Do I Need to Play Ori in Order? A Deep Dive into the Forest and the Wisps
Absolutely! While Ori and the Will of the Wisps can be enjoyed as a standalone experience, playing Ori and the Blind Forest first is highly recommended to fully appreciate the story, characters, and emotional impact of the sequel. This allows you to develop a deep understanding of the events, relationships, and the world of Nibel, making your journey through Will of the Wisps significantly more meaningful.
The Heart of the Matter: Story and Emotional Resonance
The Ori games aren’t just about stunning visuals and challenging platforming; they’re about a poignant narrative of sacrifice, love, and environmentalism. Ori and the Blind Forest establishes the core relationships, the cataclysmic events that shaped Nibel, and Ori’s initial journey of self-discovery. Jumping straight into Will of the Wisps means missing out on this crucial foundation. You’ll encounter characters whose significance will be lost on you, and emotional moments won’t resonate as strongly without the context provided by the first game. This is a story worth experiencing properly.
Think of it like watching the second season of a TV show without seeing the first. You might grasp the general plot, but you’ll miss the nuances, character development, and inside jokes that make the experience truly rewarding.
Nods to the Original and the Ending Scene
The ending of Ori and the Will of the Wisps is particularly powerful because it draws heavily on the events and themes established in Ori and the Blind Forest. Without that prior knowledge, the emotional weight of the ending will be diminished. You’ll also miss subtle nods and references to the original game scattered throughout the sequel, enriching the experience for returning players. There’s a rich tapestry of lore and callbacks that reward those who have followed Ori’s journey from the beginning.
Gameplay Evolution: A Smooth Transition
While Will of the Wisps refines and expands upon the gameplay mechanics of Blind Forest, understanding the basics from the first game will make your transition smoother. You’ll already be familiar with Ori’s movement, combat, and the Metroidvania-style exploration, allowing you to focus on mastering the new abilities and challenges presented in the sequel.
Learning the Ropes
Ori and the Blind Forest is a great introduction to the series’ unique blend of platforming, combat, and puzzle-solving. It allows you to gradually learn the game’s mechanics and develop your skills before tackling the more complex challenges in Will of the Wisps. Starting with the first game gives you a solid foundation upon which to build your skills.
FAQ: Your Ori Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the best way to experience the Ori games:
1. Are both Ori games connected?
Yes, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a direct sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest. The story, characters, and world are all interconnected, making the experience more rewarding when played in order.
2. Should I play Ori and the Blind Forest or the Definitive Edition?
The Definitive Edition is the way to go. It includes all the content of the original game, plus two new areas (Black Root Burrows and Lost Grove) and additional features. It’s the complete and enhanced experience.
3. Can you play Ori and the Blind Forest after Will of the Wisps?
Yes, you can. However, playing Ori and the Blind Forest afterward will spoil the story elements of Will of the Wisps. For the best narrative experience, playing in order is recommended.
4. Which is better, Ori or Hollow Knight?
Both are excellent Metroidvania games, but they offer different experiences. Hollow Knight emphasizes exploration and combat, while Ori focuses on story and fluid movement. Hollow Knight offers more player agency in the order of power-ups they acquire. It depends on your personal preferences.
5. What is the difference between Ori Will of the Wisps and the Blind Forest?
Will of the Wisps is grander in scope, with a larger map, more abilities, and a refined combat system. Blind Forest lays the groundwork for the series’ emotional storytelling and precise platforming. Will of the Wisps solidifies fans’ love for the franchise through its upgrades.
6. Should I play Ori on easy or normal?
For your first playthrough, Normal is generally recommended. Easy mode allows you to focus on the traversal without worrying too much about combat, while Normal offers a balanced challenge.
7. How many hours is Ori Blind Forest?
Ori and the Blind Forest takes about 8 hours to complete the main story. 100% completion can take around 11.5 hours.
8. Does Ori have a gender?
The developers have intentionally left Ori ungendered. It’s open to personal interpretation.
9. Is Ori 2 longer than Ori 1?
Yes, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is longer than Ori and the Blind Forest. Expect to spend around 12 hours on the main story and 18 hours for 100% completion.
10. What should I buy first in Ori and the Will of the Wisps?
Spirit Smash is a great early ability due to its versatility and damage output. Prioritize upgrading it to Shock Smash.
11. Is Ori and the Will of the Wisps easier than Ori and the Blind Forest?
Many players find Ori and the Will of the Wisps more challenging due to its larger map and more complex combat.
12. Is Ori a hard game?
Ori isn’t overwhelmingly difficult, but it does have challenging platforming sequences that require skill and patience.
13. Does Ori have multiple endings?
No, Ori and the Blind Forest does not have multiple endings.
14. What do I need to know before Ori and the Will of the Wisps?
Prioritize getting Spirit Smash and experiment with Spirit Shards. Triple-jump, Ultra Grapple, and Ultra Bash Spirit Shards are all game changers.
15. Is Ori and the Will of the Wisps hard or normal?
For a first playthrough, Normal or even Easy is recommended, especially considering that changing the difficulty requires a full restart.
Learning Through Games: Beyond Entertainment
The Ori series, while entertaining, also presents opportunities for learning. The games encourage problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and perseverance. Understanding the impact of games on learning is crucial in today’s educational landscape. For more information on this topic, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website. The Games Learning Society helps to connect researchers and educators on the principles of game based learning.
The Final Verdict
While Ori and the Will of the Wisps is an excellent game in its own right, playing Ori and the Blind Forest first will significantly enhance your overall experience. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the story, characters, and the world of Nibel, making your journey with Ori all the more meaningful and rewarding. So, do yourself a favor and start with the first game – you won’t regret it! The definitive edition of Ori and the Blind Forest is the best introduction to the series and is a masterpiece to play before diving into its sequel.