21 Q Review - Ori and The Will of The Wisps
Who made it ?
Moon Studios who are based in Vienna, but one of the most interesting things about the studio that many people may not know is that the workers are spread across the world as most of the team works remotely. Founded with just two people then expanded to 20 for The Blind Forest has now has blossomed to 80 people from around the world.
Is it on GamePass ?
Even though Moon Studios is technically not a first party studio, it is published by Microsoft Game Studios and will be available day and date on the service.
Do I need to play the original?
No, the gameplay has changed enough from the first entry and the team at Moon has done well enough to get you up to speed on what has happened in the story. Understanding the source material never hurts to deepen your knowledge and appreciation for some moments in the game but it’s not necessary in this case.
Is it independent?
Yes, even though Moon Studios signed a development deal with Microsoft back in 2011 for Ori, Moon Studios is still a smaller independent studio.
What genre is it?
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a true metroidvania with upgrades, hidden paths and backtracking. This genre is a dime a dozen but Ori manages to rise above.
How long was the game in development?
Five years assuming Moon Studios has been working on this game since the release of the Blind Forest.
Is it console exclusive?
At the moment yes, but with the way Microsoft has been embracing playing their games anywhere including such as The Blind Forest and Cuphead, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it on Switch sooner than later.
What does it do better than Blind Forest?
This game looks to build on just about every aspect of the original. From the already stunning visuals now having more depth to the upgrading system, combat, exploration rewards, traversal methods, vendors, NPC’s and boss fights. If you can think of it, Moon Studios did too. About the only thing I prefer from the original was the story caught my attention more.
Is it family friendly?
100% yes, not only is the game absolutely gorgeous to look at but this series also has positive messaging once you get past some emotional moments.
Is there planned DLC?
Although nothing has been announced yet it would be very surprising if Will of the Wisps didn’t receive additional content post launch. About a year after initial release, Blind Forest added a definitive edition which added two new areas complete with new music some new story beats as well as a few new abilities for Ori.
Does it sound good?
The audio design from the first game was one of the main pillars and im happy to say that it is still paramount. Gareth Coker was the composer on the original and he returns with another stunning orchestral score that heightens the experience. The music that changes from each location gives them an identity. The audio design is pretty great as well. Moments when the score stops and all you hear is the silence of the forest and it’s inhabitants, really make the environment become its own character.
Does it control well?
Ori controls very similar to the first game meaning that its traversal is excellent, especially when chaining together jumps, grapples and dashes. Combat does feel a little clunky at times but that is a very minor gripe.
Does it look good?
Ori and the Blind Forest used its art style to stand out when it was created by 20 people five years ago. With substantial time passed and large growth in the team the game looks better than ever with no small details forgotten. Embers float off torches, trails of mist follow you after passing through waterfalls and the way the environment interacts with the weather effects is truly awe inspiring. Sometimes less is more as there were a few times throughout the game where the environment obstructed my vision and cause a death.
How long is it?
Although there is an achievement for finishing the game in under four hours, the average playtime should be around 12-14 hours depending on how much side activities you partake in.
Is it couples friendly?
Will of the Wisps would be a great game to play together and either pass the controller back and forth between deaths or strictly have one person play. The story, characters and visuals make it a very interesting game to go on the journey with together.
Is there replay value?
Assuming you don’t 100 percent the game on your first run. There are lots of hidden areas and collectibles to be found throughout the forest as well as the new time trials throughout. Outside of that, you will most likely be finished with it when you roll credits and have died far too many times.
Does it have technical issues?
Unfortunately, Ori can’t be perfect as it does suffer some issues. Its not often and doesnt affect the game too much but the game is hindered at times when loading in new areas or looking in your inventory and you freeze or stutter very briefly. It’s rare during crucial times but when it does its very frustrating as death in a platformer can happen in a split second. During my completion, the game hard crashed on me once, but luckily the checkpoint system is competent and I didn’t lose much progress
Is it fun?
Don’t let the gorgeous visuals and cute characters fool you. This game is very fun but it is also very hard and demanding.
What’s the best part about this game?
The world in Wisps feels a lot more alive, not only in the movement on the environment but by the people you meet during your travels. Where The Blind Forest felt like a game with interesting levels, Wisps feels much more like a world you’re exploring. Someone is always giving you a new side quest, which can be a good distraction when you are banging your head against the wall.
What’s the worst part about this game?
My main problem with this game aside from how much it seems to have borrowed from Hollow Knight including replacing Ori’s spirit attack with a sword, adding a cartographer, adding skill pins is the technical issues. In games like this where dying is frequent and checking the map is constant the persistent hiccups tend to interfere with the immersion. A hard crash on the Xbox One X at the end of the console cycle, after five years of development is also a disappointment.
Do you recommend it?
The Will of the Wisps was one of my most anticipated games of this year and this can sometimes have a negative effect when expectations don’t meet reality. Moon Studios have created a masterpiece by delivering a true sequel by keeping the soul of the game by improving upon almost every aspect in it, even if some ideas feel borrowed from some of the best in the genre. Technical issues keep this game from being perfect.