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MONSTER

Ori and the Blind Forest

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Ori and the Blind Forest
Item: Ori and the Blind Forest
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2015

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Platformer, Old-School Style, Side View Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, Single Player

AvailableMar 11, 2015

PlatformPC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One

DeveloperMoon Studios

Overview

The forest of Nibel is dying. After a powerful storm sets a series of devastating events in motion, an unlikely hero must journey to find his courage and confront a dark nemesis to save his home. Ori and the Blind Forest tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning action-platformer crafted by Moon Studios for Xbox One and PC. Featuring hand-painted artwork, meticulously animated character performance, and a fully orchestrated score, Ori and the Blind Forest explores a deeply emotional story about love and sacrifice, and the hope that exists in us all.

Elsewhere

8.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praised the story of Ori and the Blind Forest for its emotional depth, impactful narrative, and poignant themes. Critics such as Atomix, CGMagazine, and GameSpot highlighted the somber and mature tone of the story, with themes of sacrifice, friendship, and redemption resonating throughout the game. The relationship between Ori and his surrogate mother, as mentioned by Cheat Code Central, added a layer of emotional complexity to the narrative. The opening sequences, as noted by critics like Critical Hit and Game Informer, were particularly effective in setting the tone for the emotional journey that follows, drawing players in with its heartfelt storytelling. While the vast majority of critics found the story of Ori and the Blind Forest to be a standout aspect of the game, there were a few who noted some shortcomings. PC Gamer mentioned that while the story was deeply emotional, it did not consistently maintain the same level of impact as the opening moments. Gameplanet commented that the story felt spare and somewhat cliché, although it was elevated by expressive animation and character development. These critiques suggest that while the story was generally well-received, there may have been moments where the emotional resonance wavered or where the narrative felt familiar. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Ori and the Blind Forest. The emotional depth, engaging characters, and poignant themes resonated with reviewers, drawing them into Ori's journey to save the forest and highlighting the game's storytelling prowess. Critics such as Game Over Online and Pure Xbox praised the emotional impact of the narrative, likening it to the emotional weight found in beloved films like those from Studio Ghibli. The majority of critics found the story to be a standout feature of the game, showcasing Moon Studios' ability to craft a compelling and emotionally resonant narrative that enhances the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics raved about the emotionally powerful story in Ori and the Blind Forest, praising its depth, themes of sacrifice and redemption, and compelling characters like Ori and his surrogate mother. While some critics felt the emotional impact wavered at times or found the story somewhat cliché, the majority agreed that the narrative enhanced the gameplay experience and compared its emotional weight to beloved Studio Ghibli films. Overall, critics overwhelmingly praised the game's storytelling prowess and emotional resonance.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Ori and the Blind Forest for its tight controls, challenging platforming segments, and rewarding progression system. Critics like God is a Geek and Game Informer highlighted the fluidity and precision of the gameplay, emphasizing the joy of exploration and puzzle-solving. PC Gamer and GameCritics appreciated the focus on movement mechanics and the clever gameplay elements like bouncing off airborne projectiles, adding depth to the overall experience. The abilities and puzzles were well thought-out, as mentioned by Shacknews, and the game's Metroidvania style with interconnected world design, as noted by GameCritics, provided a satisfying challenge for players. On the downside, some critics, such as Worth Playing and Gaming Age, pointed out issues with difficulty spikes, poor level design, and problematic save systems. Worth Playing mentioned frustrating moments due to these factors, while Gaming Age specifically criticized the save system as being problematic. Additionally, Hardcore Gamer highlighted the manual save system using energy as a risk/reward element, which could potentially lead to frustration for some players. However, despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the gameplay of Ori and the Blind Forest remained positive among the majority of critics. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Ori and the Blind Forest. The game was praised for its challenging yet rewarding platforming mechanics, precise controls, and engaging progression system. Critics appreciated the Metroidvania elements, the variety of abilities, and the emphasis on exploration and backtracking, as seen in reviews from GameCritics and LevelUp. While there were some concerns raised by a few critics regarding difficulty spikes and save systems, the overall sentiment leans towards the game offering a highly enjoyable and immersive gameplay experience that resonated well with the majority of reviewers.