If there was one word that could be used to describe Ori
and the Blind Forest, aside from “beautiful”, it would have to be
"deceiving". For the uninitiated, this may seem a peculiar choice for
a game that has highlighted its lush, vivid world and moving orchestral score
since it was first teased back in 2014. But for those that
have a had a chance to explore Nibel – the forest which Ori takes place –you know all too well
that something sinister lurks within those woods.
Players assume the role of Ori; a luminous little forest
sprite who sets out to restore life to a dying forest. While the beginning of Ori
and the Blind Forest teases the notion of a relaxing adventure through
the woods, players quickly learn that at the core of this fantastically crafted
world lies a brutal platformer that rewards patience and punishes haste. But
don’t let this deter you from playing Ori; difficulty aside, it
is absolutely deserving of your time.
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| It truly is amazing just how beautiful Ori and the Blind Forest is. |
Moon
Studios, the developer behind Ori and the Blind Forest, has
created a brilliantly designed action/platformer where trial and error are key
to solving its puzzles, as well as liberal use of a very generous check-point
system. Ori, which draws inspiration from well-known open-world
exploration titles such as Metroid or Shadow Complex,
easily makes its mark in a genre not only with its haunting atmosphere, but by shaking
up a few staple rules of the genre, mainly with upgrades.
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| Ori lacks traditional boss fights, instead replacing them with truly challenging platforming segments that'll test your skills. |
Where combat-oriented upgrades such as missiles or other
explosives are often the tools of the trade for games of this genre, Ori instead has players seeking new
skills and upgrades that allow Ori to navigate the hostile environment of Nibel
with greater ease. Being able to sling-shot off of enemies and projectiles, gliding,
charging through obstacles – all are abilities where the primary purpose is to
help Ori explore while combative functionality is secondary. Given Ori focuses more on platforming
challenges and less so on fighting monsters, it’s a fitting distinction that
encourages players to explore such a wondrously created world.
So, found nestled amongst the thorns, my 2¢:
Ori and the Blind Forest is a gorgeous 2D platformer
coupled with a beautifully orchestrated soundtrack that
creates a breathtakingly stunning and immersive world. Yet beneath the beauty
hides a beast of a platformer that at times can be unforgiving though
ultimately rewarding for those that persevere. A “Metroidvania-style”
game, Ori plays it safe with the genre, focusing more on
platforming and less on combat than those it is inspired by. Ori and
the Blind Forest’s bittersweet yet touching story, while a tad short,
is definitely worthy of a playthrough by anyone who loves a game with heart.
(Originally published on Examiner.com, March 24, 2015)
