beautiful score of the previous title as well. Soaring, lush orchestral scores bring the world to life, paired with incredible hand-painted artworks to transport you to Ori’s world.
As you journey through with Ori once again, you’ll work to heal a broken land as you discover Ori’s true destiny. The mixture of platforming mechanics with satisfyingly responsive combat pairs fantastically well, giving a superbly fluid gameplay experience. Chances are, though, you’ll be slowing down the gameplay yourself to enjoy the stunning atmospheres and environments around you as you travel through the game.
Steam reviews are already in the thousands and are very positive in regards to the game. It’s important to note that a spattering of players are reporting issues with gameplay, citing bugs and technical errors, but these seem incredibly few and far between. The vast majority of players are enjoying the game immensely, praising the soaring orchestra, enrapturing locales, and satisfying combat. As one player put it in their review, “I wish I didn’t have a job.”