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Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Item: Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2020

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

AvailableMar 11, 2020

PlatformPC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X

DeveloperMoon Studios

Overview

The little spirit Ori is no stranger to peril, but when a fateful flight puts the owlet Ku in harm’s way, it will take more than bravery to bring a family back together, heal a broken land, and discover Ori’s true destiny. From the creators of the acclaimed action-platformer Ori and the Blind Forest comes the highly anticipated sequel. Embark on an all-new adventure in a vast world filled with new friends and foes that come to life in stunning, hand-painted artwork. Set to a fully orchestrated original score, Ori and the Will of the Wisps continues the Moon Studios tradition of tightly crafted platforming action and deeply emotional storytelling.

Elsewhere

9.0

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the story of Ori and the Will of the Wisps for its emotional depth, engaging narrative, and impactful storytelling. Critics like Carole Quintaine, from Comicbook.com, and Pure Xbox highlighted the poignant and touching nature of the story, with characters that evoke strong emotional responses from players. The game was commended for exploring themes of nature vs. civilization, community strength, sacrifice, and friendship, as noted by critics such as DualShockers and Game Rant. The introduction of new characters like Ku the owl and the exploration of the corrupted land of Niwen added layers to the narrative, as mentioned by GRYOnline.pl and Gameplanet. The emotional twists and turns, sympathetic antagonists, and loveable NPCs contributed to a rich storytelling experience, as highlighted by GamingTrend and TheSixthAxis. On the flip side, some critics expressed mixed opinions about the storytelling in Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Attack of the Fanboy felt that the narrative took a backseat to other aspects of the game and often got lost along the way, with storytelling relying solely on character interactions without voiced dialogue. Washington Post found the story negligible and lacking in memorable writing or dialogue, while Video Chums mentioned finding some emotional story segments manipulative. GameCritics noted that while the story had moments of heavy emotional payoff, it lacked complexity and nuance, and GameSkinny felt that the narrative was somewhat mediocre, with predictable twists and lacking surprises in character development. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily towards the positive side, with the majority praising the story of Ori and the Will of the Wisps for its emotional impact, engaging themes, and compelling character relationships. The game was lauded for its ability to evoke strong emotions, create a deep connection with the characters, and deliver a satisfying narrative experience that builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor. Despite some minor criticisms regarding predictability and narrative depth, the overall sentiment is that Ori and the Will of the Wisps excels in delivering a heartfelt and emotionally resonant storytelling experience that captivates players throughout their journey in the magical world of Niwen.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics raved about Ori and the Will of the Wisps for its emotional depth, engaging narrative, and impactful storytelling. Most praised the poignant story, strong character development, and exploration of themes like nature vs. civilization. Some critics had mixed feelings, citing issues like a lack of complexity and predictability. Overall, the majority lauded the game for its emotional impact and compelling characters, despite some minor criticisms.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

