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Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Critics Consensus (Play It)
A beautiful open-world platformer with an effective story, Ori and the Will of the Wisps ranks among the finest Metroidvanias available today.
Game Info
The little spirit Ori is no stranger to peril, but when a fateful flight puts the owlet Ku in harm’s way, it will take more than bravery to bring a family back together, heal a broken land, and discover Ori’s true destiny. From the creators of the acclaimed action-platformer Ori and the Blind Forest comes the highly anticipated sequel. Embark on an all-new adventure in a vast world filled with new friends and foes that come to life in stunning, hand-painted artwork. Set to a fully orchestrated original score, Ori and the Will of the Wisps continues the Moon Studios tradition of tightly crafted platforming action and deeply emotional storytelling.
0%
Recommended
0%
Average Score
Total Reviews: 123
Editors' Choice, Best Platformer (2020)
Gold TIER
42% of scored reviews fell within the range of 86 to 92 / 100
RELEASE DATES:
GENRES:
- Platformer, Adventure
DEVELOPER(S):
- Moon Studios
PUBLISHER(S):
- Xbox Game Studios
SERIES/FRANCHISE:
- n/a
GAME MODES:
- Single player
Where to Play
WHERE TO PLAY
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RATING & REVIEWS
Ratings & Reviews
123
Critic Reviews
90
Average Critic Score
Where to Play
CRITIC REVIEWS
All reviews are from professional critics. Learn more about the critics VSG aggregates.
High Score
100%
Median Score
90%
Low Score
70%
Vikki Blake (Eurogamer)
[Date Unavailable]
Recommended
“Artful animation and visuals combine with tightly designed exploration, though beware persistent technical issues.”
Brandin Tyrrel (IGN)
[Date Unavailable]
9/10
“Ori and the Will of the Wisps is an excellent return to this bright and beautiful open-world platformer, with an affecting story to bolster the white-knuckle challenge.”
Austin Wood (GamesRadar+)
[Date Unavailable]
4.5/5 stars
“A gorgeous, tear-jerking platformer which improves on absolutely everything in the first game and ranks among the finest Metroidvanias available today.”
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Score Ranges
Read the Reviews (123 total)
| Outlet | Author | Score | Date | Quote | Read |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33bits | Jose Antonio Calvo Ceniceros | 90 / 100 | 03-17-2020 | Moon Studios makes powerful changes in the design of its great work to make it even better. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a game as complete as it is beautiful. As stimulating with the pad in hand as it is intoxicating to the senses. A solid and charming metroidvania like the light that its protagonist treasures. | Read review |
| 3DNews | Денис Щенников | 10 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Blind Forest was an outstanding masterpiece. Ori and the Will of Wisps is even better. It’s a shame that bugs ruin overall great experience. Hope they will be fixed by the day one update. | Read review |
| ACG | Jeremy Penter | Recommended | 03-10-2020 | “An amazing sequel to an already enjoyable game that somehow turns the original a bit on its head and comes out with something fantastic.” | Read review |
| Area Xbox | Sebastián Domínguez | 9.8 / 10 | 03-12-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is not only one of the best metroidvania in years, but also one of the finest Microsoft exclusives yet. If you enjoyed Ori and the Blind Forest then you’re in for one impressive treat with this sequel. | Read review |
| Areajugones | Ramón Baylos | 8.6 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Moon Studios returns to form with a sequel that has managed to expand the well-established bases of its predecessor with great success and keeping the essence of the franchise intact. | Read review |
| Ars Technica | Kyle Orland | UnscoredFALSE | 03-10-2020 | A beautiful, difficult, and masterful swan song for 2D platforming on the Xbox One. Buy it if you have any interest in the genre. | Read review |
| Atomix | Alberto Desfassiaux | 90 / 100 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is the confirmation of the huge talent inside Moon Studios. Finally, Microsoft has a game to be proud. | Read review |
| Attack of the Fanboy | William Schwartz | 4 / 5 stars | 03-10-2020 | Moon Studios doesn’t necessarily break new ground with Ori and the Will of the Wisps and that’s OK. The additions that have been made improve on the experience, eventhough it’s hard to be as impressed as we were the first time around. | Read review |
| AusGamers | KostaAndreadis | 9 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | An experience where you begin to question if such a traversal move is possible, can it be done – is that really the way forward? The answer is almost always yes, and in this regard the sheer speed, fluidity, and scope of Ori’s fundamental movement – that is moving the analogue stick so the glow-y spirit thing can do its thing – is phenomenal. | Read review |
