Ori and the Blind Forest Review

Ori and the Blind Forest was Microsoft’s answer to the Metroidvania craze in 2015. Fantastic titles such as Dust: An Elysian Tail and Cave Story+ had shown the world what the genre could produce. Even then, though, something was missing. Someone had to step up and showcase the pinnacle of Metroidvania gameplay. That’s where Ori developer Moon Studios stepped in. With gorgeous visuals, a beautiful soundtrack, and a moving narrative, Ori and the Blind Forest has reached that pinnacle.

Visuals

You might expect the best-looking video games to come from huge AAA developers. After all, they throw millions of dollars at their colossal development projects. However, this isn’t the case. Visual appeal in video games truly blooms 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.

The vibrant colors are the first thing that stands out. Serene green meadows, glistening blue lakes, and viscous red magma pools. It would have been easy to take Ori’s theme of darkness and create dim, moody environments. Moon Studios avoided this and have instead made something that looks beautiful and only gets better as you play on. Bringing life back to the forest adds layer after layer of fresh, breath taking colors.

Audio

Composer Gareth Coker is responsible for Ori’s well-crafted soundtrack. Songs make the most out of their powerful and emotive piano segments. Highlights include “Ori, Lost In The Storm” and “Naru, Embracing the Light.” Songs of different genres blend together well during gameplay. The transition between soothing music to a high-paced action rhythm is not easy to execute, but Ori pulls it off.