Ori and the Blind Forest was Microsoft’s answer to the Metroidvania craze in 2015. Fantastic titles like Dust: An Elysian Tail and Cave Story + had shown the world what the genre could produce. Even then, however, something was missing. Someone had to step forward and show the pinnacle of Metroidvania gameplay. This is where Ori developer Moon Studios stepped in. With gorgeous graphics, a beautiful soundtrack, and a heartwarming storyline, Ori and the Blind Forest has reached the pinnacle.
Visual
You might expect the best video games to come from huge AAA developers. After all, they spend millions of dollars on their colossal development projects. However, this is not the case. The visual appeal in video games really blossoms when an artist is given absolute freedom. Ori and the Blind Forest is a spectacular example of this. Moon Studios has created a world of unparalleled beauty.
Bright colors are the first thing that stands out. Serene green meadows, sparkling blue lakes and pools of viscous red magma. It would have been easy to take Ori’s theme of darkness and create gloomy and moody environments. Moon Studios shunned this and instead made something that looks beautiful and only gets better as you play. Bringing life back to the forest adds layer by layer of fresh and breathtaking color.
Audio
Composer Gareth Coker is responsible for Ori’s well crafted score. The songs make the most of their powerful and emotional piano segments. Highlights include “Ori, Lost In The Storm” and “Naru, Embracing the Light”. Songs from different genres blend well throughout the game. The transition from soothing music to high-paced action beats isn’t easy to accomplish, but Ori makes it.
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