Ori and the Will of the Wisps (PC / Xbox ONE / Xbox Series X|S)

Like the original game, the action is side scrolling, over areas that fans of the previous game will instantly recognise, albeit with plenty of new features to explore and examine. Knowing the cunning design of the earlier game, players would be well advised to take their time and explore anything that catches their eye or seems unusual: who knows what might be lurking inside?

The game is also a Metroidvania – a portmanteau term for a game that contains popular features from both Castlevania and Metroid, in that they offer tightly controlled action and character development. This strict control encourages the player to become invested in the game and get attached to characters from NPCs to one’s own avatar. The emotional connection that the game can forge between player and character should not be underestimated.

Metroidvanian games are usual side-scrolling, like this one, but this is not a hard and fast rule. However, one of the ‘rules’ of Metroidvanian games is the practice of keeping players contained in certain areas until they have mastered the skills and weapons they will need for future levels. Occasionally a secret shortcut is discovered from the higher level, allowing the player to return to earlier levels for a little nostalgic practise or easier ‘grinding’ for resources.

What’s New?

This version of the game focuses more on Ori’s skills, putting more onus on the player to learn the new skills for a more absorbing and engaging play-through. Look out for:

Swords: Close range flurry attacks are a new skill that you must master before moving onto the boss battles – which are bigger and more intense than ever before.

Bows: Overcome your enemies from a distance with a ranged attack of arrows or darts to decimate and weaken them before moving in for the kill or onto the next enemy.

Explosive projectiles: There is something decadently satisfying about lobbing a bomb or grenade at an enemy or troop of enemies and seeing them go flying in all directions, leaving the way ahead clear for your advance.

Exploring: this game takes you outside the forest in which the previous game was limited, so who knows what wondrous worlds await you as you exercise your newfound weaponry and battle your way to the open skies. The gameplay area is some three times larger than the (not unimpressive) Nibel Forest, due to this escape from the forest, and the new features that allow the player to explore, fight and battle through buildings, shrines and other features along the way.