Game Reviews

Ori and the Will of the Wisps: A Poignant Platformer

14 Feb 2024 25 min read

Updated On: February 14, 2024 by What is Esports? Team

Attempting to unearth a game that truly resonates with both your emotions and your dexterity can often feel like a herculean task. We’ve all known the frustration of sifting through endless titles, seeking ‘the one’.

However, it appears our quest may be at an end – we’ve stumbled upon Ori and the Will of the Wisps. This adventure is awash with heartfelt narrative twists that tug firmly on your heartstrings.

In our forthcoming article, you’ll be introduced to its enchanting realm, refined gameplay mechanics and how it manages to elevate platforming into something akin to pure poetry in motion.

Ready yourself for an odyssey that promises to linger in memory long after you’ve set down the controller!

Key Takeaways

Ori and the Will of the Wisps combines stunning graphics with a narrative that explores deep themes like family and loss, engaging players both visually and emotionally.
The game introduces new combat mechanics and abilities, along with upgrades for weapons which provide dynamic gameplay experiences throughout Ori’s journey.
Enhanced platforming elements feature fluid movement, precision challenges, environmental puzzles, escape sequences, skill progression, and non-linear exploration options.
Players can experience an immersive soundtrack that enhances the emotive storytelling within the game’s poetic adventure.
With its captivating exploration aspects, Ori encourages uncovering hidden paths and discovering lore through interactive environments laden with intricate puzzles.

The Beauty of Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a visually stunning game with poetic storytelling and an emotional soundtrack that truly enhances the gaming experience. The game’s graphics are breathtaking, drawing players into its atmospheric world, while its narrative is both heartwarming and emotionally impactful.

Stunning graphics

We dive into the enchanting world of Ori and the Will of the Wisps to feast our eyes on its stunning graphics. The visuals transport players beyond the familiar Nibel forest, revealing lush environments bursting with vibrant colours and breathtaking details.

Every scene is a work of art, from shimmering lakes reflecting starlight to ancient ruins draped in creeping vines. The atmospheric world crafted by Moon Studios is both beautiful and immersive, setting a new benchmark for what 2D Metroidvania games can achieve visually.

The designers have outdone themselves in creating magical creatures that inhabit this world alongside Ori. Their designs blend fantasy with a sense of realism that makes each encounter unforgettable.

As we navigate through challenging gameplay sections, these compelling visuals keep us fully engaged, enhancing every jump, dash, and puzzle solved. With such an emphasis on visual splendour paired with emotionally charged moments, it’s clear why this game captivates both die-hard gamers and those new to the adventure genre.

Poetic storytelling

The poetic storytelling in Ori and the Will of the Wisps is truly captivating. The game weaves a narrative that explores themes of family, loss, and hope with emotional depth. Through quiet moments and meditative gameplay, players are drawn into an immersive world that tugs at their heartstrings.

The heartwarming narrative twists keep players engaged as they uncover the emotional impact of Ori’s journey.

Stunning visuals complement the poignant storytelling, creating an experience that resonates deeply with players. Each scene is brought to life with artistic beauty, enhancing the emotional resonance of the storyline.

Emotional soundtrack

The emotive soundtrack in Ori and the Will of the Wisps perfectly complements the game’s poignant storytelling. With its haunting melodies and stirring orchestration, the OST adds depth to every emotional moment, pulling players deeper into the storyline.

The music enhances themes of family, loss, and perseverance, evoking a powerful connection between players and the game’s characters. As players navigate through ethereal environments and face daunting challenges, the emotional soundtrack serves as a compelling guide through Ori’s journey.

The original soundtrack for Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a pivotal element that enriches the gaming experience with its moving compositions. Through these carefully crafted tunes, gamers not only hear but also feel every beat of emotion within each level they traverse.

Gameplay Elements

The gameplay in Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a delicate balance of platforming, combat, and exploration. Each element seamlessly intertwines to create a captivating and immersive gaming experience.

The game challenges players with its difficulty level while also rewarding them with new abilities, weapons, and upgrades along the way.

