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Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
PC (Steam)
Immersive Artistry
4/5 stars
Ori and the Blind Forest Definitive Edition, crafted by Moon Studios and published by Microsoft Studios, is a masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together beautiful and stunning visuals, an artful and immersive soundtrack, and challenging gameplay into an unforgettable experience.
Story
Ori and the Blind Forest Definitive Edition tells the tale of Ori, a small guardian spirit, on a journey to save the dying forest of Nibel. The narrative begins with a devastating event that triggers Ori's quest: the Spirit Tree, which is the source of life and light in the forest, becomes weakened and its light extinguished. Ori, alongside Sein, a spirit that guides them, must navigate through the treacherous environments of Nibel to restore balance and revive the Spirit Tree. Each step of Ori's journey is punctuated with emotional depth, reinforced by atmospheric storytelling that seamlessly integrates with the gameplay.
Presentation
Visually, Ori and the Blind Forest sets a new standard with its breathtaking graphics. The hand-painted art style brings the forest of Nibel to life with vibrant colors and intricate details, making it one of the most visually captivating games I've played in recent memory.
The game's soundtrack is nothing short of exceptional, especially when experienced with my high-quality bluetooth earbuds. Each track enhances the emotional depth of the game, from serene moments of exploration to intense sequences of perilous escapes.
Gameplay
Ori strikes a perfect balance with its difficulty. It challenges with only being mildly frustrating, keeping you on the edge of your seat without pushing you to rage quit—though some moments come tantalizingly close, like the heart-pounding escape sequences such as the harrowing Ginso Tree chase.
Throughout the journey, mastering the use of soul links (save points), becomes crucial to progression. Realizing this is in the game's thoughtful design, I used them more and more by game’s end. In retrospect, I should have used them a lot more to avoid replaying areas.
As Ori gains new abilities, as with any Metroidvania, the gameplay gets more complicated having to remember every button combo, but also makes it easier to get around. I personally focused on the utility ability tree, and rarely the efficiency tree, which enhanced my gameplay experience, providing the best route to adapt and tackle obstacles and enemies. I focused and obtained the third jump, allowing for easier platforming.
The interweaving of story and gameplay is seamless, with narrative elements unfolding not only through gameplay mechanics but also within cutscenes. This holistic approach enhances immersion, making every moment feel consequential to Ori's journey.
The escape sequences, notably the Element of Waters in the Ginso Tree, Element of Winds in Forlorn Ruins, and Element of Warmth in Mount Horu, stand out as exhilarating tests of skill and perseverance. They are not only challenging but also visually spectacular, blending danger with beauty in a mesmerizing way.
Originality
Ori and the Blind Forest stands out for its originality in visual style, emotional music, and some unique gameplay mechanics. The game innovatively integrates platforming challenges with a heartfelt narrative, creating a cohesive and memorable experience. Its blend of emotional storytelling and challenging gameplay sets a benchmark for indie gaming creativity.
Replay Value
Despite its typical Metroidvania linear progression, Ori and the Blind Forest offers replay value through its exploration and mastery of abilities. Players can revisit areas to uncover hidden secrets or improve their skills, supported by a user-chosen three branch upgrade system. There are also many Steam Achievements to unlock, several being unobtainable by me, such as “Complete the game on One Life Difficulty”, “Complete the whole game without using an Ability Point”, and “Finish the game in under 3 hours”. However, I’m sure there are many gamers out there that will love to try to get all achievements.
Several Steam achievements didn’t unlock for me when they should have. There is some possible correlation with ones that didn’t unlock while I was playing on my Steam Deck. Not sure if that was the reason or not. Personally, I don’t plan on playing the game more due to the bugged Steam achievements I encountered and the game difficulty.
Pros
• 2D Metroidvania
• Art and visuals
• Soundtrack
• Story and cutscenes
Cons
• Difficult escape sequences
• Many, many deaths
• Bugged Steam achievements
Recommendation
Overall, Ori and the Blind Forest Definitive Edition excels in its art, music, gameplay, and narrative; delivering an unforgettable experience that resonates long after the final credits roll. Whether you're drawn in by its artistic beauty, enraptured by its melodic soundtrack, or challenged by its intricate gameplay, Ori and the Blind Forest is an essential addition to any gamer's library.
Stats
Hours Played: 9.5 (Steam), 11:04:05 (In Game)
Achievements: 17/57 (30%) – Bugged for me
Deaths: 560
Ratings
Story: 4/5
Presentation: 5/5
Game Play: 4/5
Originality: 4/5
Replay Value: 3/5
Overall (not an average) 4/5
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