| BaziCenter | Bahram Bigharaz | 9.5 / 10 | 03-16-2020 | One of the main differences between Indie and AAA titles is that when it come to indie games, developers have more freedom to try new and ambitious ideas, as Ori and the Will of the Wisps did, and the result is not only a game that feels as good and fresh as its predecessor, but also improved in almost every aspect. | Read review |
| But Why Tho? | Cam Olmedo | 9.5 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is how you make a follow-up to an already fantastic game. Moon Studios took what they learned from Ori and the Blind Forest and expanded on and improved the formula in every way. Everything from combat, platforming, exploration, story, and world-building are fine-tuned to make an experience that shouldn’t be missed if you own an Xbox One or PC. | Read review |
| Cerealkillerz | Gabriel Bogdan | 9.1 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is probably the most beautiful Xbox One exclusive game so far and offers, thanks to a lot of well made gameplay adjustments a lot of new ways for players to experience and explore this amazing emotional adventure. Even when the NPCs of the world don’t really make a big impact and the game suffered from some bugs and loading issues before Day One, every Xbox One/PC owner should definitely get this game. | Read review |
| CGMagazine | Joe DeClara | 9 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps maintains its brilliance while introducing an incredible new combat system. | Read review |
| Checkpoint Gaming | Lise Leitner | 9 / 10 | 03-14-2020 | If you enjoy games set in a layered universe and with an emotional story, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is not to be missed. With a gorgeous soundtrack and setting, this game is sure to sweep you off your feet. | Read review |
| Chicas Gamers | Curro Medina | Recommended | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is definitely much bigger than its previous game. New RPG elements along with side quests, and strategic options with the need to adapt your skills to different situations, are playable elements that have come really well to the game. | Read review |
| COGconnected | Alexander Thomas | 94 / 100 | 03-10-2020 | Whether you are coming to this as a seasoned gamer who wants a challenge or someone who just loves the game’s beauty, it is simply a joy to play and will captivate you for hours. | Read review |
| Critical Hit | Brad Lang | 9 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | So far, Ori and the Will of the Wisps has taken my breath away. It’s possibly one of the most aesthetically gorgeous games I’ve ever played, even if some parts do feel like they’ve been ripped straight from the first game and the soundtrack is masterful in every sense of the word. | Read review |
| Cubed3 | Ben Clarke | 9 / 10 | 03-19-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps definitely has its downfalls, from a lack of dungeons and performance hiccups to abilities that needed to be fleshed-out more, but comparing this to all of the amazing feats that it reaches, these gripes feel nothing more than nit-picks in an otherwise wholly enjoyable and immersive experience. While it may not meet every expectation set by the almost perfect Ori and the Blind Forest, it’s nonetheless a worthy successor and is easily one of the best metroidvanias on the market right now. | Read review |
| Cultured Vultures | Nathan Gibson | 9.5 / 10 | 03-23-2020 | A beautiful sequel that successfully manages to improve on almost every aspect of the original, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is one of the best Metroidvania experiences you can find. | Read review |
| Daily Star | Dom Peppiatt | 5 / 5 stars | 03-15-2020 | Building on every aspect of Blind Forest – from art to music right the way through to level design and combat – this is a sequel worthy of celebration. | Read review |
| DASHGAMER.com | Dan Rizzo | 9 / 10 | 03-19-2020 | From its incredible detail, conceptual design, enchanting aesthetic, charming appeal, and awesome narrative, you can always include this series in the same conversation with the best-of-the-best in platforming today. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is essential gaming. | Read review |
| Destructoid | Chris Carter | 9.5 / 10 | 04-01-2020 | With the need to go bigger, Ori and the Will of the Wisps loses some of the simplicity and innocence of the original game, but it steps up in turn with bite and refinement. It’s the perfect companion to Ori and the Blind Forest, and is an early defining moment of the decade to come. | Read review |
| DualShockers | Michael Ruiz | 8.5 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | There is trouble with the tree. | Read review |
| Easy Allies | Michael Damiani | 4.75 / 5 stars | 03-14-2020 | Ori’s second adventure outshines the original with improved combat, new boss battles, and another emotional tale. | Read review |
| Echo Boomer | David Fialho | Recommended | 03-10-2020 | An excelent follow-up to 2015 game, that expands the world of Ori in ambitious and emotional ways. | Read review |
| EGM | Michael Goroff | 8 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps does everything that a good sequel is supposed to do. It refines The Blind Forest’s mechanics, expands on the world, and throws in a whole bunch of new moves and concepts. But in an era that’s rich with “emotional platformers,” Will of the Wisps doesn’t do anything to make itself stand out. It’s a fine, if not forgettable, experience. | Read review |