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics laud Ori and the Blind Forest for its tight controls, challenging platforming, and rewarding progression. While some highlight issues with difficulty spikes and save systems, overall sentiment is positive for its engaging gameplay and immersive experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Ori and the Blind Forest, hailing it as a masterpiece in the realm of video game aesthetics. Gameplanet, Pure Xbox, and LevelUp all highlighted the hand-painted visuals as breathtaking, creating a living work of art with impressive attention to detail. PC Gamer and GameSpot lauded the game for its beautiful artistry, with PC Gamer describing it as a pool of painted light in constant motion, while GameSpot emphasized the exquisite 2D platformer with vibrant environments and a fairy tale-like atmosphere. The visuals were often compared to the art styles of renowned animators like Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, further solidifying the game's status as a visual marvel. While the overwhelming sentiment towards Ori and the Blind Forest's Graphics and Visual Design was overwhelmingly positive, a few critics did mention minor drawbacks. COGconnected noted occasional slowdowns in animations, while Xbox Achievements pointed out that lighting bloom could sometimes obscure gameplay. These criticisms, however, were overshadowed by the sheer praise for the game's stunning visuals and meticulous attention to detail. The occasional technical hiccups did not detract significantly from the overall experience of exploring the lush and immersive world of the Blind Forest. In conclusion, the consensus among critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Ori and the Blind Forest is resoundingly positive. The game is celebrated for its stunning hand-painted environments, captivating animations, and attention to detail that immerses players in a visually striking world. Critics like Game Revolution and Worth Playing emphasized the enchanting beauty of the visuals, while GameTrailers and Polygon highlighted the distinctive character designs and dynamic visuals that bring the world of Ori to life. Despite minor issues mentioned by a few critics, the overwhelming sentiment is that Ori and the Blind Forest sets a new standard for visual design in video games, with its exceptional artwork and immersive world-building earning it widespread acclaim as a visual masterpiece.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics widely praise Ori and the Blind Forest for its stunning hand-painted visuals, likening it to a masterpiece in video game aesthetics akin to works by Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. Minor issues like animation slowdowns and lighting bloom were mentioned but did not overshadow the game's overall immersive and visually striking experience, setting a new standard for visual design in video games.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Ori and the Blind Forest, highlighting its exceptional quality and immersive experience. Critics such as Cheat Code Central, who described the musical score as "sublime" and enhancing the emotional impact of the story, and GameSpot, who mentioned the "lush orchestral soundtrack" complementing the storybook mood of the game, emphasized the positive impact of the music on the overall gameplay experience. Additionally, critics like Pure Xbox and Worth Playing noted the masterful orchestral score that evoked feelings of desperation and hopefulness, contributing to the emotional depth of the game. The use of original sound effects, deep voiceovers, and captivating soundtracks, as mentioned by critics like NZGamer and Vandal, further enhanced the immersive experience for players. While the overwhelming sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Ori and the Blind Forest was positive, a few critics did mention some minor drawbacks. Gameplanet criticized the score as "sweeping but cheesy" and found the made-up in-game language to be "cloying," impacting the overall combat experience. Additionally, some critics, like Gaming Age, felt that while the music was not as visually impressive as other aspects of the game, it still contributed to an immersive experience. These criticisms, however, were in the minority and did not significantly detract from the overall positive reception of the game's Sound Design and Music. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Ori and the Blind Forest. The majority of reviewers praised the game for its powerful orchestral score, immersive ambient surround sound, and emotional impact through music. Critics appreciated how the music enhanced the narrative, added depth to emotional moments, and complemented the gameplay seamlessly. The combination of serene melodies, tension-building music, and impactful sound effects created a truly immersive audio experience that resonated with players. With critics like Atomix and Game Rant highlighting the orchestral score's ability to enhance the tone of the game, it's evident that Ori and the Blind Forest's Sound Design and Music played a crucial role in elevating the overall quality and emotional depth of the game, making it a standout feature that significantly contributed to its success and critical acclaim.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously praised Ori and the Blind Forest for its exceptional sound design and music, with the majority highlighting its immersive and emotional impact. While some minor criticisms were noted, the powerful orchestral score, ambient sound, and emotional depth of the music received overwhelming positive feedback. The music seamlessly enhanced the narrative, gameplay, and overall experience, making it a standout feature that contributed significantly to the game's success and critical acclaim.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

