Original Steam Review:
Ori and the Blind Forest is an incredible experience with so much love put into it.
The first thing anyone should notice about the game is how beautiful it looks. The colors are vibrant and eye-catching, and the art style is unique and cohesive. Thankfully, the detailed environments almost never distract the player from the game. There were very few instances in which I lost sight of Ori.
As for the flow of gameplay, I've never felt anything better in terms of platformers. Controlling Ori works extremely well and the more movement enhancing abilities I garnered, the more fun I had exploring the environments. Moon Studios knew exactly how a Metroidvania style platformer should feel, and it shows.
Speaking of environments, the level design is really engaging and allows for multiple ways to achieve the same goal once Ori learns more abilities. Backtracking through the levels in search of secrets and bonuses feels very natural as well. This is also prevalent in the great world design. Everything flows between one location and another and it never feels jarring. I can get from any point on the map to another without needing a fast travel option (there is one). As I explored and re-explored the world, I noticed things I didn't before, which led me down new paths to make new discoveries.
The story the game presents is a simple one, but an effective one and that is all it needed to be.
Music is another major plus for the game. From calming waves of sound while you're exploring, to thunderous, heart-pounding escape music, this game has one of the best soundtracks I've heard. It always fits the pace of the gameplay, even during the most hectic moments, and forces the player along, inspiring them, calming them, or intriguing them.
The only warning I can give for the game is that it is not easy. While I completed it in only about 7 hours (9 1/2 to 100% that playthrough), some moments, particularly some of the climactic chases are a little frustrating and take several attempts. That is not to say the game is impossible, far from it. It just takes a little patience and learning.
Ori and the Blind Forest is an incredible experience with so much love put into it.
The first thing anyone should notice about the game is how beautiful it looks. The colors are vibrant and eye-catching, and the art style is unique and cohesive. Thankfully, the detailed environments almost never distract the player from the game. There were very few instances in which I lost sight of Ori.
As for the flow of gameplay, I've never felt anything better in terms of platformers. Controlling Ori works extremely well and the more movement enhancing abilities I garnered, the more fun I had exploring the environments. Moon Studios knew exactly how a Metroidvania style platformer should feel, and it shows.
Speaking of environments, the level design is really engaging and allows for multiple ways to achieve the same goal once Ori learns more abilities. Backtracking through the levels in search of secrets and bonuses feels very natural as well. This is also prevalent in the great world design. Everything flows between one location and another and it never feels jarring. I can get from any point on the map to another without needing a fast travel option (there is one). As I explored and re-explored the world, I noticed things I didn't before, which led me down new paths to make new discoveries.
The story the game presents is a simple one, but an effective one and that is all it needed to be.
Music is another major plus for the game. From calming waves of sound while you're exploring, to thunderous, heart-pounding escape music, this game has one of the best soundtracks I've heard. It always fits the pace of the gameplay, even during the most hectic moments, and forces the player along, inspiring them, calming them, or intriguing them.
The only warning I can give for the game is that it is not easy. While I completed it in only about 7 hours (9 1/2 to 100% that playthrough), some moments, particularly some of the climactic chases are a little frustrating and take several attempts. That is not to say the game is impossible, far from it. It just takes a little patience and learning.