| Eurogamer | Vikki Blake | Recommended | 03-16-2020 | Artful animation and visuals combine with tightly designed exploration, though beware persistent technical issues. | Read review |
| Everyeye.it | Marco Mottura | 9 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is the worthy sequel of one of the best games ever published on Xbox One: a stellar return by Moon Studios, one that confirms the talent of a very unique software house. Too bad for some technical flaws and for a code that appears to be a lot less polished than expected: even as it is Will of the Wisps remains a game that’s impossible to miss, stating once again the importance and the diversity of this franchise inside the Xbox galaxy. | Read review |
| Expansive | Sally Willington | Recommended | 03-16-2020 | There are glitches, technical holdups, and frame rate drops, so it’s by no means perfect, but Ori and the Will of the Whisps is an incredible swansong for this generation of Xbox and reminds you of the type of first-party quality Microsoft has for the generation ahead. | Read review |
| FingerGuns | Rossko Keniston | 10 / 10 | 09-22-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps improves upon its predecessor in every way, and is perhaps the most accomplished Switch port so far. Completely and utterly essential. | Read review |
| Game Informer | Andrew Reiner | 9.5 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Better than its predecessor and a little longer, Will of the Wisps pounds out excitement at every turn | Read review |
| Game Rant | Denny Connolly | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-12-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps pairs a strong narrative with a larger world and an enhanced talent system to make a must-play platformer. | Read review |
| Game Revolution | Michael Leri | 4 / 5 stars | 03-19-2020 | Will of the Wisps doesn’t jump as high as Ori and the Blind Forest and falls in a few extra pits yet it is still a worthy enough successor. | Read review |
| Gameblog | Thomas Pillon | 8 / 10 | 03-12-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is one of the most beautiful games you will play this year. Every stage is a visual and artistic masterpiece, and Gareth Coker’s brillant soundtrack is the most delicious cherry on the cake. Unfortunately, the game still suffers from technical flaws, which have yet to be definitely fixed. | Read review |
| GameGrin | Francis Kenna | 9 / 10 | 03-22-2020 | Will of the Wisps isn’t just a fantastic follow-up to an already great game, it’s a brilliant metroidvania in its own right, and arguably the year’s first major must-play release. | Read review |
| GameMAG | Unknown | 8 / 10 | 03-12-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is an incredibly beautiful game with a rather weak plot and unpleasant technical errors, which can give you more than ten hours of meditative and very diverse gameplay. Given the lack of competitors this year, it is the best representative of the genre. | Read review |
| Gameplanet | Chris Brown | 10 / 10 | 03-24-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is an unmitigated triumph. Every element is executed to perfection; the pinpoint platforming, kinetic combat, and heartfelt storytelling are second to none. Visually stunning and accompanied by an evocative soundscape you will feel like you’re stepping into another world, and it’s one you’ll likely never want to leave. | Read review |
| GamePro | Tobias Veltin | 87 / 100 | 03-10-2020 | Excellent, energetic, moving. Despite its small quirks, Ori 2 is one of the best Metroidvanias ever | Read review |
| Gamer Escape | Timothy Hyldahl | 10 / 10 | 03-15-2020 | If you want a game that’s more of an experience than simply something to kill time, if you want something that showcases how artistic games can be, if you want an action platformer with plenty of approaches to combat, I can’t recommend enough that you pick up Ori and the Will of the Wisps. | Read review |
| Gamerheadquarters | Jason Stettner | 8 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps would be a masterpiece of an experience; one that you could describe as a perfect example of a game as art, held back by some technical issues. | Read review |
| Gamers Heroes | Blaine Smith | 9 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a game of passion, made from the heart. Featuring charming characters, a vibrant world filled with mystery and intrigue, and genre-leading platforming action, you will struggle to find a single experience that encompasses the artistic values of video games like Ori and the Will of the Wisps. | Read review |
| Gamersky | Unknown | 9.2 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a masterpiece even compared with its prequel. It’s one of the greatest platformers in recent years and nearly perfect in terms of the open-world, the narrative, and the combat. | Read review |
| GamesBeat | Mike Minotti | 98 / 100 | 03-10-2020 | Will of the Wisps is easily one of the best Metroidvanias ever, and I know that includes company like Super Metroid and Symphony of the Night. | Read review |