Platforming

Ori and the Will of the Wisps sets a high standard for platforming in video games. The game’s platforming elements are a key attraction, combining fluid movement, precision, and environmental puzzles to engage players on an emotional and physical level. Here are the specific aspects of platforming in Ori and the Will of the Wisps:

Fluid Movement – Ori moves with grace and agility, allowing for seamless jumps, dashes, and climbs throughout the diverse environments.
Precision Challenges – The game presents challenging platforming sequences that demand precise timing and execution to progress.
Environmental Puzzles – Players encounter intricate puzzles woven into the platforming segments, requiring creative thinking to overcome obstacles.
Escape Sequences – Intense escape sequences provide adrenaline-pumping challenges as players navigate through collapsing environments or against pursuing enemies.
Dynamic Level Design – Each area features unique platforming dynamics that require adaptability from the players, keeping them on their toes.
Skill Progression – As players acquire new abilities and upgrades, they can access previously inaccessible areas and master increasingly demanding platforming sections.
Non-linear Exploration – The game allows freedom in exploration, encouraging players to uncover hidden paths and secrets through careful observation and skilled manoeuvring.
Accessibility Options – For those seeking different play experiences, the game offers adjustable difficulty settings that cater to varying skill levels.

Combat

Combat in Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a thrilling aspect of the game, adding depth to the overall experience. Here are some key elements to consider:

Engaging Enemies: Throughout the game, players encounter a variety of challenging adversaries, each with unique attack patterns and behaviors.
Fluid Combat Mechanics: The combat system is responsive and fluid, allowing for seamless transitions between melee and ranged attacks.
Upgradable Abilities: As players progress, they can unlock new combat abilities and upgrade existing ones, enhancing their effectiveness in battle.
Boss Battles: The game features epic boss encounters that test players’ combat skills and require strategic thinking to overcome.

Exploration

Ori and the Will of the Wisps takes players on a captivating exploration experience filled with hidden secrets and breathtaking environments. Here’s what makes the exploration in the game truly remarkable:

Discover Hidden Paths: As players guide Ori through diverse landscapes, they’ll stumble upon concealed pathways, encouraging them to venture off the beaten track and uncover valuable collectibles.
Engage in Immersive Environments: From lush forests to eerie caverns, the game’s meticulously crafted settings invite players to immerse themselves in a world brimming with wonder and mystery.
Uncover Upgrades and Power-Ups: Throughout their journey, players will encounter various upgrades and power-ups that enhance Ori’s abilities, empowering them to access previously inaccessible areas and overcome new challenges.
Solve Environment-Based Puzzles: Delve into intricately designed puzzles embedded within the environment, requiring keen observation and problem-solving skills to progress.
Interact with Diverse Characters: Along the way, players will encounter a cast of captivating characters who enrich the narrative and present opportunities for unique interactions and side quests.
Embrace Non-Linear Exploration: The game encourages non-linear exploration, allowing players to chart their own paths at their own pace, fostering a sense of freedom and discovery.
Unearth Lore and Story Details: By exploring every nook and cranny of the world, players can unravel the rich lore and uncover profound story elements that add depth to the game’s narrative.
Emote Through Environmental Storytelling: Engage with emotionally resonant environmental storytelling elements that elicit empathy and connection with Ori’s journey through its visually compelling world.

Enhanced Features from the Previous Game

The improved combat mechanics, new abilities, and upgrades for weapons and abilities make Ori and the Will of the Wisps a game worth experiencing. Read on to discover more about this emotionally impactful platformer.

Improved combat mechanics

Improved combat mechanics in Ori and the Will of the Wisps add depth and excitement to the gameplay. Players can now execute a variety of dynamic attacks and combos, enhancing their ability to fend off enemies in thrilling encounters.

The introduction of new weapons and abilities allows for more strategic decision-making in battles, providing a sense of empowerment as players navigate through the game’s challenging combat scenarios.

These enhancements cater to both seasoned gamers and novices alike, enriching the overall gaming experience with increased action-packed sequences. The improved combat mechanics ensure that every encounter feels fresh and engaging, keeping players on their toes as they progress through the emotional storyline.

