Should I Skip Ori and the Blind Forest? A Deep Dive for New Players

The burning question for anyone eyeing Ori and the Will of the Wisps: Should you dive straight in, or is Ori and the Blind Forest essential homework? The short answer: No, you shouldn’t skip Ori and the Blind Forest. While Will of the Wisps expands upon its predecessor in terms of gameplay mechanics and world design, skipping Blind Forest is a disservice to yourself, especially if you value narrative impact and understanding the emotional core of the Ori universe. The narrative is not just window dressing; it’s deeply interwoven with the gameplay, transforming what would be a beautiful platformer into a truly resonant experience.

Will of the Wisps assumes a familiarity with characters, lore, and relationships established in Blind Forest. While it attempts to be accessible, the emotional payoffs of certain plot points and character arcs are significantly diminished without the context provided by the first game. Imagine watching the finale of a beloved TV series without having seen a single episode – you might grasp the general plot, but you’ll miss the nuances and the weight of the characters’ journeys.

Furthermore, Blind Forest is not just a narrative prequel; it’s an excellent game in its own right. Its tight platforming, stunning visuals, and haunting soundtrack create an immersive experience that holds up even after Will of the Wisps‘ refinements. Playing Blind Forest allows you to appreciate the evolution of the gameplay mechanics and the world, providing a richer understanding of the design choices made in the sequel. It’s like seeing a band’s early, rough-around-the-edges album before experiencing their polished, refined masterpiece – both have their own unique charm and contribute to a deeper appreciation of their overall artistic vision.

Therefore, while not strictly necessary from a purely mechanical standpoint, playing Ori and the Blind Forest before Ori and the Will of the Wisps is highly recommended for the best possible experience. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the story, appreciate the evolution of the gameplay, and experience a fantastic game that stands on its own merits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Ori Games

How Much Do I Need to Know About the First Game to Understand Ori 2?

While Ori and the Will of the Wisps does offer a brief recap, crucial character relationships and past events are best experienced firsthand. Understanding the motivations and history of characters like Naru, Gumo, and the Spirit Tree greatly enhances the emotional impact of the second game.

Will I Be Lost if I Start with Ori 2?

You won’t be completely lost, but you’ll be missing key pieces of the puzzle. The game introduces concepts and characters without fully explaining their significance, assuming you have prior knowledge from Blind Forest.

Is the Gameplay Radically Different Between the Two Games?

The core gameplay loop of platforming, exploration, and combat remains consistent. However, Will of the Wisps introduces new abilities, a more robust combat system, and side quests, offering a more diverse and expanded gameplay experience. The first game’s abilities come off as quite limited after experiencing the power you are afforded in the second.

Is Ori and the Will of the Wisps a Direct Sequel?

Yes, it is a direct sequel, continuing the story and expanding upon the world established in Ori and the Blind Forest. Events in the first game directly impact the narrative and character development in the second.

Is There a Significant Story Spoiler in the Opening of Ori 2?

Yes, the opening moments of Will of the Wisps contain spoilers for Blind Forest, specifically concerning the fate of certain characters. This is another strong reason to play the first game first.

Is Ori 2 Longer Than Ori 1?

While the developers initially claimed Will of the Wisps would be significantly longer, most players find it to be moderately longer than Blind Forest, offering a richer experience with more content to explore. The article mentions the developer claiming it would be triple the length of Ori 1, but ultimately states that this was an overstatement.

How Long Does It Take to Beat Ori and the Blind Forest?

On average, Ori and the Blind Forest takes around 8 hours to complete the main story and roughly 11-12 hours to achieve 100% completion. This can vary depending on individual skill and playstyle.

What is the “Definitive Edition” of Ori and the Blind Forest?

The Definitive Edition of Ori and the Blind Forest includes new areas to explore (Black Root Burrows and Lost Grove), new abilities, and an improved narrative experience. It’s generally considered the best way to play the first game.

Is Ori a Boy or a Girl?

The developers have stated that Ori has no defined gender. The name Ori, which in Hebrew means ‘my light’, is female in origin.

Is Ori a Difficult Game?

Both Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps can be challenging, particularly in their later sections. However, the difficulty is generally considered fair, rewarding skillful platforming and strategic combat.

Are There Multiple Endings in the Ori Games?

No, neither Ori and the Blind Forest nor Ori and the Will of the Wisps features multiple endings.

Can I Continue Playing After Beating the Game?

Yes, in both games, you can continue playing after completing the main story to explore any remaining areas or collect any missed items. This was not true of the first edition of Ori and the Blind Forest.

Will There Be an Ori 3?

Currently, there are no plans for an Ori 3. Developer Moon Studios has moved on to other projects, but the possibility of a future installment remains open.

Is Hollow Knight Better Than Ori?

Whether Hollow Knight is “better” than Ori is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Hollow Knight offers a more open-ended exploration experience with a darker tone, while Ori focuses on a more linear narrative with a greater emphasis on emotional storytelling. The article highlights Hollow Knight’s flexible progression as a key differentiator.

What Makes the Ori Games So Popular?

The Ori games are praised for their stunning visuals, fluid gameplay, captivating story, and emotional resonance. They offer a unique blend of platforming, exploration, and storytelling that appeals to a wide range of players. If you’re interested in learning more about the educational aspects of gaming, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

In conclusion, while you can jump straight into Ori and the Will of the Wisps, the experience will be significantly richer and more meaningful if you first embark on the journey of Ori and the Blind Forest. You’ll thank yourself for it.