Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps accompanied the launch of the Xbox Series X|S consoles as one of the first titles enhanced for the new hardware, and it still ranks among the most beautiful games running on them. The story continues the tale of the small spirit of light, Ori, who sets out to find the owlet Ku and in the process reaches the withering land of Niwen, plagued by spreading darkness. The structure is classic metroidvania: the map opens up gradually as the hero gains new abilities — an air jump, a sword strike, a spear, a grappling hook or the ability to swim through sand — and older areas transform into entirely new paths thanks to them. Compared to the first game, combat has been noticeably toughened up, with the addition of heroic trials, full-fledged bosses and a system of charms that lets players build their own playstyle.

On the new generation the game runs at high resolution and with a considerably higher frame rate, which for a game built on split-second precision jumps and dodges is no mere cosmetic touch but a tangible difference in control. Hand-painted backgrounds with several layers of depth, light filtering through roots, and delicate particle effects create the impression of a moving illustration. The music is purely orchestral, built around piano and strings, and during the chases where ruin pursues Ori across an entire level, it becomes an utterly gripping accompaniment.

Critics received the game enthusiastically, praising above all how it managed to expand the scope without losing the fragility and emotional power of its predecessor — the story's ending ranks among the strongest moments in the genre. Today Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a required stop for anyone who loves platformers, and at the same time proof that a relatively small team can create a game with the visual and musical polish of major productions. Alongside the main story, the game offers side quests for the village's inhabitants, racing trials against spirits and a number of hidden nooks with upgrades, so there's still reason to return after finishing it. The difficulty is well balanced, too: the game can put up a real fight, but thanks to generous saving it never punishes unfairly.