Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a hand-crafted narrative adventure that follows Ori, a bright-white spirit, as he becomes separated from his owl-like companion Ku and embarks on a mission to reunite with his family in a new world outside Nibel Forest.

Gameplay and Movement

The game is built around fluid, graceful movement mechanics that set it apart from other platformers. Ori can jump, double jump, roll, glide, and latch onto objects—often combining all of these actions in single elaborate maneuvers. A standout feature is the bash ability, which slows time and allows Ori to redirect enemy projectiles or environmental objects to break barriers, solve puzzles, or gain momentum for traversal. These movement chains can be strung together to navigate the world with remarkable speed and fluidity.

Combat and Customization

Unlike the first game, Will of the Wisps features significantly expanded combat options. Players can wield various spirit weapons including light blades, boomerangs, sentries, and energy swords, with abilities switchable on the fly through a wheel. Many weapons can be upgraded and gain additional effects like fire damage or platform-breaking capabilities.

The game introduces a shard system that allows deep customization—players can invest spirit shards to enhance weapons, boost base statistics (such as reducing damage taken by 25 percent), or modify abilities (like making a jump double as a ram attack). This light RPG system encourages exploration and combat engagement, as most defeated enemies drop shards.

World Design and Challenge

The game features Metroidvania-style exploration across a vast, visually distinct forest world that feels like one sprawling dungeon. New abilities unlock pathways and encourage backtracking, which is made enjoyable by the expanded moveset. The map effectively tracks progress and highlights unexplored areas.

Difficulty remains challenging but more approachable than the original—a new checkpoint system replaces the energy-based save points of Blind Forest, with forgiving checkpoints placed throughout challenge areas. However, escape sequences (where Ori must dash ahead of avalanches or tunneling worms) still test split-second reflexes without mid-sequence checkpoints.

Additional Features

The game includes boss battles, environmental puzzles, and varied gameplay that shifts between traditional platforming and Metroidvania mechanics. Special modes include Spirit Trials (speed-run leaderboard challenges) and Spirit Shrines (timed enemy waves). The experience is accompanied by a fully orchestrated original score and stunning hand-painted artwork.