Ori Series Pros & Cons

The Ori Series: A Journey of Beauty, Challenge, and Heartfelt Adventure

The Ori series, developed by Moon Studios and published by Xbox Game Studios, has captivated gamers with its breathtaking art, emotionally resonant storylines, and challenging platforming mechanics. Since the release of Ori and the Blind Forest in 2015, followed by its sequel Ori and the Will of the Wisps in 2020, the series has garnered critical acclaim for its innovation and artistry. However, like any game, it has its strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of the Ori series and explore what makes it a standout in the platformer genre.

The Pros of the Ori Series

1. Stunning Visuals and Art Design
   • The Ori games are widely recognized for their breathtaking visual style. The hand-painted artwork, combined with fluid animations, creates an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a beautiful animated film. From the glowing forests of Ori and the Blind Forest to the expansive, lush landscapes of Ori and the Will of the Wisps, the environments are both immersive and meticulously crafted. The game’s dynamic lighting and color palettes evoke an emotional response from players, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
2. Heartfelt and Emotional Storytelling
   • The story in both games, though simple on the surface, is profoundly moving. The series deals with themes of loss, love, hope, and resilience. Ori and the Blind Forest introduces us to Ori, a small guardian spirit, and his bond with the orphaned Naru, while Ori and the Will of the Wisps expands upon this emotional depth by exploring Ori’s journey to save the world of Niwen. The narrative is poignant and touching, and it resonates with players long after the game ends.
3. Engaging Platforming and Tight Controls
   • The gameplay in the Ori series is an absolute delight for platformer enthusiasts. The fluid movement mechanics, including Ori’s jumps, dashes, wall-climbs, and the ability to “Soul Link” (save progress at any point), are intuitive and satisfying. The controls feel tight and responsive, allowing players to perform intricate maneuvers with ease. This makes navigating through the gorgeous but perilous environments a rewarding experience, especially when facing the game’s difficult platforming challenges.
4. Challenging Yet Fair Difficulty
   • The Ori games are not easy, and they don’t shy away from offering tough platforming sections and bosses. However, the difficulty is balanced well, providing players with a sense of accomplishment when overcoming obstacles. While some sections can be frustrating, the game is designed in a way that players never feel like they’re unfairly punished. The challenge in both Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps is rewarding, pushing players to master their skills and learn from their mistakes.
5. Exceptional Music and Sound Design
   • The Ori series features a beautifully orchestrated soundtrack that complements the game’s emotional tone perfectly. The music swells at key moments, enhancing the dramatic weight of certain scenes, while also providing soothing, atmospheric tunes during exploration. Composer Gareth Coker’s work on the series is widely praised, as the music is not only a backdrop to the gameplay but a key element of the game’s storytelling.

The Cons of the Ori Series

1. Challenging Difficulty Can Be Frustrating
   • While the difficulty of the Ori series is part of what makes it so rewarding, it can also be a barrier for some players. The precise platforming, especially in Ori and the Blind Forest, can feel punishing at times. Some sections may require near-perfect timing, and for less experienced players or those seeking a more relaxed experience, the constant repetition of difficult sections might feel more frustrating than fun.
2. Occasional Lack of Exploration Guidance
   • Although the open-world elements of the game in Ori and the Will of the Wisps are a welcome addition, the exploration can sometimes feel aimless. Players may find themselves wandering through vast sections of the map without a clear direction, which can lead to confusion. While the games are built on exploration, there are moments when better guidance on where to go next would enhance the experience.
3. Limited Replayability
   • Once the main story has been completed, there’s limited incentive to return to the Ori games. While there are collectible items and secret areas to find, the lack of significant post-game content or additional modes can leave some players with a sense of “now what?” If you enjoy completing 100% of games or revisiting old favorites, you might find that after finishing the main story, there isn’t a lot of new content to entice you back in.
4. Performance Issues on Older Hardware
   • Both Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps feature visually demanding graphics, which can lead to performance issues on older or less powerful hardware. Some players have reported frame rate drops, especially during intense action sequences or when playing on systems that are below the recommended specs. While these performance issues have been addressed in some patches, they can still detract from the experience for those with less powerful gaming setups.
5. Linear Gameplay in Certain Areas
   • Despite its open-world elements, the Ori series still maintains a relatively linear progression in certain sections. While the exploration is rewarding, players are often required to follow a specific path or sequence of events to advance. This linearity can limit the freedom players might expect from an open-world game, especially for those who enjoy fully open-ended exploration.

Conclusion

The Ori series is a beautiful and emotionally powerful platformer that offers an unforgettable journey through expertly crafted worlds. The stunning visuals, tight platforming mechanics, and poignant storytelling make it a standout in the genre. However, the difficulty can sometimes be overwhelming, and the limited replayability may not appeal to everyone. For those who appreciate a challenging experience and deep emotional storytelling, the Ori series is an absolute must-play. But for others, the frustration of some of the tougher sections might hinder the overall enjoyment. Nonetheless, Ori remains a shining example of what can be achieved in the platformer genre, and its legacy will likely continue to inspire future titles for years to come.