Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition Reviews

Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition is ranked in the 98th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Apr 23, 2016

'Ori and the Blind Forest' is the kind of game that didn't cry out for a remaster so soon (or at all), not because it was flawed but because it was so amazing. At only $5 for previous 'Ori' owners, it is difficult not to recommend to any Xbox One owner, especially because the new difficulty levels make its strenuous challenges more attainable. It still remains a specific kind of platformer and therefore something somewhat niche, but I am not ashamed to say that it is my favorite Xbox exclusive of this generation to date.

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Digitally Downloaded
Sam M.
Top Critic
May 11, 2016

For players who have already played through Ori before, the definitive version's new areas are a good enough reason to jump back into the forest, and for new players, there's no reason to not experience what this game has to offer.

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9 / 10
Mar 18, 2016

Definitive Edition clearly exists to ensure the best possible version of Ori and the Blind Forest is on the market, and Moon Studios has undoubtedly succeeded in that regard. If you haven't made the time for this magical Metroidvania yet, this is the way to go. If you already own a copy of the original game and are itching for another playthrough, readmission is worth the $5 upgrade. The new additions don't extend the length of the game by much, but they do freshen things up and breathe some new life into an already wonderful experience.

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9 / 10.0
Sep 27, 2019

It’s not perfect, but Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition is one of those games that everyone should play at least once.

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9 / 10.0
Sep 30, 2019

The end result is a game that is phenomenal in its presentation and very decent in gameplay.  Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition doesn't necessarily set a new standard or innovate within the Metroidvania genre, but it does create an experience that is elevated by its otherwise stellar production values. Ultimately, it's up to personal preference, but you should give the game a chance; you'd likely regret it otherwise.

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Drew Hurley
Top Critic
9 / 10
Dec 16, 2019

The Switch's catalogue of Metroidvania titles was already impressive - though ironically it's still lacking an actual Metroid - and now its ranks have been bolstered by one of the best in recent memory. Ori and the Blind Forest is an absolute masterpiece, a beautiful story polished to perfection in both its artistic design and core gameplay mechanics. The utterly beautiful presentation and soundtrack crafts a charming and memorable world and there are more stories in that world to come as Ori and the Will of the Wisps landing on Xbox One in a few months. Hopefully, the Switch version comes shortly after.

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9 / 10.0
Sep 25, 2019

undefined.While I could pick apart some specific nagging problems in Ori and the Blind Forest, whether it's the combat or tiny platforming problems, my lasting memory of this recent replay and my previous Xbox One playthrough a few years ago is just the high moments. The bliss of exploring this world, combined with the deft storytelling and dazzling artwork, make for an enthralling adventure that stands tall as one of the modern classics of the Metroid-esque genre.

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May 16, 2016

There aren't many games that I have enjoyed as much as Ori and the Blind Forest in the past, and the changes made in Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition work to enhance the experience and remove some of the failings of the original release.

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9 / 10.0
Sep 25, 2019

Ori and the Blind Forest is without a doubt one of the prettiest games ever made, with lush backdrops, silken animation, and heartfelt tenderness. While not revolutionary in design, it dazzles in beauty and splendor like few other games can, making it an easy recommendation for any Switch owner.

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9 / 10.0
Oct 9, 2019

Ori and the Blind Forest is a beautiful, wonderful adventure, its fame preceded it but it has still surprised us, you have to do with it. He was already a must-have on Xbox One and on PC, and now he is a must-have for Nintendo Switch

Review in Spanish | Read full review

Oct 11, 2019

I can’t help but love Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition. Sure, it’s far harder than I expected, even on Normal, but that doesn’t take away from the glory of this experience. In my playthrough, I uncovered about 75% of the map, and still have plenty to unlock. And that’s not taking into account the many achievements you can fulfill (though I’m not even trying for Unhinged). For only $19.99, it’s hard to turn it down. While it’s true some of the mechanics and controls were a bit finicky for me, overall the game played like a dream. If you love emotional and unique experiences that truly draw you into the game, you have to play Ori and the Blind Forest. Even if you don’t think you’re good at platformers, you can always try on the easiest difficulty, because this is an adventure that demands to be experienced. Kudos to Moon Studios for developing it and to Microsoft for bringing it to another console.

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90 / 100
Apr 26, 2016

Moreover, a separate detail gushes from every corner of the map system. Ori and the Blind Forest, one of the most precious examples of Unity graphics engine, has given the job well in this regard. Caves, lush green areas, forests, underwater sections, a huge volcano and more are just some of the areas you will admire during this adventure. You are fascinated by the region and details you encounter every moment you progress in the game.

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9 / 10.0
Apr 15, 2016

Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition is a great position. If you are a fan of platformers, like challenges and refined in every inch of the game, this is a must-have title in your collection. I strongly encourage you to buy.

Review in Polish | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Sep 25, 2019
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition - Easy Allies Review video thumbnail
4.3 / 5.0
May 5, 2016

"Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition" harkens back to an older time in gaming and all the good things about it. It's not for the impatient or poorly coordinated as the game will test your motor skills and temperament. Lovers of Metroidvania platforming who never played the original, however, should pick it up. And if you played last year's game, well, go ahead and pick this up again anyway.

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8.5 / 10.0
Oct 2, 2019

The quality of life improvements are perhaps a bigger deal.

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8.5 / 10.0
Apr 27, 2016

Moon Studios has not yet announced future plans, but the fact that they worked with Microsoft to create and launch the Definitive Edition for their first title means that gamers should be excited about their future projects.

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Metro GameCentral
Top Critic
8 / 10
Mar 11, 2016

The original was good enough that a Definitive Edition seems unnecessary, but the small additions and improvements only make this gorgeous platformer even more essential.

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Metro GameCentral
Top Critic
8 / 10
Sep 30, 2019

Gorgeous visuals and some sublime visual storytelling, Ori And The Blind Forest might not do much that is genuinely new but almost everything it does attempt is genuinely great.

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Mar 16, 2016

If you played Ori and the Blind Forest last year, this new edition offers plenty of new content to warrant a second play through. With lush visuals, an imaginative world, and charming characters, Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition is the best platforming game on the Xbox One, and one of the best games in the Xbox One software catalog.

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