Ori and the Blind Forest 📽 Through the Lens

Why, hello there! Obi-Wan voice. 👋 I didn't see you come in. I was just talking about my favorite genre: Metroidvanias.

In recent years two games stand out as the clear frontrunners for best modern metroidvanis. Those games would be Hollow Knight, and of course, Ori. Beautiful thing is, that while these games share some similarities, they share more differences still. Very different games take the genre forward in different ways. From a design aspect, that's beautiful. 😍

As such❗️ In this edition of Through the Lens 🎞, we'll be looking at Moon Studio's blockbuster metroidvania from 2015: Ori and the Blind Forrest, Roll it! 📽

As always, we start off by linking the soundtrack. And boy is this one a doozy (is that a word? I think that's a word). If there is one thing that Ori stands out from its competition, it's its production quality. 💯 And this soundtrack ain't no exception. I highly recommend you give it a listen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeVFrt7BUyw

Since I'm such a metroidvania junkie I played this game on release. And loved every second of it. By now you guys should know that I don't write about games i disliked, and we're not gonna start here. 😂 I say that as some might remember that I'm a huge Hollow Knight stan. And while I think HK is a superior metroidvania, and I enjoy it more. Ori can still stand on its own two feet with no problem. 💪

They are different games. And we will explore what makes Ori unique and wonderful. Starting with its most stand out aspect.

Let's go through each aspect of this game's, frankly, revolutionary direction:

• 🎨 Art Design 🎨 Digitally drawn with immaculate precision. The aesthetic of this game is holey its own. Its use of gradients and shading is piscar-esque (I know I just used disney-esque for the title of this section, you got a problem with that?). The animations are all so smooth, it's startling how every movement leads to the other. The backgrounds also incorporate each of these elements to a T. When this came out, I would go so far as to say it was the most beautiful 2D game ever made. A standard of quality rarely seen, at the least. 😌

• 🎭 Character Design 🎭 The overall direction is of course present in all of these elements. But as fluid as the movements are, the characters would be nowhere without their outstanding design. 💯 We're talking unique and memorable characters that stay with you long after the game is done. From adorable, furry father figures; to giant goliaths taken out of some twisted H.P. Lovecraft novel. The merging of different elements is what makes the friends and foes of this game one-of-a-kind.

• 🎶 Sound Design 🎶 Last and certainly not least is the game's ear-pumping music and sound effect. If you are still listening to the soundtrack (as I have ordered you to do so 😤) you would doubtless concur. The soundtrack proves the most suited last piece of the puzzle - whether in stressful action-packed chase sequences or in quiet, peaceful moments. The highs and lows complement and enhance the visual aesthetics with ease. Together with the excellent SFX that just pop! and zing! through your adventure.

Suffice it to say this game looks, feels, and sounds amazing. A rare harmony rarely witnessed in gaming. It is definitely its selling point and the reason why you should play the game. Not that the other aspects are lackluster, you understand. Its just this one stands out so much in comparison.

The game just feels fun to play. You enjoy your time even when you are stuck on a puzzle/unsure where to go next. That goes far to stifle any flaws a game might have. Luckily, this game hasn't any major drawbacks. But let's explore this in more detail, shall we?

So for all intents and purposes, Ori is a Metroidvania. Howeva❗️❗️❗️ Because of its high-budget, mass-appeal approach, it cannot be a true metroidvania. And I know that sounds pretentious as all balls, but it is also....bear with me now... the truth! 😂

Now when I say true metroidvania I mean things like Super Metroid or, you guess it, Hollow Knight. Now, for most people this wouldn't matter, but if this is one of your favorite genres, then you'd expect the game to hold true to the identity of said genre. This is completely personal preference! 🙂

The map is interconnected, and it has shortcuts and workarounds and all that jazz. it is technically a metroidvania... but not really. 😅 If we compare it to an open world. Ori would be like God of War 2018, while a true metroidvania would be something like Elden Ring or Breath of the Wild. Basically its more a bunch of areas with a few side areas attached. But no, true connection. If that makes sense.

It is still a metroidvania, for all intents and purposes. But if you're a snob like me, you're not playing the game for its metroidvania values. 😁 // and if anyone calls me a snob in the comments you're getting the 🔨

A lot of the game's successes and shortcomings can be linked with the successes and shortcomings of Hollow Knight. And this is what this section is. it makes it much more convenient to talk about Ori's systems. 👯

Now, why dedicate an entire section to this? Dramaaaaaa! Of course.

Now, the video above goes over this topic in great detail. I will be using it as a reference in this section. But if you are at all curious about the metroidvania genre. 😉

For instance, Ori's combat is much more of an afterthought. This is a good thing. It falls in line with its overall game direction. Same with its upgrade tree, and even its map design. These might not suit my tastes, but they are a part of a well constructed vision. 🎯

I use this opportunity to highlight that Ori's "failings as a metroidvania in my eyes, are just that, they're my 👀. And more often than not, the average gamer would enjoy the game more.

I'm just very posh like that. // Again, I better not read any comments about this.

Plain and simple one of the best looking, best sounding, games out there. Indie or otherwise. 🤘

I didn't talk bout it here, but the story is also wholesome and inspiring. Combined with the awesome moments the game manages to pull off, it feels impactful and meaningful.

Unfortunately, it will always be compared to Hollow Knight. For one reason or another. Unfairly so, in my opinion. But eh 🤷‍♂ it is what it is. You can't control these things.

But yeah, I definitely recommend this game. Anyone and everyone can play and enjoy it.

Shout-out to the 🍕PIZZA🍕 gang, 🤙 gang. 🤙

I'll be honest, I've yet to play the sequel. 😅 So no article on that one anytime soon.

I'd like to reiterate that even though I prefer other metroidvanias, it is completely due to personal taste. If this game looks fun to you, it will be fun to you. Trust you boyyyy.

Thanks for reading, you beautiful face you!

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Have a great start to your week! 🙌

Adios muchachos.

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