Overview
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is the sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest, developed by Moon Studios and published by Xbox Game Studios, released in 2020. I played it on PC through Xbox Game Pass.
Having loved Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition, I loved this entry too!
Story and world
The story picks up after the first game. Ori, Naru and Gumo are raising Ku, a young owl. During a flight, Ori and Ku are separated by a storm above Niwen, a land eaten away by a mysterious blight, and Ori sets out to find her.
It is the direct sequel to the first game, and it is heartbreaking.
Gameplay
I find it much more dynamic than the first one. Combat takes up more space: Ori now has a Spirit Edge, a bow, a hammer and other weapons that you can assign freely.
The game also adds Spirit Shards, which you equip to modify your abilities, side characters with side quests, and boss fights that are more cinematic than in the first game. The movement abilities that make the series so strong are back, with new ones like the grapple and burrowing through sand.
Graphics and music
The art direction is gorgeous, and a lot of detail has gone into the animations.
The music is once again composed by Gareth Coker.
Verdict
I have nothing to add: the game is incredible. More dynamic than the first, with gorgeous art direction and very detailed animations, it is a heartbreaking sequel.