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 Will of the Wisps for its exceptional qualities. Positive aspects highlighted by the reviewers include the fluid and responsive controls, the diverse range of abilities and combat mechanics, and the rewarding exploration opportunities. Critics such as TrueAchievements and Game Rant appreciated the polished and smooth gameplay, with new abilities that complement different playstyles and a Metroidvania progression system that encourages exploration and skill development. The introduction of new combat mechanics, personalization options, and challenging platforming sequences, as noted by The Indie Game Website, added depth and excitement to the overall gameplay experience. Additionally, the game's expansive environments, customizable loadouts, and skill upgrades, as mentioned by God is a Geek, contributed to a rich and engaging gameplay experience. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain negatives in the gameplay of Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Slant Magazine mentioned that while the platforming gameplay was fluid and unique, the combat felt repetitive and dull. Gamers Heroes noted that while the boss battles were challenging and rewarding, some areas lacked clear direction, leading to potential frustration for players. Noisy Pixel highlighted some inconsistencies with wall gripping mechanics and mentioned that combat required patience and strategy, indicating room for improvement in these aspects. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the gameplay remained positive among the majority of reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Ori and the Will of the Wisps. The game is praised for its tight and graceful platforming, expanded combat systems, and engaging exploration elements. The combination of challenging combat encounters, intricate level design, and a variety of abilities and upgrades creates a satisfying and immersive gameplay experience. The majority of critics, such as DualShockers and Cultured Vultures, found the gameplay to be significantly improved from its predecessor, offering a blend of skill-building elements, rewarding challenges, and a sense of accomplishment for players. In conclusion, Ori and the Will of the Wisps excels in delivering a captivating gameplay experience that resonated positively with critics, solidifying its position as a standout title in the Metroidvania genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics laud Ori and the Will of the Wisps for its top-notch gameplay, praising its fluid controls, diverse abilities, and rewarding exploration. While some mention repetitive combat and unclear directions, the majority find the game's platforming, combat, and customization options engrossing and engaging. Overall, it's seen as a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a compelling experience that cements its status as a standout in the Metroidvania genre.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers on the Graphics and Visual Design of Ori and the Will of the Wisps, it is evident that the majority of critics found the visuals to be a masterpiece. The game was praised for its stunning attention to detail, vibrant colors, and beautifully crafted environments. Critics like God is a Geek and Pure Xbox highlighted the gorgeous visual style, detailed character models, and immersive world-building that brought Niwen to life. The hand-painted visuals were described as stunning and vibrant, with each area feeling unique and enhanced by elements like parallax scrolling, dynamic color use, and layered backgrounds. The game's art direction, according to Gamer Escape, added extra style to Ori's moveset and effectively set the tone for each area, creating a visually distinct and captivating experience. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception of the graphics and visual design, some critics did mention a few drawbacks. Siliconera noted that the Switch port was not as visually stunning as the Xbox One or PC versions, especially in darker areas, with noticeable pixelation due to graphics being turned down. TheGamer also mentioned a reduction in resolution and anti-aliasing for the Switch port, which resulted in slightly less crisp visuals compared to other platforms. However, even with these slight downgrades, the game was still considered impressive and visually appealing on the Nintendo Switch, showcasing the game's strong art style and breathtaking environments. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority agreeing that Ori and the Will of the Wisps excels in its graphics and visual design. The game is lauded for its peerless artistic style, flawless world-building, and one of the best artistic directions in the genre. Critics like Gameplanet and The Digital Fix praised the sumptuous visuals and loving attention to detail, while GameCritics highlighted the seamless blending of 2D and 3D elements to create a visually stunning world. The game's hauntingly beautiful environments, stunning attention to detail, and vibrant color palettes were commended by various critics, making it one of the best-looking games across different platforms. In conclusion, Ori and the Will of the Wisps' graphics and visual design are widely regarded as a masterpiece that enhances the overall gaming experience and immerses players in a visually captivating world.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Ori and the Will of the Wisps' graphics, calling it a masterpiece with stunning attention to detail, vibrant colors, and beautifully crafted environments. While some note slight drawbacks in the Switch port, the game still impresses with its strong art style and breathtaking visuals. Overall, critics agree that Ori excels in graphics and visual design, with its peerless artistic style and flawless world-building making it one of the best-looking games in the genre.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of multiple reviewers overwhelmingly praise the Sound Design and Music of Ori and the Will of the Wisps, with a consistent theme of the soundtrack enhancing the overall gaming experience. Critics like Carole Quintaine, from GameCrate, and Gameplanet highlight the sublime and stunning nature of the music, with Gameplanet specifically mentioning the emotional enhancement provided by the beautiful soundtrack. Gareth Coker's orchestral score is repeatedly commended for complementing gameplay moments, emotional scenes, and boss battles, as noted by critics like GameGrin and TrueAchievements. The atmospheric and immersive qualities of the sound design are also emphasized, with critics such as God is a Geek and TheSixthAxis praising how the music matches the emotional impact of the visuals, creating a cohesive and engaging experience. While the majority of critics express overwhelmingly positive sentiments towards the Sound Design and Music of Ori and the Will of the Wisps, there are a few minor criticisms mentioned. Some critics, like Siliconera, note a slight decrease in audio quality when playing in handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch, which could potentially impact the overall experience for some players. Additionally, while the majority of reviewers praise the orchestral score and emotional depth of the soundtrack, a few critics, like Noisy Pixel, provide a more reserved opinion, describing the soundtrack as good but not necessarily exceptional. These minor criticisms, however, do not detract significantly 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 Will of the Wisps. The majority of reviewers highlight the exceptional quality of the orchestral score by Gareth Coker, praising its ability to enhance emotional moments, complement gameplay experiences, and create an immersive atmosphere throughout the game. The seamless integration of music with visuals, the emotional depth of the soundtracks, and the overall impact on the gaming experience are consistently lauded by critics across various platforms. With comparisons to Hollywood movie soundtracks, Ghibli-grade arrangements, and even the work of renowned filmmaker Miyazaki, Ori and the Will of the Wisps' Sound Design and Music stand out as a standout feature that greatly contributes to the game's overall success and enjoyment, as echoed by the majority of critics who played and reviewed the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about the Sound Design and Music of Ori and the Will of the Wisps, praising Gareth Coker's orchestral score for enhancing emotional moments and gameplay. While some note minor issues like audio quality in handheld mode, overall, reviewers highly recommend the game for its immersive sound design and stunning soundtrack that elevates the gaming experience.

