Can You Replay Ori and the Blind Forest? A Deep Dive
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Yes, absolutely! You can definitely replay Ori and the Blind Forest. But the answer isn’t quite as simple as a flat “yes.” It depends on which version of the game you’re playing and what you mean by “replay.” The Definitive Edition offers more flexibility compared to the original release. Let’s unpack this further.
Replaying Specific Sections vs. Restarting
In the original version of Ori and the Blind Forest, certain key areas became inaccessible after you completed their respective sequences. Specifically, the Ginso Tree, the Forlorn Ruins, and Mount Horu were one-way trips. Once you finished them, that was it. You couldn’t go back. This was a design choice that created a sense of urgency and finality, reflecting the narrative themes of environmental devastation and irreversible loss. However, it also frustrated completionists and players who simply wanted to revisit favorite locations.
The Definitive Edition largely addresses this limitation. While some escape sequences (especially the larger, story-critical ones) don’t fully reset, most areas are now accessible after completion. This means you can revisit the Forlorn Ruins and Ginso Tree to collect any missed items or simply enjoy the atmosphere. The Definitive Edition includes new areas – Black Root Burrows and Lost Grove – which are replayable.
If you want to experience the game from the beginning, you can always start a new save file. Ori and the Blind Forest thoughtfully tracks your last 10 saves, providing a safety net in case you get stuck or want to experiment with different skill paths. You can easily roll back to a previous save by navigating to the “Start Game” menu, selecting your save, and using the left stick to move up or down the save list. This feature is invaluable for overcoming challenging sections or correcting unintended consequences of skill choices.
Continuing After the Ending
One of the best features added in the Definitive Edition is the ability to continue playing after beating the game. The original game locked your save file upon completion, preventing you from exploring the world or collecting remaining items. Now, after the credits roll, you’re placed back at the Willow’s End shrine, where you can use the warp system to travel to any Spirit Well and continue your adventure. This makes it much easier to achieve 100% completion.
Factors to Consider When Replaying
Before embarking on a replay, consider these factors:
- Version of the Game: Are you playing the original or the Definitive Edition?
- Completion Goals: Do you want to achieve 100% completion, or are you just looking to enjoy the story again?
- Skill Tree: Different skill tree builds can dramatically alter the gameplay experience. Experiment with different paths to discover new strategies and abilities.
- Difficulty Level: If you found your first playthrough too easy or too difficult, adjust the difficulty level for a fresh challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you revisit areas in Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition?
Yes! The Definitive Edition allows you to revisit almost all areas after completing their respective sequences. This wasn’t possible in the original game for some key locations like the Ginso Tree.
2. How do you restart Ori and the Blind Forest from the beginning?
Simply go to the “Start Game” menu and create a new save file. This will allow you to play through the entire game again from the beginning.
3. Can you keep playing Ori and the Blind Forest after beating the game?
Yes! The Definitive Edition lets you continue playing after the final cutscene. You’ll be placed back at the Willow’s End shrine, allowing you to warp to other areas and finish any remaining tasks.
4. Can you revisit the Ginso Tree in Ori?
Yes, in the Definitive Edition, you can revisit the Ginso Tree. In the original version, it was inaccessible after completing the escape sequence.
5. How long does it take to 100% Ori and the Blind Forest?
On average, it takes about 12.5 hours to achieve 100% completion in the Definitive Edition.
6. Should you play Ori and the Blind Forest before Will of the Wisps?
Yes, it’s highly recommended! While not strictly necessary, playing Ori and the Blind Forest first provides crucial context, background information, and emotional resonance for Will of the Wisps. You’ll understand the characters’ motivations and the world’s history much better. There are also spoilers in Will of the Wisps for the first game.
7. Is there Ori 3?
Unfortunately, as of now, there are no plans for an Ori 3. Developer Moon Studios has moved on to other projects.
8. How hard is Ori and the Blind Forest compared to Hollow Knight?
Ori and the Blind Forest is generally considered less difficult than Hollow Knight, especially in terms of combat. Ori focuses more on platforming challenges.
9. What happens when you finish Ori and the Blind Forest?
The forest begins to heal, and Ori, Gumo, and Naru live happily together, caring for Kuro’s last egg. The egg hatches, hinting at a new character for the sequel.
10. Can you go back to the Forlorn Ruins in Ori?
Yes, in the Definitive Edition, you can re-enter the Forlorn Ruins using Spirit Wells or by destroying the boulder that blocks the way using Charge Flame after you’ve fought Kuro.
11. Where is the Lost Grove in Ori?
The entrance to the Lost Grove is located deep within the Black Root Burrows.
12. Does Ori have multiple endings?
No, there is only one ending in Ori and the Blind Forest.
13. Can you still play the forest after ending?
Yes, after ending the game in the Definitive Edition, you can continue playing on the same save file.
14. What is the difference between Ori and the Blind Forest and the Definitive Edition?
The Definitive Edition includes new areas (Black Root Burrows and Lost Grove), new abilities, difficulty settings, fast travel, and the ability to continue playing after the ending. It offers an enhanced and more complete experience compared to the original.
15. What is the point of no return in Ori Blind Forest?
While Mount Horu was the point of no return in the original, preventing you from leaving once you entered, the Definitive Edition does not have a true “point of no return” as you can still explore after finishing the game.
Ori: A Testament to Replayability
Ori and the Blind Forest, particularly the Definitive Edition, offers a compelling reason for replayability. Its beautiful art style, evocative music, challenging platforming, and heartfelt story create an experience that is worth revisiting. Whether you are a seasoned gamer or a newcomer, the game’s accessibility and depth make it a rewarding experience time and time again. Its story is so moving it almost feels like the sort of lesson you would find at the Games Learning Society, which is a non-profit organization that seeks to understand how games and game-like principles can be used to support learning. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org. The game has earned its place in the hearts of many players, and is likely to continue enchanting players for years to come.