79%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the Xbox One platform, several critics highlighted positive aspects of Ori and the Blind Forest. Critics like GamesVillage.it and Pure Xbox praised the game for its responsive controls and seamless exploration without loading screens, respectively. Additionally, SpazioGames noted stable performance at 60fps in 1080p, indicating a visually pleasing experience. These positive comments suggest that the game generally delivers a smooth and engaging gameplay experience on the Xbox One. On the other hand, some critics pointed out negative aspects of the technical performance on Xbox One. Reviewers such as EGM and Twinfinite mentioned noticeable framerate drops during gameplay, especially in intense sequences, impacting precision and potentially causing frustration. Furthermore, Worth Playing highlighted issues with hit detection and a bug affecting save game progress, which can be frustrating for players. These criticisms indicate that there are significant technical issues that may hinder the overall experience for some players on the Xbox One platform. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Ori and the Blind Forest across all platforms is mixed. While some critics like Attack of the Fanboy and MondoXbox reported a stable performance without major technical issues, others such as Everyeye.it and USgamer noted occasional hiccups in framerate and control issues that affected gameplay. The varying opinions suggest that the technical performance of the game may be inconsistent, with some players experiencing smoother gameplay than others. It is essential for players to consider these mixed reviews when deciding to play Ori and the Blind Forest on different gaming platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise Ori and the Blind Forest on Xbox One for its smooth controls and stunning visuals, but some point out issues like framerate drops and bugs that can hinder gameplay experience. Overall, opinions on technical performance vary, with some reporting stable play and others encountering issues. Consider mixed reviews before choosing to play on different platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

28%

Mixed (50-79)

72%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Ori and the Blind Forest highlight several positive aspects. Many reviewers praise the game for its engaging exploration, challenging gameplay, and rewarding secrets that encourage players to revisit the world of Ori. Critics like CGMagazine and Pure Xbox appreciate the game's well-crafted experience that makes it worth replaying, with Pure Xbox mentioning the potential for revisiting the game for years to come. The interconnected world and upgrade system, as noted by Post Arcade and Guardian, add depth and replay value by rewarding thorough players and providing choices for improving skills. On the other hand, some critics point out potential negatives regarding the replay value of Ori and the Blind Forest. Attack of the Fanboy and EGM mention the lack of alternative difficulties, new game plus options, or additional content after completing the game, which may limit the game's replayability for some players. GameTrailers highlights the inability to return to completed dungeons after finishing the game, which can be a drawback for completionists interested in exploring every nook and cranny. Additionally, SpazioGames notes that the lack of checkpoints can be a downside for some players, impacting the overall replay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed regarding the replay value of Ori and the Blind Forest. While some reviewers like Xbox Achievements and Pure Xbox find the game highly replayable due to its enjoyable gameplay, secrets, and creative achievements, others such as Attack of the Fanboy and EGM feel that the limited replay value stems from the absence of certain features like new game plus options. Despite differing opinions on specific aspects of replayability, most critics acknowledge the game's engaging exploration, challenging gameplay, and beautiful presentation as factors that contribute to its overall appeal and potential for replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the replay value of Ori and the Blind Forest. Positive reviews highlight engaging exploration, challenging gameplay, and rewarding secrets that encourage revisiting the world. However, some critics mention limitations like lack of alternative difficulties and new game plus options, impacting replayability. Overall, while some find it highly replayable, others feel certain features are missing. Despite mixed opinions, the game's captivating gameplay and beautiful presentation make it worth revisiting for many.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