New abilities

Grapple: This ability allows Ori to swing across gaps, reach higher platforms, and access new areas that were previously unreachable.
Spirit Edge: A powerful sword-like weapon that can be used in combat as well as for solving puzzles by cutting through obstacles.
Burrow: Ori gains the ability to dig through soft surfaces, opening up paths to undiscovered areas and items.
Regenerate: This ability enables Ori to slowly regenerate health over time, providing crucial survivability during intense battles and exploration.
Flash: With this ability, Ori can emit a burst of light, illuminating dark spaces and revealing hidden pathways.
Water Dash: Ori gains the ability to dash through bodies of water, enhancing traversal options and allowing access to submerged areas.

Upgrades for weapons and abilities

Players can enhance Ori’s combat and navigation abilities with a range of upgrades throughout the game. These upgrades include:

New weapons such as the Spirit Edge, which can be enhanced with additional skills.
The ability to use Spirit Shards to modify gameplay, providing perks or changing how abilities function.
Upgrades for existing abilities like the Double Jump and Dash, allowing players to reach new areas and overcome obstacles more effectively.
Additional skills that enable players to interact with environmental elements in unique ways, enhancing both exploration and combat capabilities.
Various weapon enhancements that add new attack options and increase damage output.
The opportunity to customise playstyle by mixing and matching different upgrades to suit individual preferences and strategies.
Improved Spirit Weapons that give Ori new ways to protect themselves against adversaries while navigating the expansive world of Will of the Wisps.

Emotional Storyline

The emotional storyline of Ori and the Will of the Wisps delves into themes of family, loss, and sacrifice, delivering narrative twists that keep players engaged and emotionally invested throughout the game.

The impactful storytelling leaves a lasting impression on players, solidifying it as a standout platformer in the gaming world.

Themes of family and loss

The game explores the universal themes of family and loss, delving into the emotional impact of these experiences. Players are drawn into a poignant narrative that reflects on the bonds we form with loved ones and the profound sense of grief when those connections are severed.

Through its storytelling and character development, Ori and the Will of the Wisps captures the essence of familial relationships and portrays the deep resonance of loss in a way that resonates deeply with players.

Emotional storytelling is woven seamlessly throughout the game, immersing players in a journey that evokes empathy and introspection. The OST complements these themes effectively through its emotive musical score, enhancing pivotal moments within the storyline.

Narrative twists

The emotional storyline of Ori and the Will of the Wisps is enriched by unexpected narrative twists that captivate players. These surprising plot developments are woven seamlessly into the game, adding depth to the already poignant themes of family and loss.

The twists create an immersive experience, keeping players engaged and emotionally invested as they navigate Ori’s journey through the captivating world of Niwen.

The narrative twists in Ori and the Will of the Wisps elevate its storytelling to new heights, delivering a compelling and unpredictable adventure that resonates with players long after they have completed the game.

Emotional impact

The emotional impact of Ori and the Will of the Wisps is profound, delving into themes of family and loss. The game’s narrative twists are bound to evoke strong emotions from players as they journey with Ori through the challenges and heartaches.

The emotional storytelling is amplified by an original soundtrack that tugs at the heartstrings, adding depth to every poignant moment in the game.

Players will find themselves thoroughly engrossed in the moving storyline, connecting deeply with Ori’s quest while navigating through stunning environments and engaging in challenging platforming escapades.

This emotional connection sets Ori and the Will of the Wisps apart, making it a truly unforgettable gaming experience for both novices and experts alike.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ori and the Will of the Wisps captivates players with its stunning graphics, emotionally resonant storytelling, and poignant soundtrack. The game introduces enhanced combat mechanics, new abilities, and upgrades that enrich the gameplay experience.

With its themes of family and loss, narrative twists, and emotional impact, Ori and the Will of the Wisps offers a captivating journey through a beautifully crafted world. Gamers seeking an immersive platforming action-adventure metroidvania title will find Ori and the Will of the Wisps to be a rewarding and memorable experience.