Ori and the Will of the Wisps game poster and cover art

Game Introduction

Game Introduction: Ori and the Will of the Wisps



Overview


Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a critically acclaimed action-adventure platformer developed by Moon Studios and published by Xbox Game Studios. It is the direct sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest (2015) and expands upon the original’s emotional storytelling, fluid movement, and hand-painted art. Released on March 11, 2020, the game is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC (Windows 10 and Steam), and is also playable on Xbox Game Pass for console and PC. The game received several post-launch updates and a major expansion, making it a definitive experience for fans of the Metroidvania genre.

Story Overview


Set after the events of Ori and the Blind Forest, the game follows the spirit guardian Ori and a tiny fox-like creature Ku, who fell into a dark forest at the end of the first game. A tragic accident separates them, hurling Ori into a vast, decaying world known as Niwen. This land is plagued by a spreading corruption called the Decay, which has drained the life from the forest and its inhabitants. Ori must journey through five distinct biomes, uncover the truth behind the Decay, and restore the light to Niwen using the Will of the Wisps—mysterious spirits that hold the power to heal the land. Along the way, Ori encounters both allies and adversaries, including a wise owl named Shriek, who serves as a tragic antagonist, and other ancient guardians. The narrative explores themes of sacrifice, family, and the cycle of life, culminating in a deeply emotional conclusion.

Setting


The world of Niwen is a stunningly hand-animated, 2.5D side-scrolling forest filled with lush vegetation, bioluminescent flora, and crumbling ruins. Each of the four main regions—Inkwater Marsh, Wellspring Glades, Luma Pools, and Baur’s Reach—offers a distinct visual aesthetic and environmental challenges, from underwater currents to volcanic caves. The sky-themed Wind Wastes and the eerie Mouldwood Depths further diversify the exploration. The map is interconnected with hidden paths, shortcuts, and secret areas, encouraging thorough exploration. The environment is fully interactive: water ripples, leaves rustle, and dynamic lighting creates a living, breathing world. The game’s orchestral soundtrack, composed by Gareth Coker, dynamically shifts to match the mood and intensity of each area, enhancing the immersive experience.

Main Characters


  • Ori: The silent, nimble spirit protagonist from the first game, now more agile and powerful. Ori can wall-jump, dash, double-jump, and use a variety of combat skills.

  • Ku: A young, owlet-like spirit who bonds with Ori in the opening sequence. Her accidental fall triggers Ori’s journey, and her fate is central to the story. (Note: Ku is a major character, but please avoid unmarked story spoilers as per common practice in game introductions. The above description is safe.)

  • Shriek: The primary antagonist, a twisted, mute owl whose wings are incapable of flight. Her tragic backstory and motivations are revealed gradually, making her a complex and memorable villain.

  • Tokk: A friendly, wise frog-like creature who serves as the game’s quest giver and guide, offering missions that unlock new abilities and lore.

  • Kwolok: A giant, benevolent frog guardian who teaches Ori the Burrow ability, allowing underground travel.

  • Mora: A spider-like spirit who dwells in the Mouldwood Depths and grants the Flash ability.

  • Grom: A weak-spot guardian who gives Ori the Dash upgrade.

  • Shriek’s siblings (Unnamed): Support characters that appear as small, glowing wisps who assist Ori in certain areas.


    • Core Appeal


    Ori and the Will of the Wisps is beloved for its silky-smooth movement and challenging but fair combat system, which replaces the original’s pure platforming focus with a wider array of weapons and skills. Players can equip Spirit Shards—customizable upgrades that alter playstyle (e.g., increasing damage, reducing cooldowns, or adding extra health). The game offers a tightly crafted Metroidvania map that rewards backtracking and exploration, with frequent save points and a flexible fast-travel system. The emotional story and stunning visuals create an unforgettable experience, often compared to interactive art. The difficulty is balanced to be approachable for newcomers while offering high-difficulty modes and optional bosses for veterans.

    Target Audience


    This game appeals to:
  • Fans of action-platformers and Metroidvania games (e.g., Hollow Knight, Super Metroid, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night)

  • Players who appreciate hand-drawn animation and expressive art styles

  • Gamers looking for a story-driven single-player experience with emotional depth

  • Casual players who enjoy exploration and puzzle-solving in a beautiful open world

  • Achievements hunters and completionists, thanks to a robust collectible system


    • Game Modes


  • Story Mode (single-player only): The main campaign, which takes approximately 10–15 hours to complete (up to 20 for 100%).

  • New Game+ (not available at launch, added post-launch): Allows players to start a new game with previously upgraded abilities and Spirit Shards, but with increased enemy difficulty.

  • Boss Rush (added in a major update): A separate mode that lets players fight all major bosses consecutively for a high-score challenge.

  • Spirit Trials (timed challenges): Optional race-like courses that test movement skills against ghost records.

  • Difficulty Options: Includes Easy, Normal, Hard, and a One Life mode (permadeath) for masochists.


    • Online/Offline Support


  • Offline: The entire game can be played offline from start to finish. No internet connection is required for single-player content.

  • Online: Leaderboards for Spirit Trials are available online. Also, updates and DLC must be downloaded via internet. No multiplayer or co-op modes exist.


    • DLC / Expansion Overview


  • Ori and the Will of the Wisps received a substantial free expansion titled "The Sacrifice" (officially called the "Major Update" on July 7, 2020). This added:

    • - Boss Rush mode
    - New Game+ with extra difficulty scaling
    - Additional Spirit Shards and upgrades
    - A new difficulty option (One Life)
    - Quality-of-life improvements (improved map, faster loading, etc.)
  • A separate Definitive Edition was never released; the base game plus this free update is considered the final version.


What Makes This Game Unique


1. Hand-painted art & cinematic animation: Each frame is drawn by hand, resulting in a living watercolor aesthetic that sets a new standard for 2D games.
2. Fluid, precise movement: Ori’s control is buttery smooth—wall jumps, dashes, and a new grapple ability create a rhythmic flow that feels like a platforming symphony.
3. Dynamic soundtrack: Gareth Coker’s score adapts to player actions, heightening emotional beats and adrenaline moments.
4. Spirit Shard system: Replaces a simple skill tree with interchangeable upgrades that allow deep customisation of Ori’s combat and traversal style.
5. Emotional storytelling: The game’s narrative is delivered through minimal dialogue and environmental cues, relying on player empathy and visual poetry.
6. True Metroidvania design: The map is non-linear, with secrets hidden behind ability gates that require backtracking, creating a satisfying loop of discovery and mastery.