Moon Studios, which gained attention with the game Ori and the Blind Forest, has become one of the significant representatives of the metroidvania genre. Will they be able to continue their success with the second game of the series, Ori and the Will of the Wisps? In our review of Ori and the Will of the Wisps, we evaluated the game under the categories of story, gameplay, graphics, sound, and atmosphere.
Story
Our family, consisting of Gumo, Naru, and Ori, welcomes a sweet little owl companion named Ku. They spend beautiful days together, but as Ku grows and longs to fly like the other birds outside, her attempts to fly with her troubled right wing fail. Distressed by her unsuccessful flight, Ku is comforted by Ori, who comes up with a solution and suggests they try flying together. While their first joint flight is successful, they get caught in a storm and lose each other, embarking on an unexpected adventure to find one another.
I briefly described the game’s story without giving any spoilers. The story of the game may seem simple, but it manages to captivate players with the emotions it evokes rather than the narrative itself.
Gameplay
Ori and the Will of the Wisps stands out particularly for its gameplay mechanics. The game offers a variety of abilities that contribute to the gameplay, such as throwing a spear, shooting arrows, swinging a hammer, and even healing. You can quickly switch between these abilities by pressing the “Q” key, allowing you to adapt to the situation at hand. These abilities are unlocked by collecting Spirit Light throughout the game.
In addition to these mentioned abilities, as you progress through the game, you also acquire various features from the trees you interact with, such as double jumping, gliding in the air, grappling hooks, and the ability to tunnel through sand.
These gameplay mechanics and abilities enhance the overall experience of Ori and the Will of the Wisps, providing a dynamic and engaging gameplay system.
Boss Fights
Ori and the Will of the Wisps addresses the absence of boss battles in the first game by introducing numerous challenging boss fights. While these bosses can be quite demanding and may lead to multiple deaths, once you decipher their attack patterns and reactions, you can defeat them with ease. The bosses require strategic thinking, precise timing, and understanding their attack patterns to overcome them successfully. Despite the initial challenges they present, the sense of accomplishment upon defeating a boss is incredibly satisfying.
Combat Shrine
You get a shard slot upgrade by defeating enemies that come gradually in combat shrines. In this way, you can carry more soul particles on you.
Spirit Trial
In spirit trials, we compete together with a soul on a certain route. If we win the race, we are rewarded with spirit light.
Supporting Characters
Lupo
Throughout the game, you encounter a character named Lupo in various locations. Lupo takes on the role of a cartographer, and in exchange for spirit light, you can acquire the map of the area you are in. By interacting with Lupo, you gain access to a detailed map of the region, including areas that are usually only revealed as you explore. This allows for better navigation and exploration of the game world.
Grom
Grom is a species interested in mining. With the Gorlek Ore you collect, Grom helps transform the barren areas into sanctuaries for the Moki, as well as clearing thorns and obstacles in the plains. Grom’s mining and construction abilities contribute to restoring and improving different regions of the game.
Opher
With the character Opher, you can unlock new abilities in exchange for spirit light. Opher offers you the opportunity to expand your skill set and enhance your character’s capabilities, allowing for a more versatile and powerful gameplay experience.
Twillen
By collecting spirit shards throughout the game, you can gain abilities such as wall clinging or increased damage. Twillen, a character in the game, allows you to upgrade and customize these spirit shards. You can visit Twillen to enhance and modify your acquired spirit shards, tailoring them to your preferred playstyle.
Fast Travel
You can teleport to Spirit Wells where you can replenish health and energy. This allows you to reach your destination faster. You can also save the game using these Spirit Wells. Additionally, there is an automatic save system. Thankfully, they have solved the frustrating save system that plagued players in the first game of the series, Ori and the Blind Forest, in this game.
Side Quests
In the game, certain characters appear in specific locations on the map and give us quests. While I can’t say these quests are extremely enjoyable, they provide a way to pass the time after completing the main story.
Gameplay and Atmosphere
In my game reviews, I often find it useful to evaluate a game’s visual aesthetics and atmospheric elements separately, placing them into distinct categories of graphics and atmosphere. However, Ori and the Will of the Wisps defies such categorization by seamlessly merging graphics and atmosphere into a harmonious whole through its breathtaking artistic details.
From the moment you embark on your journey, it becomes evident that the level designs in this game are not merely pathways to traverse but exquisite works of art. Each area you explore is a visual marvel, featuring intricate details, captivating colors, and a remarkable attention to environmental storytelling. The designers have masterfully blended nature’s beauty with fantastical elements, crafting enchanting landscapes that stir the imagination.
But what truly elevates Ori and the Will of the Wisps to a mesmerizing experience is the abundance of delightful details scattered throughout the game world. From the subtle movements of foliage in the wind to the shimmering glow of magical creatures, every visual element is carefully crafted to enhance immersion and evoke a sense of wonder.
As you progress through the game, these artistic details breathe life into the world, forging an emotional connection between the player and the enchanting surroundings. The interplay of light and shadow, the dynamic weather effects, and the seamless transitions between different areas all contribute to the game’s cohesive and immersive atmosphere.
In my opinion, Ori and the Will of the Wisps sets a new standard for visual storytelling in video games. The artists and developers have poured their hearts and souls into creating a world that not only looks visually stunning but also captivates players with its atmospheric charm. It is a testament to the power of art and design in immersing players in a rich and unforgettable gaming experience.
In conclusion, Ori and the Will of the Wisps transcends the traditional separation of graphics and atmosphere, fusing them together in a way that leaves a lasting impression. Its meticulously designed levels and enchanting details create a truly magical experience that lingers in the player’s mind, long after the journey has ended.
Sound
It’s interesting that one of the most intriguing aspects of the series, for me, is the language used in the game. The characters in the game speak a fascinating language. Although the text conveys their messages to you, I have always wondered how these dialogue texts are prepared and whether they are just random words.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is also notable for its music. Just like the unusual language mentioned earlier, the music in the game is equally peculiar, but in a good way. The game’s soundtrack plays at certain moments that evoke unique feelings and emotions. I will share one of the music tracks that I particularly enjoyed from the game below.
Final Word
Before we conclude our review of Ori and the Will of the Wisps, I would like to provide some general evaluations. While Ori and the Will of the Wisps has become a significant representative of the Metroidvania genre, it may not appeal to everyone because the timing of your reactions in the game holds great importance. Failing to respond at the right time or not knowing how to counter enemy attacks can lead to multiple deaths. Such situations can be frustrating for impatient players.
Although I mentioned that the game may not cater to certain player types, I strongly recommend playing it. Ori and the Will of the Wisps will both test your patience and enhance your mental capabilities. If you intend to play the game, I suggest starting with the first installment of the series, Ori and the Blind Forest, despite its frustrating save system.
Additionally, I completed the game in 12 hours. Considering the time I spent collecting various collectibles and dying multiple times in certain areas, I estimate that I finished the game above the average gameplay time. Therefore, I can say that the game offers at least 10-11 hours of gameplay. With the inclusion of side quests, this duration can be further extended.
