Ori and the Blind Forest Reviews
The charm of a beautifully-rendered forest world and its adorable denizens belies a challenging Metroidvania experience in Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition, an updated re-release of the 2015 indie hit. Will you be able to restore light to the forest, or will you fall prey to the razor-sharp talons of the dreaded Kuro?
After years of seeing praise for this game, I found myself underwhelmed. It seems to run like a dream on Switch and this is the Definitive Version of the game, so all the extras are here, but I just didn’t find myself as in love with it as I’d have hoped.
The exploration, the sound effects created with the narrator’s dialogue – everything about Ori and the Blind Forest is pure magic. This is a title that should not be slept on and I’m so upset with myself that I let it go undiscovered for so long. If you haven’t played it – or are looking to double-dip – the Nintendo Switch port is a dream come true. It’s fluid, it’s visually and audibly stunning, everything about this iteration is perfect and fully respects the original vision that Moon Studios had for Ori and the Blind Forest.
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.
Ori and the Blind Forest is magnificent. It has gorgeous views, excellent gameplay, and a solid challenge. The entire game just flows natural and flawlessly and you will enjoy ever part of it.
Like a big interlocking puzzle, you'll enjoy unravelling as much of this world as possible, while the narrative itself will keep you invested in the little ball of light far more than you might expect.
Moon Games Studios' debut title Ori and the Blind Forest is a very promising one.The challenging Metroidvania gameplay is well-accompanied by a beautiful hand-drawn world and rousing soundtrack that really immerse you into the game world.
All things considered, should you buy the Definitive Edition and play through it again if you already had the original version? Considering there are extra areas that have been added and the game has gotten easier (or harder if you choose to) + you can now traverse it more easily; I can wholeheartedly recommend it. I doubt many people will feel satisfied by one playthrough either way so this is the best possible method to experience it again. For players who are new to the game: It's no longer possible to buy the old version but it'll be included for free when you buy the Definitive Edition.
Ori and the Blind Forest is a beautiful game but the environments can be really distracting at times. It's hard to see all the deadly spikes and enemies while running and jumping at high speed and the game can become very frustrating. You will die alot, that's for sure. But even your many deaths will look incredibly good.
Review in German | Read full review
I enjoyed Ori and the Blind Forest enough that once I was finished with it, I wanted to play it through again.
Moon Studios' Xbox One platformer is a gorgeous Metroidvania with a heartwarming story and gut-punching challenges.
Ori and the Blind Forest is excruciatingly difficult. If you struggled with Super Meat Boy, then best of luck to you.
Ori has opened our eyes to a world of audiovisual poetry that does not innovate but distills the sap of the classics and spreads it through a forest of emotions, playable quality and visual amazement. The first essential of the year.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
A helpful tip is that you'll need to collect the game's trinkets while you can, as much to the completionist's dismay it's not possible to return to your world save after the final credits have rolled. Nevertheless, Ori and the Blind Forest is one of those games to be savoured while it lasts.
Ori and the Blind Forest feels like Nintendo's second coming.
Games with outstanding aesthetics always run the risk of falling victim to the old "style over substance" criticism, but Ori and the Blind Forest supports its style with a constant stream of timeless, captivating substance.
Ori and the Blind Forest is a largely enjoyable game that gamers would be wise to try, even if just to experience its emotional story
Gorgeous, brutally difficult and utterly wonderful
A complete game that has succeeded in all its pillars to reach such a position that sometimes even surprises the audience.
Review in Persian | Read full review