94%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers on Ori and the Blind Forest, it becomes evident that the game received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Critics such as Game Revolution and Gameplanet praised the game for its sublime presentation, challenging platforming, and memorable debut, respectively. Impulsegamer highlighted the game's immersive and enjoyable nature, likening it to experiencing a great book. The stunning visuals, emotional journey, and tight platforming gameplay were lauded by critics like USgamer and EGM, with the latter even calling it one of their favorite titles of the year. The game's captivating experience, precise controls, and beautiful visuals were also commended by LevelUp and Pure Xbox. Despite the widespread acclaim, some critics did point out a few shortcomings in Ori and the Blind Forest. Gaming Age mentioned slightly weaker gameplay, while GameTrailers noted challenges with controls and level design. Worth Playing highlighted difficulty spikes and technical issues as limiting factors for core gamers. GameCritics and games(TM) mentioned issues with signposting and trial-and-error sections, respectively. However, these criticisms were relatively minor compared to the overall positive sentiment expressed by the majority of reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with Ori and the Blind Forest being hailed as a masterpiece and a standout title in the gaming world. Critics such as Game Informer and TheSixthAxis praised the game for its balance of challenge, achievement, and emotional storytelling, appealing to a wide range of players. The game's high standard in visual design, storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and overall experience was highlighted by various critics like COGconnected and Game Over Online. The game's universal appeal, warm feeling upon completion, and status as one of the best games for the Xbox One were emphasized by GamesRadar++ and Telegraph. In conclusion, Ori and the Blind Forest is widely regarded as a must-play title that excels in various aspects, setting a new standard for the platform/adventure genre and solidifying its place as a modern classic in the gaming industry.

TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praised Ori and the Blind Forest for its stunning visuals, emotional journey, and tight platforming gameplay, calling it a masterpiece and a standout title in the gaming world. While some critics noted minor shortcomings like weaker gameplay and control issues, the overall consensus is highly positive. The game's balance of challenge, achievement, and emotional storytelling, along with its high standard in visual design and gameplay mechanics, make it a must-play title that sets a new standard for the platform/adventure genre and solidifies its place as a modern classic in the gaming industry.

MONSTER

Reviews

132 reviews found

100

TheSixthAxis

Xbox One

Mar 18, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ori and the Blind Forest is praised as a masterpiece in video games, offering a balance of challenge, achievement, and emotional storytelling that appeals to a wide range of players.

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100

Guardian

Apr 1, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ori and the Blind Forest is a challenging and scenically beautiful journey with a satisfying conclusion.

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100

Twinfinite

Xbox One

Mar 9, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ori and the Blind Forest achieves the goal of delivering a deep story and top-notch gameplay, creating a well-thought-out, cohesive experience where every element contributes to the overall quality of the game.

100

Digital Spy

Xbox One

Mar 20, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as the best game Microsoft has published since the onset of the Xbox One era and is easy to recommend.

Game Over Online

Xbox One

Mar 23, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ori and the Blind Forest is a must-own for fans of Metroidvania games, offering a moving and artistically crafted experience that excels in gameplay, visuals, and sound.

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Cheat Code Central

Xbox One

Mar 10, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ori and the Blind Forest is a top-tier two-dimensional platformer that excels in its handcrafted environments, tight controls, challenging gameplay, and emotional storytelling. It is a must-play for gamers looking for a visually stunning and engaging experience.

Vandal

Xbox One

Mar 11, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A standout title in the gaming world that elevates the genre to new heights, recommended for completionists and speedrunners

Game Informer

Xbox One

Mar 9, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The overall verdict of the review is that Ori and the Blind Forest is one of the best games of the year and highly recommended, despite its challenging difficulty.

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God is a Geek

Xbox One

Mar 14, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ori and the Blind Forest is a masterpiece that demands to be played and perfected, despite occasional spikes of difficulty

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GamingTrend

Xbox One

Mar 9, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ori and the Blind Forest sets a new standard for the platform/adventure genre, surpassing the games that inspired it in terms of storytelling, gameplay, and presentation.

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