Ori and the Blind Forest

Ori and the Blind Forest for PC and XONE is a two-dimensional platformer with RPG elements, produced by Moon Studios, an independent developer. The creators were inspired by classic console games, such as Super Metroid and A Link to the Past, and the aesthetics of films from Japan’s studio Ghibli. The game has been developed for more than four years, during which not only did the creators prepare the hand-animated graphics, but they also tested and polished up character development system and complex skill tree.

The main protagonist is Ori, a young and inexperienced forest spirit who will try to learn more about himself and the world around him during his long journey. Throughout the game we will not hear any dialogue, as the developers decided to present the plot only through level design and silent animated cut-scenes, which create a characteristic mood also thanks to a brilliantly matched soundtrack.

The production belongs to a subgenre of platform games called metroidvania. This means that players travel through a vast, maze-like, two-dimensional platform which provides a wealth of hidden passages and shortcuts, as well as surprises and secret elements. Some of the locations are not available until our character receives a power or ability that allows him to open a closed transition or solve a puzzle that guards it. Ori has a complex skill tree which we unlock by gaining experience and reaching next key parts of the story. During the game we face advanced platformer challenges which test our agility and responsiveness.

Two-dimensional graphic design of Ori and the Blind Forest for PC and XONE makes a stunning impression. The platforms with many animated layers seem to be bustling with life. The music also works very well, introducing players to the atmosphere of the magical game world. The production supports 1080p resolution and runs at 60 frames per second.

Last updated on 05 February 2015