5/5 ★ – tunikb's review of Ori and the Will of the Wisps.

I've been waiting for a sequel to Ori and the Blind forest practically the moment I was looking at it's credits rolling. I knew a second part of this masterful game would double down on its strength and introduce us to another awe-inspiring world. There is so much "good" in this game, it deserves the highest praise possible. But I want to focus on two things, that in my opinion make this game the best of its genre. The Art-Direction and the gameplay itself. Anyone who remotely heard of the first part, probably knows what to expect. The level design is out of this world, literally. Every area or biome looks completely different, giving you the feeling you are exploring something new up until the very end. Every stage has so many very detailed layers, that reach far in the background to give it depth. Everything moves, breathes, reacts... just lives. The characters are often times cute and their stories heartfelt, sometimes sad and always a joy to follow, even though all you get is a few lines here and there. The sound design underlines everything perfectly and adds a beautiful soundtrack on top. What makes this game the best of its kind though, is the way gameplay progression is paced and placed very carefully. What I mean by that, is, that from the beginning up until the very last moment of the game, you get new abilities and upgrades, that make you feel stronger. Every area introduces something new, just at the right moment, so that you had enough time to master all previous abilities. It's just perfectly timed. Nothing beats the moment though, were you start to combine these abilities, some complementing each other so well, that you start to breeze through the world like a ninja, making you feel like a pro. Traversal and fighting in this game is perfection and you won't get bored at any time, that's a promise. I also feel the game arrives at a perfect time, as the villainy of the games antagonist roots in the fear and anger and discrimination we see ever so often in the real world. It is in contrast to the "good side" which thrives through collaboration and inclusiveness. There is a reason for the evil in the world and we can change that, one step at a time.