This doesn't much dial in on the platforming itself. Moon Studios nailed this in the first game in a way most can't. Little fights, especially early in the game, can have the feel of boss fights. But it's a simple matter of understanding the type of enemy and working around the mechanics. But where other titles would have a potentially eye-rolling tutorial, Ori smartly escalates the difficulty around new abilities, training players in them while they probably don't realize it because they're enjoying the experience.Ĭombat against certain enemies can frustrate at times, especially when they're zooming at Ori while you attempt jumps around environmental hazards. There's no tutorial or extensive explanations, which isn't to say the game has a distaste for its players and feels punishing. Refreshingly, the game doesn't hold a player's hand. Before long, Ori has a sword-style melee attack, a bow and a sentry turret of sorts, which makes things more complicated (in a fun way) as players must juggle the usage of each because using non-melee abilities comes at a cost. There's a Metroidvania feel to progression through the map, and being equipped with new abilities and backtracking to unlock goodies and find new areas is not only addictive but central to the gameplay loop. It's thrilling fun in action reminiscent of not only the first game, but memorable, challenging titles from past years such as Super Meat Boy. Ori jumps, double jumps, dashes, slides on walls and manipulates projectiles to change course mid-air-to name a few of the abilities-while avoiding baddies, environmental traps and moving obstacles, often at high speeds. The soundtrack is bound to fall on best-of-year lists, as the score only escalates the tension of a jump sequence requiring the utmost precision. This game is masterful, with the joyous moments elevating the on-screen scene and the darker moments foreboding, creating sweat-on-palms material. Screens can get clogged with all the action, but it's never too difficult to track the player's character or discern what's happening. The various stunning color pallets give each locale a distinct feel, and the vibrancy of the often contrasting elements really pop regardless of screen. Plenty of future emulations will persist in the industry, though most figure to fall well short of the mark. Picturesque painted backgrounds depict gorgeous scenery, from cozy little windmills to swampy backdrops and beyond.Ĭalling the visual design genius wouldn't be too hyperbolic.
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