Do You Have to Play Both Ori Games? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: no, you don’t have to play both Ori games to enjoy either one. However, whether you should is a different story. While Ori and the Will of the Wisps (WotW) is designed to be accessible to newcomers, playing Ori and the Blind Forest (Blind Forest) first enhances the experience significantly. Think of it like watching the Star Wars saga – you can jump in at any point, but you’ll appreciate the nuances and emotional weight much more if you experience the story chronologically. Let’s delve deeper into why.
Playing Blind Forest provides valuable context and emotional resonance. You witness the origin of Ori, the blight that befalls the forest of Nibel, and Ori’s journey of self-discovery and restoration. Understanding these events deepens your appreciation for WotW, which directly builds upon the established lore and characters. Without this foundation, you might miss some of the subtle nods, callbacks, and the full impact of the narrative’s evolution. The sequel contains spoilers for the first game, especially at the beginning and in its ending.
The narrative in Ori games is deeply intertwined, forming a continuous storyline. If you care about the story, I’d recommend the original first.
Why Playing in Order Matters
- Story Progression: WotW is a direct sequel. Events, characters, and themes from Blind Forest carry over and are expanded upon. You’ll be meeting familiar faces and referencing past events.
- Character Development: Witnessing Ori’s growth from a naive spirit to a powerful guardian in Blind Forest makes his role in WotW even more meaningful. You understand his motivations and the weight of his responsibilities.
- Emotional Impact: The emotional core of the Ori games is strong. Knowing the backstory of Naru, Gumo, and the forest itself enhances the emotional payoff of key moments in WotW.
- Appreciation of World-Building: Blind Forest meticulously establishes the lore and geography of the Ori universe. WotW expands upon this foundation, and understanding the original setting makes exploring the new areas even more rewarding.
- Gameplay Transition: While WotW refines and improves upon the gameplay mechanics of Blind Forest, starting with the original allows you to gradually acclimatize to the Metroidvania style and appreciate the evolution of the combat and platforming.
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
The Definitive Edition of Ori and the Blind Forest is the best way to experience the first game. It includes the original game with enhancements, new areas, new abilities, and added story elements that enrich the experience.
Making the Decision
Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you’re primarily interested in the gameplay and aren’t overly concerned about the story, you can jump straight into WotW. However, if you value a rich, interconnected narrative and want to fully immerse yourself in the world of Ori, playing Blind Forest first is highly recommended. It’s an investment that pays off with a deeper, more meaningful gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide more clarity and help you make an informed decision about the Ori games:
1. Are both Ori games connected?
Yes, Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps are directly connected. Will of the Wisps is a sequel, continuing the story and expanding the world introduced in the first game.
2. Do I need to play the first Ori before Will of the Wisps?
No, you don’t need to, but it is strongly recommended. The intro of Will of the Wisps eases players into the story, but playing the first game enriches the experience and provides a deeper understanding of the characters and lore.
3. Should I play Ori and the Blind Forest or the Definitive Edition?
Definitely play the Definitive Edition. It includes enhancements, new areas, abilities, and story elements, making it the superior and most complete version of the game.
4. Can you keep playing Ori and the Will of the Wisps after ending?
Yes, unlike the original release of Blind Forest, you can continue playing Will of the Wisps after completing the main story, allowing you to explore the world and complete any remaining tasks.
5. Does Ori have multiple endings?
No, Ori and the Will of the Wisps does not have multiple endings. The game has a single, definitive conclusion. The story and gameplay events lead to one ending, although optional areas provide additional backstory.
6. Should you play Ori in order?
Yes, playing in order is recommended for the best experience, you’ll avoid spoilers and appreciate the narrative progression and evolution of the characters.
7. Which Ori game do I play first?
Start with Ori and the Blind Forest (Definitive Edition). This ensures you understand the story, characters, and world before diving into the sequel.
8. What is the difference between easy and normal Ori and the Will of the Wisps?
The primary difference is the damage you deal to enemies. On Easy mode, you inflict significantly more damage, making combat less challenging than on Normal mode. You cannot switch difficulty during a game.
9. What should I buy first in Ori and the Will of the Wisps?
Spirit Smash is generally considered the best early-game ability. It’s versatile, deals high damage, and stuns enemies, making it a valuable asset for both combat and exploration.
10. 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, refined combat system, and more fluid movement. It builds upon the foundation of Blind Forest and expands the gameplay experience.
11. Should I buy Ori or Hollow Knight?
This depends on your preference. Hollow Knight offers more freedom in exploration and power-up acquisition, while Ori has a more prescribed progression order. Both are excellent Metroidvanias, but Hollow Knight may appeal to those who prefer more open-ended gameplay.
12. Is Ori 2 longer than Ori 1?
Will of the Wisps is longer than Blind Forest, but perhaps not by as much as originally projected. Expect around 10-15 hours for the main story, with more time required for completionists.
13. What do I need to know before Ori and the Will of the Wisps?
- Get Spirit Smash immediately.
- Triple-jump is a game-changer.
- The Ultra Grapple and Ultra Bash Spirit Shards are incredible.
- The Magnet and Sticky Spirit Shards are essential.
- You can change Spirit Shards at any time.
14. Is Ori a girl or boy?
The developers have stated that Ori has no defined gender. However, the name “Ori” in Hebrew means “my light” and is traditionally female in origin.
15. Why is Ori so popular?
The series stands out because of its beautiful aesthetics, a compelling story, fluid gameplay, and challenging platforming.
While you can technically play Ori and the Will of the Wisps without playing the first game, Ori and the Blind Forest, you are going to enhance your experience with an understanding of the lore and the character’s growth. So, why not play the first one and dive deeper into the world of Ori?
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