![]() The consistent diversity in gameplay throughout Will of the Wisps may be the game’s biggest achievement. This also means that Will of the Wisps has dedicated boss battles too, which do a good job of adding some additional climatic moments to the game, as well as further diversifying the gameplay scenarios as a whole. While it’s not a complex combat system, forgoing varying combos for each weapon in favour of a more simplistic approach, the punchy feedback that comes from knocking around enemies is gratifying enough to make it a worthwhile addition. Each of Ori’s different weapons have their own distinct properties and drawbacks, so naturally some become a better fit for certain enemies than others. Ori can map different abilities to the three face buttons separate from the dedicated jump button, and these can also include a range of different weapons, such as a bow, a swift hitting staff, and a large weighty club. ![]() In Blind Forest, combat almost felt like a means to an end, whereas now it’s been notably fleshed out into its own core mechanic. The biggest improvement to the gameplay comes in the form of the newly revised combat. It’s also a perfect showcase for how seamlessly Ori’s different abilities can be used in tandem, as you’ll find yourself almost automatically reacting to incoming obstacles as you circumvent them at a hair’s breadth. Not only is it a great spectacle to see vast structures crumble away effortlessly, as you fly past narrowly avoiding an instant death while Gareth Coker’s immaculate score blares in the background. ![]() The platforming shines strongest in the returning chase sequences, in which Ori is pursued through areas by a much larger creature at a rapid pace. These also add additional functionality to returning abilities such as Bash, with the combination of different moves being the backbone of a lot of the game’s best platforming sequences. Traversing this new world is even more fun than before, with new moves such as the Grapple and Burrow abilities – which allow Ori to latch onto certain surfaces from afar, and plough through heavy sand and snow with ease respectively – being irreplaceable additions to Ori’s arsenal. Everything in Will of the Wisps feeds into the core principles of exploration and character progression, making the satisfaction that comes with combing through a dense world even more engaging. These side quests will often reward Ori with extra currency, making the already natural act of exploration for hidden upgrades even more heavily incentivised. These characters aren’t just there for set-dressing: many act as vendors, providing new abilities and upgrades for Ori, as well as additional side quests. The addition of talkative friendly NPC’s of different species also adds an extra level of authenticity to the world, as well as more personality. Those familiar with the original won’t be surprised to hear that Will of the Wisps is gorgeous, with a vibrant, watercolour-esque art style making the large variety of different areas a treat to explore. From there, it’s up to the titular Ori to traverse an unexplored land, unlock new abilities, discover secret areas and engage in many platforming challenges, all in typical metroidvania fashion. There’s a quick prologue that introduces players to the world and its characters, before tragedy befalls the cute and cuddly creatures. Much like the first game, the setup in Will of the Wisps is straightforward and brief. Thankfully, both of these things are true, with Will of the Wisps being a near perfect follow-up to an already great game. Not only did it seem to be making beneficial gameplay enhancements, but it also looked like a larger scale production overall. In the years since its announcement, Ori and the Will of the Wisps has been shaping up to be a universal improvement over its 2015 predecessor Ori and the Blind Forest. Reviews // 22nd Mar 2020 - 2 years ago // By Francis Kenna Ori and the Will of the Wisps Review
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