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)

22%

Mixed (50-79)

66%

Negative (0-49)

12%

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

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, Ori and the Will of the Wisps received mixed reviews. On the Xbox One, critics like Daily Star and Game Rant noted that initial performance issues were present but were ultimately resolved by a day one patch, improving the overall experience. Additionally, Telegraph highlighted the fairer gameplay experience due to instant respawning and generous checkpoints, enhancing player satisfaction. On the Nintendo Switch, critics such as Siliconera and Switch Player praised the smooth performance running at a consistent 60fps in both docked and handheld modes, providing an enjoyable gameplay experience. However, the Xbox One version of Ori and the Will of the Wisps faced significant technical issues according to critics like Carole Quintaine and USgamer, who mentioned frequent frame rate drops, freezes, and crashes, impacting the overall enjoyment negatively. On the other hand, the Nintendo Switch port encountered occasional crashes and soft-locks as mentioned by Nintendo Life, affecting the seamless gameplay experience. The PC version of the game faced various technical problems, including consistent frame drops, save failures, glitches, and resolution changes, as highlighted by PC Invasion, impacting the overall immersion and gameplay quality. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Ori and the Will of the Wisps indicates a mixed bag of experiences across different gaming platforms. While some platforms like the Xbox One saw improvements post-patch, issues such as frame rate drops and freezes persisted, affecting the gameplay experience for players. On the Nintendo Switch, despite the smooth performance at 60fps, occasional crashes marred the experience. The PC version faced significant technical hurdles, hindering the overall enjoyment for players. It is evident that while the game excelled in certain aspects on different platforms, technical issues remained a prevalent concern, impacting the overall sentiment of the critics.

TL;DR

technical performance

Ori and the Will of the Wisps had a mixed technical performance reception. Xbox One faced initial issues but improved with a patch, while Nintendo Switch ran smoothly at 60fps. However, both platforms encountered crashes and glitches, with the PC version suffering from frame drops and save failures. Despite some improvements post-patch, technical issues impacted gameplay experiences across platforms, leading to a mixed bag of reviews.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the various elements that contribute to the replay value of Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Cultured Vultures praised the game for encouraging exploration and customization through Spirit Shards, providing incentive to revisit areas and develop unique playstyles. GameCrate noted that the game encourages multiple playthroughs to experiment with different combinations of attacks and abilities, while TrueAchievements commended the addition of Wellspring Glades and superb level design, enticing players to return for more. Xbox Tavern also mentioned plenty of side quests, challenge rooms, and exploration incentives that keep players engaged, offering additional depth to the world without feeling like busy work. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain negatives that may impact the replay value of the game. XBLA Fans mentioned limited replay value due to control confusion, underutilized abilities, and technical issues affecting overall enjoyment and completion. GameSkinny highlighted the linear first act and reliance on platforming challenges for content as potential limitations to replay value. Gamer Escape also noted some balance issues that may affect the replay value, although they mentioned the potential for future updates to address these concerns. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side regarding the replay value of Ori and the Will of the Wisps. The game is praised for its encouragement of exploration, customization, and multiple playthroughs by several critics like Cultured Vultures, GameCrate, and Xbox Tavern. While there are some criticisms regarding control issues, balance problems, and limited content variety, the majority of reviewers appreciate the depth of optional content, engaging gameplay mechanics, and the overall experience that entices players to return for more. With a mix of challenging platforming, hidden collectibles, side quests, and customizable abilities, Ori and the Will of the Wisps seems to offer a compelling and engaging experience that caters to players looking for replay value in a visually stunning and emotionally driven world.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Ori and the Will of the Wisps for its high replay value, with features like Spirit Shards, multiple playthroughs, and engaging level design. Despite some issues like control confusion and balance problems, the game's depth of content and captivating gameplay mechanics make it a compelling choice for players seeking a visually stunning and emotionally driven experience with great replayability.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised Ori and the Will of the Wisps for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, emotional storytelling, and overall improvement over its predecessor. GameCrate commended the game as "absolutely stunning and enjoyable," while Noisy Pixel highlighted its "balance of art and gameplay." Critics like GameSpot and Pure Xbox also appreciated the game's upgrades on next-gen hardware and its retention of the strengths of the original, making it a "resounding triumph." On the downside, several critics pointed out technical issues that impacted the overall experience of Ori and the Will of the Wisps. XBLA Fans recommended waiting for patches due to bugs affecting gameplay, while GameSkinny criticized some trial and error parts and tedious areas. Despite these flaws, many reviewers acknowledged that the game's potential shines through once these technical issues are resolved, as mentioned by Carole Quintaine and TheGamer. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with Ori and the Will of the Wisps being regarded as a must-play title and a standout in the Metroidvania genre. The game's captivating world, challenging gameplay, emotional depth, and improvements over its predecessor were widely appreciated. Critics like Nintendo Life praised the game for its better-developed story and combat mechanics, while The Digital Fix described it as a "perfect sequel" that expands upon the original in every way. Despite some performance issues, the majority of reviewers found Ori and the Will of the Wisps to be a remarkable gaming experience that is highly recommended for both fans of the series and newcomers to the genre.

TL;DR

Critics hailed Ori and the Will of the Wisps for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and emotional storytelling, calling it a resounding triumph with next-gen upgrades. Despite technical issues affecting gameplay, reviewers agree that once patched, the game's potential shines through, making it a standout must-play title in the Metroidvania genre. Overall, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is praised for its captivating world, challenging gameplay, and improvements over its predecessor, offering a remarkable gaming experience highly recommended for fans and newcomers alike.

MONSTER

Reviews

225 reviews found

100

Gamer Escape

Jun 10, 2020

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

A shining example of a sequel that maintains the core of the original while introducing new elements. Offers an artistic gaming experience with diverse combat approaches. Highly recommended for players seeking more than just a time-killer.

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100

Switch Player

Nintendo Switch

Sep 28, 2020

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

The review concludes that Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a highly polished Nintendo Switch port and one of the best modern metroidvanias. It is praised for its world, combat, and exploration.

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100

VGC

Xbox One

Mar 10, 2020

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

The game is described as a truly breathtaking Metroidvania that builds on the original without ruining what made it special, with incredible technical and artistic achievement.

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100

Telegraph

Xbox One

Mar 23, 2020

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

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a terrific and affecting bout of escapism with a beautiful execution.

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100

Daily Star

Xbox One

Mar 15, 2020

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

The game is highly praised and considered an essential Xbox game, with Moon Studios being celebrated as one of the most creative and exciting studios in the genre.

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100

Player 2

Xbox One

Mar 10, 2020

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

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a wonder to behold, a joy to play, and a must-have for fans of the original game, improving on its predecessor in many aspects.

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100

TheSixthAxis

Nintendo Switch

Sep 23, 2020

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

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a beautiful and emotionally affecting game that is worth seeing through to the end.

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100

The Digital Fix

Nintendo Switch

Sep 28, 2020

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

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a perfect sequel that takes everything from the first game and expands upon it. The Switch version is attractive for playing on the go and proves that a multi-platform game can make a lasting impression on the Switch.

100

Guardian

Xbox One

Mar 18, 2020

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

The game is an irresistible challenge with extraordinary attention to detail. It is a bold and ambitious sequel.

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100

Nintendo Insider

Nintendo Switch

Mar 25, 2021

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

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is one of the best Metroidvania games on the Nintendo Switch, with improvements over the original and a visually stunning world. It is a delight to play and experience.

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