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Ori and the Will of the Wisps, the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Ori and the Blind Forest, had a lot to live up to. Five years in development, the original game set a high bar with its breathtaking visuals, captivating music, and engaging gameplay. Does Will of the Wisps deliver? In short, yes, and then some. Moon Studios has crafted a magnificent sequel that not only builds upon the strengths of its predecessor but expands upon them with innovative ideas and refined mechanics.

Will of the Wisps

A World of Wonder

Will of the Wisps retains the visual splendor of the original, presenting a world that is both breathtaking and enchanting. Every element, from the swaying branches to the smallest blades of grass, is hand-painted with exquisite detail. The backgrounds are equally impressive, adding depth and richness to the environments. What truly sets Will of the Wisps apart is the diversity of its visual style. Each area boasts a unique aesthetic, creating a constant sense of discovery. Baur’s Reach, a snow-covered region, is a prime example. The predominantly cool color palette, punctuated by golden leaves and glowing lanterns, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. This distinct visual identity separates it from the lush, vibrant forests found elsewhere, making each new area a visual feast.

Will of the Wisps

While visually stunning, the game never loses sight of its core gameplay. The beautiful visuals subtly guide the player, hinting at dangers and hidden paths. This integration of aesthetics and gameplay enhances the experience, making the beauty of Will of the Wisps feel purposeful rather than superfluous. The exquisite visuals are further complemented by a superb soundtrack composed by Gareth Coker. The music dynamically shifts to match the on-screen action, from intense orchestral pieces during thrilling chases to serene melodies that immerse the player in the tranquil beauty of the world.

Will of the Wisps

Mastering Movement and Combat

Will of the Wisps expands upon the already intricate movement mechanics of the original with new abilities like Grapple, Dash, Glide, and Burrow. These additions, combined with returning abilities like Bash and double jump, create a complex and satisfying platforming experience. The game gradually introduces these abilities, ensuring a steady learning curve. Traversing the world becomes a dynamic and engaging puzzle, requiring players to cleverly chain together abilities to overcome obstacles and reach new areas.

Will of the Wisps

Addressing a common criticism of the original game, Will of the Wisps significantly improves the combat. Players now have access to a variety of weapons, including the Spirit Edge sword, the Spike spear, and the returning Spirit Light. These weapons, acquired through Spirit Trees or purchased from the NPC Opher, allow for diverse combat strategies. The enhanced combat is further complemented by the improved enemy design. Enemies are more aggressive and varied, requiring players to think quickly and utilize their full arsenal of abilities. The seamless integration of movement and combat abilities adds depth and fluidity to the gameplay.

Will of the Wisps

The boss battles are a particular highlight, pitting players against massive, screen-filling foes with devastating attacks. These encounters demand mastery of both combat and movement skills, providing a thrilling test of the player’s abilities.

Will of the Wisps

Exploration and Pacing

As a Metroidvania, exploration is central to Will of the Wisps. The game’s world is filled with upgrades and collectibles, encouraging players to thoroughly explore every nook and cranny. The pacing of the game is expertly handled, maintaining a consistent sense of momentum even when revisiting previous areas. The developers have cleverly anticipated player exploration patterns, placing shortcuts and hidden paths that prevent the game from feeling stagnant. The introduction of Lupo, an NPC who sells maps, further enhances the exploration experience, providing valuable guidance without sacrificing the sense of discovery.

Will of the Wisps

Technical Hiccups

Unfortunately, Will of the Wisps is not without its flaws. Technical issues, including game-breaking bugs, audio glitches, and frame rate drops, mar the otherwise polished experience. While many of these issues have been addressed through patches, their presence detracts from the overall enjoyment.

Will of the Wisps

Conclusion

Despite its technical shortcomings, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a remarkable achievement. The stunning visuals, captivating music, and refined gameplay create a truly unforgettable Metroidvania experience. While the bugs are frustrating, they don’t diminish the brilliance of the core game. Will of the Wisps is a must-play for fans of the genre and a worthy successor to the beloved Ori and the Blind Forest.

Information

• Developer: Moon Studios
• Publisher: Microsoft
• Genre: Action, Metroidvania
• Release Date: March 11, 2020
• Platforms: Windows, Xbox One

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: Windows (64-bit only) 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10
• CPU: AMD Athlon X4 | Intel Core i5 4460 1.8GHz
• RAM: 8GB
• GPU: Nvidia GTX 950 | AMD R7 370
• Storage: 20 GB

Tested System Configuration

• OS: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3750H
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1660ti
• Storage: Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB