Ori and the Blind Forest is a mystical platformer game released in 2015 by Moon Studios and published by Microsoft Studios. The game follows Ori, a forest spirit, on a journey to restore life to a dying forest with the help of Sein, a small spirit. The game’s stunning visuals, enchanting story, exceptional music, and smooth gameplay received critical acclaim, winning multiple awards. It has become a fan favorite and a landmark title in the platformer genre. A sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, was released in 2020.
The Mystical Adventure of Ori and the Blind Forest
Introduction
Ori and the Blind Forest is a mystical and enchanting game that follows the story of Ori, a forest spirit, who embarks on a journey to restore life to the forest. It is a beautifully designed game with a captivating story that immerses the player in its magical world. It was developed by Moon Studios and published by Microsoft Studios in 2015.
Storyline
The game begins with Ori, a white guardian spirit, falling from the Spirit Tree during a storm. Naru, a creature of the forest, discovers Ori and raises him as her own. They live peacefully until a catastrophic event takes place, causing the forest to wither and die. Ori, with the help of a small spirit named Sein, sets out on a journey to restore life to the forest and uncover the secrets of the Spirit Tree.
Gameplay
Ori and the Blind Forest is a platformer game that requires the player to navigate various environments throughout the forest. The player controls Ori as he jumps, climbs, and dashes through the forest to complete various tasks and solve puzzles. Sein, a spirit companion, assists the player in combat by shooting spirit flames at enemies. As the game progresses, Ori gains new abilities that allow him to reach new areas and defeat stronger enemies.
Visuals
The visuals of Ori and the Blind Forest are stunning. The game has a hand-painted aesthetic that gives it a unique and enchanting look. The forest is full of vibrant colors and lush vegetation, making it feel alive and magical. The animations are smooth and fluid, making Ori’s movements feel graceful and natural. The game’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the character design to the environmental details.
Sound
The music and sound design of Ori and the Blind Forest are exceptional. The game’s soundtrack was composed by Gareth Coker and features a beautiful blend of orchestral and electronic music. The score perfectly captures the game’s mystical and otherworldly atmosphere. The sound effects are also impressive, from the gentle rustling of leaves to the thunderous crash of a waterfall. The audio immerses the player in the game’s world and brings the forest to life.
Reception
Ori and the Blind Forest received critical acclaim upon its release. It was praised for its stunning visuals, enchanting story, and exceptional soundtrack. The game won multiple awards, including “Best Art Direction” at The Game Awards 2015. It has since become a fan favorite and a landmark title in the platformer genre.
Conclusion
Ori and the Blind Forest is a mystical and enchanting game that immerses the player in a beautiful and magical world. Its captivating story, stunning visuals, and exceptional music make it a masterpiece in the platformer genre. Its popularity continues to grow, and Moon Studios has since released a sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, which continues Ori’s mystical adventure.