4/5 ★ – Vaxzan's review of Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition.

Played this on Xbox originally and really enjoyed it. Gameplay Essentially the game blends some platforming and Metroidvania elements with less of a focus on combat and more of a focus on the platforming. The game features various abilities that you unlock to make movement and traversal of the 2d map easier and accessible, this includes going back to areas you’ve previously been through mainly you would do this to get all of the collectibles there are to unlock. The platforming feels very intuitive as the controls are great and work really well, the abilities you unlock feel really good as well. For the most part, the platforming is straightforward with it being clear where you need to go, I was only stuck once or twice. The game is pretty challenging but definitely rewarding and enjoyable, the escape sequences are the most difficult section of the game and can be quite frustrating especially if you aren’t very good at platformers like myself. The game’s combat is a bit odd as it mainly revolves around clicking the trigger to cause flames to hit the enemy, you can damage them using the charge ability or stomp you get later on but mainly it will be the flames, the combat isn’t very interesting and isn’t the main focus of the game. There are a variety of enemies that each have different attacks but there are only a few enemies in the game, you will largely encounter the same enemy with a harder version. The game is pretty short, I was able to 100% it in about 10 hours on hard though I have played it before, however, the game is only $5 so it is still worth it. Story The story follows Ori as they attempt to bring the forest back after an incident that left it dark and caused their parental figure to starve. Mainly the story is told through cutscenes that play as you progress and deal with restoring three parts of the forest. You encounter a villainous owl with their own very real reasons to be opposed to attempts to restore the light. The story is quite well told and is packed full of emotions. Graphics This game is simply gorgeous, the wonderful backgrounds and characters look stunning and create a unique look for the game. Every area of the game will be beautiful to look at and looks like art in each instance. Each area has a unique background that fits the area incredibly well. If there is one complaint I have about the art it’s that in some cases it is so overwhelming in its beauty it can be hard to see enemies. Soundtrack It has a beautiful soundtrack that has many strong pieces that help to resonate with the emotions of the story as well as the intensity of the gameplay. Each is well crafted though largely the soundtrack isn’t insanely memorable. Conclusion Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition is a solid platformer with beautiful art and a great story, for $5 you really can’t go wrong with this game if you like platformers.