Moon Studios’ Ori and the Blind Forest launched March 11, 2015 as Xbox’s emotional Metroidvania masterpiece. The hand-painted platformer sold 10+ million copies (both games combined), delivered stunning art direction, and made players cry within the first 10 minutes with Naru’s death sequence.
Critical Acclaim
- 88/100 Metacritic score (Xbox One)
- 10+ million copies combined with sequel
- Best Art Direction nominee (TGA 2015)
- Definitive Edition (2016) added difficulty modes, areas
- Switch port (2019) expanded audience
Emotional Storytelling
Ori’s opening:
- Naru (Ori’s adoptive mother) dies from famine
- 10-minute wordless prologue devastates players
- Light vs darkness restoration quest
- Sein (spirit companion) guides journey
The game’s emotional beats rivaled Pixar films.
Metroidvania Mechanics
- Bash ability (launch off projectiles/enemies)
- Stomp, Charge Flame, Dash
- Spirit Wells (manual save points, limited)
- Energy Cells, Health Cells, ability upgrades
- Ginso Tree escape sequence (intense chase)
The movement felt fluid, graceful, dance-like.
Art Direction Masterpiece
- Hand-painted watercolor aesthetic
- Dynamic lighting, particle effects
- Gareth Coker’s orchestral score
- No HUD clutter (minimalist UI)
The game looked like playable Studio Ghibli.
Escape Sequences
Memorable chases:
- Ginso Tree — Rising water, instant death
- Forlorn Ruins — Lava ascent
- Mount Horu — Final gauntlet
The sequences required perfect execution, no mistakes.
Legacy & Sequel
Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020):
- Expanded combat, boss fights
- 90/100 Metacritic (even better)
- Concluded Ori’s story
- Xbox Game Pass day-one
The duology became Xbox’s Last Guardian.
Sources: Moon Studios, Microsoft, Metacritic, gaming press 2015-2023