This is a near-perfect metroidvania for me. It's fun to explore, get lost, backtrack, unlock new abilities and rediscover how you can interact with each of the many diverse environments. Upon completion, I got a very satisfying feeling of accomplishment and well-spent time.
I'm a slow player, but it took me around 15h to 100% the map and get all achievements that are available on the first play-through. At first, I thought it's a pity that the map doesn't have markers, but in the end I was able to get all collectibles and discover all secrets without getting bored with repetitive backtracking or looking up online guides. Once you unlock some abilities or beat some "bosses", it becomes easier to traverse other environments, which makes it faster and less boring to go back and get some collectibles that were unavailable before.
The game is pretty well-balanced in my opinion: there were plenty of challenges that required multiple attempts and a combination of puzzle-solving with precision, but it was never so hard that I would rage-quit. I also liked chase challenges instead of boss-fights, just a personal preference, but it was more fun and less anxiety for me.
I usually play several games in parallel, depending on the mood, but once I started Ori, I couldn't stop until I finished it. Surprisingly, this wasn't because of an engaging story, but because of the fun gameplay and overall very enjoyable experience. I think the story-telling just didn't click with me (the god-like tree talking), but the animation in cut-scenes was amazing, just like watching a professionally made short animated film. The animation in the game itself is beautiful, it has an original style, detailed backgrounds and interesting character designs. I played it on a Steam Deck, but always connected it to the big TV screen to enjoy the visuals in details. And to just add to the complete experience, there is a beautiful, elaborate soundtrack, it really creates a great atmosphere and doesn't get old after playing for a while.
P.S. the "Definitive Edition" has a fascinating collection of early prototype sketches and videos of early development. It was fun to watch after playing the game and astounding to see the progress from ideation to the final result.
I'm a slow player, but it took me around 15h to 100% the map and get all achievements that are available on the first play-through. At first, I thought it's a pity that the map doesn't have markers, but in the end I was able to get all collectibles and discover all secrets without getting bored with repetitive backtracking or looking up online guides. Once you unlock some abilities or beat some "bosses", it becomes easier to traverse other environments, which makes it faster and less boring to go back and get some collectibles that were unavailable before.
The game is pretty well-balanced in my opinion: there were plenty of challenges that required multiple attempts and a combination of puzzle-solving with precision, but it was never so hard that I would rage-quit. I also liked chase challenges instead of boss-fights, just a personal preference, but it was more fun and less anxiety for me.
I usually play several games in parallel, depending on the mood, but once I started Ori, I couldn't stop until I finished it. Surprisingly, this wasn't because of an engaging story, but because of the fun gameplay and overall very enjoyable experience. I think the story-telling just didn't click with me (the god-like tree talking), but the animation in cut-scenes was amazing, just like watching a professionally made short animated film. The animation in the game itself is beautiful, it has an original style, detailed backgrounds and interesting character designs. I played it on a Steam Deck, but always connected it to the big TV screen to enjoy the visuals in details. And to just add to the complete experience, there is a beautiful, elaborate soundtrack, it really creates a great atmosphere and doesn't get old after playing for a while.
P.S. the "Definitive Edition" has a fascinating collection of early prototype sketches and videos of early development. It was fun to watch after playing the game and astounding to see the progress from ideation to the final result.