Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One
Genre: Action/Adventure
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Moon Studios
Release Date: March 11, 2020

About Judy

As WP's managing editor, I edit review and preview articles, attempt to keep up with the frantic pace of Rainier's news posts, and keep our reviewers on deadline, which is akin to herding cats. When I have a moment to myself and don't have my nose in a book, I like to play action/RPG, adventure and platforming games.

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9. 'Ori and the Will of the Wisps' (XOne/PC)

by Judy on Jan. 27, 2020 @ 12:00 a.m. PST

Embark on an all-new adventure to discover the mysteries beyond the forest of Nibel, uncover the hidden truths of those lost, and unravel Ori's true destiny.

Chris Barnes: "Don't cry. Don't cry. You can do it, Chris. It's just a game."-Me, while playing the intro of Ori and the Blind Forest

Moon Studios may be my favorite new studio to break out from this console generation. Ori and the Blind Forest was an emotional powerhouse wrapped up in top-notch platforming mechanics. Needless to say, I'm excited to sink my teeth in to this game ... even if that means I'm shedding tears and pulling my hair out in the process.

Redmond Carolipio: People will probably remember Ori and the Blind Forest as one of the most difficult platform puzzlers they've ever laid eyes on. But it's good to remember why people worked through all those puzzles anyway — the story and characters are too endearing, and the level were too beautiful to pass up. You have to see more. I'm looking to see what new elements can be added to the package, along with what other ways our minds (and patience) can be warped.

Chris "Atom" DeAngelus: Ori and the Blind Forest was one of the most visually striking Metroidvanias ever created. With fast-paced gameplay, exploration, and gorgeous art design, it stood out among its peers. It's no surprise that the sequel, which looks faster and prettier than before, is set to be an excellent follow-up to the original. Returning to the strange wilds with Ori and his friends is looking to be a real treat.

Cody Medellin: Another holdover from our 2019 list, Ori and the Will of the Wisps looks to be finally coming out this year. The first title's core game mechanics were a fantastic blend of precision platforming and wide exploration, all bathed in gorgeous graphics with pristine animation — but it was the storytelling that captured fans. There's no doubt that Moon Studios can pull this off again, but here's hoping that there's a surprise or two to elevate the game even more.

Rhi Mitera: I am notoriously bad at platformer games, but Ori and the Blind Forest is so beautiful that I didn't mind, and its sequel Ori and the Will of the Wisps is somehow even prettier than its predecessor. With updates like autosaves that will hopefully make it a little more forgiving for people like me and fun new character upgrades that open up the world in new and exciting ways, I can't wait for a chance to get my hands on this game. Luckily for me, the wait won't be very long at all.

Adam Pavlacka: Ori and the Blind Forest looked like a painting come to life. An indie title from a small developer, it was a wonderful surprise when it debuted in 2015. It was (and still is) pretty. It was also crushingly difficult in parts, to the point that it turned off some players. Those shortcomings were addressed in the definitive edition, along with some new bits of story content. Now, Ori and the Will of the Wisps promises a return to the world of Ori as you explore the world outside of the forest. The released trailers look even better than the original game, so I can't wait to see what Moon Studios delivers.



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