There will not be 10 games better than Ori this year
Quality indie games have been pervasively released within the past few years. Since the arrival of the eighth generation of consoles, one may be right to state that indie games have generally overshadowed AAA titles. Moon Studios' inaugural product is perhaps the most effective argument to that statement. Ori and the Blind Forest is not only one of the most polished titles released in 2015 thus far, but a unique and unforgettable trek through the best a side-scroller has to offer.
Ori and the Blind Forest can best be described as a cross between Metroid and Super Meat Boy. Its level design and progression system is akin to the Metroidvania genre, while its side-scrolling platforming can be attributed to something as mechanically challenging as a title like Super Meat Boy. The game adheres to these styles simultaneously, making a majority of the abilities gained through the main story mostly make up of extra platforming abilities. On the Metroidvania side, there are several spheres to be obtained which are hidden around the forest.Perhaps one of the most appealing and fun aspects of this game is the sheer hunt to collect every collectible. These spheres house health and energy, which increases those respective fields. In addition to this, there are also a variety of ability spheres to be found. Ability spheres do not necessarily house new abilities themselves, but increase your spendable points to contribute toward the game's implemented ability tree. Keep in mind, this is not the only way to gain these points, as defeating enemies also gifts you them, but this payoff is at a much lower amount.
Combat found in Ori and the Blind Forest is initially simple. At first, the most you will be able to do is mash the X button, but as you proceed through the story bits, combat tactics will soon be required. A majority of the strategies that will be gained include functions ranging from a ground pound to a move that lets you rebound off enemy projectiles. This progression system in regards to the combat is excellent for the accompanying level design, as it ensures that no difficulty spikes occur, while still retaining the appealing challenge it still presents.
In regards to challenge, its worth mentioning that Ori and the Blind Forest presents its overall difficulty as one of its main draws. While the combat mechanics present a constant and well defined challenge throughout the main trek, it's the core platforming components that will make up the majority of your imminent deaths. Depending on your total health advancements, you will generally die upon a few hits from grounded spikes or some similar equivalent. Not to mention that a simple bad jump into a bottomless pit will result in a death. Throughout your entire playthrough, I can ensure you that you will die repeatedly. The game situates this around you with tight and precise controls, as well as introducing the interesting mechanic of letting you create your own save-points. This addition is a great format to add onto the game. In a way, it derives the quick and free-flow trial and error that Super Meat Boy provided, and yet maintains the core concepts found in other Metroidvanias. Think playing a game like Symphony of the Night, that allows you to provide your own breakpoints. Granted, these breakpoints are not unlimited, as it requires certain amount of energy along with its own recharge time. Again, this feature is ideal, as it adds an extra layer of tactics to the general platforming elements that is unseen within common Metroidvania tropes.
The best attribute I can credit Ori and the Blind Forest for is how entertaining it was to execute all aspects of this game in motion. I found myself frequently revisiting previous areas every chance I got, often to no avail, but it was always very rewarding every moment I found a single instance of something new. However, I found it slightly bothersome that I wasn't able to 100% it. After completely a specific area, the entrance to said area closes off permanently. Meaning, I was unable to obtain one or two items I needed for full completion, as I previously assumed the entire forest would be available indefinitely. Not a major complication or design flaw by any length, but just bothersome.
Despite a respectable amount text thrown throughout the game, story is usually brushed aside and largely insignificant outside of the very beginning and its conclusion. Cinematic cutscenes are generally only placed in those respective situations, leaving almost the entirety of the remaining bits to the gameplay. Do not underestimate these scenarios though, as they can easily be argued to be gut-wrenching. I feel it's probably for the best for people to experience at least the game's introduction for themselves, but for now I'll just say it delivers an effective and emotional tale in a short dialogue-less section. Think something akin to the beginning in Pixar's Up.
Visually, Ori and the Blind Forest evokes perhaps the most appealing art-style ever utilized in a video game before. Upon beginning a new file, you instantly provided an example for the remainder of the game will look. At first glance, the game looks just like a classic Disney movie, emphasizing color contrasts and fluid animations. Its accompanying original soundtrack is also akin to what you would find in such an animated film, providing one of the best soundtracks in recent memory.
Ori and the Blind Forest does not invent the wheel. Nothing presented here is notably innovative or revolutionary. Most of its core mechanics are derived from other titles, but everything is implemented to near perfection. With great gameplay, great music, and a tremendous art-style, you owe it to yourself to play this challenging title. It may be a bit preemptive, but Ori and the Blind Forest is easily the best game of 2015 thus far; and it's going to be hard to beat.