| GameSkinny | John Schutt | 9 / 10 | 03-11-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is another triumph return for the series — a beautiful game with only the smallest blemishes to its luster. | Read review |
| GameSpew | Richard Seagrave | 9 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is game that’s hard to not love. | Read review |
| GameSpot | Steve Watts | 8 / 10 | 03-11-2020 | Moon Studios returns with a sophomore effort every bit as graceful and lovely as Ori and the Blind Forest. | Read review |
| GamesRadar+ | Austin Wood | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-10-2020 | A gorgeous, tear-jerking platformer which improves on absolutely everything in the first game and ranks among the finest Metroidvanias available today. | Read review |
| GameXplain | Unknown | Recommended | 03-10-2020 | Video Review | Read review |
| Gaming Nexus | Kinsey Danzis | 9 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | To no one’s surprise, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is visually and audibly beautiful. Once you get the hang of Ori’s abilities, the platforming is fluid and satisfying, the combat is cool, and the game rewards your exploration even when said exploration is a result of getting lost. Through it all lingers a feeling of accomplishment that makes it so easy to keep playing, even through the frustrating parts. | Read review |
| GamingBolt | Shubhankar Parijat | 10 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | With Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Moon Studios have realized the full potential of their debut title, and entered the upper echelons of Metroidvania history. | Read review |
| GamingTrend | Travis Northup | 95 / 100 | 03-18-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps improves upon its predecessor in almost every way, from its drastically improved combat system to its use of NPCs and side quests. Like Ori and the Blind Forest before it, Will of the Wisps is held back by intermittent technical hitches that can result in some frustrating moments, but it hardly keeps this incredible sequel from shining through. | Read review |
| Geeks Under Grace | Michael Mendis | 9.5 / 10 | 03-17-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is one of the finest Metroidvania games on the market, a phenomenal sequel that builds on everything that made its predecessor such a beloved title. | Read review |
| Generación Xbox | Santiago Carrillo | 9.7 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | The title of Moon Studios is a true masterpiece in terms of visuals, sound and gameplay. A new standard for the Metroidvania and an exclusive hard to beat in this final stretch before the arrival of Xbox Series X. | Read review |
| God is a Geek | Chris Hyde | 9 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a fantastic sequel. It builds on the original with a few new ideas to deliver a complete experience. | Read review |
| GotGame | David Poole | 9.5 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a truly gorgeous spectacle of a platformer. The level design is fantastic and the variety in the gameplay keeps things fresh and invigorating. Gareth Coker’s music sets the mood perfectly, making the experience much more emotional and endearing. The combat keeps things challenging and allows for plenty of experimenting, and really feels like a progression to the Ori formula. Overall, this sequel reaches the bar the original game set, and climbs even further to make an incredible journey. | Read review |
| GRYOnline.pl | Przemysław Zamęcki | 9 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a great metroidvania and a worthy sequel. The developers have used proven solutions borrowed from other games, but were clever and creative about it. The game is coherent and will surprise you more than once. Is it as powerful and the first part? No. Is it as fun as the Blind Forest? Definitely yes! | Read review |
| Guardian | Tola Onanuga | 5 / 5 stars | 03-20-2020 | The soulful platformer returns to an extraordinarily beautiful world filled with new characters, challenges – and myriad foes to engage in combat | Read review |
| Hardcore Gamer | Jordan Helm | 5 / 5 stars | 03-10-2020 | There are times when you feel obliged to find faults no matter how minor, but in the ten-plus hours spent with Moon Studios’ latest, there are none. | Read review |
| Hobby Consolas | Rafael Aznar | 93 / 100 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a metroidvania like no other. It is beautiful, emotional, fun, varied, intense… Moon Studios has taken the formula of the first game and has evolved it in the right way. However, it has some critical issues, so we will wait for the day 1 patch to consider the score. | Read review |
| IGN | Brandin Tyrrel | 9 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is an excellent return to this bright and beautiful open-world platformer, with an affecting story to bolster the white-knuckle challenge. | Read review |
| IGN Italy | Unknown | 9.3 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is one of the best game of this generation, thanks to a compelling story, a brand new combat system and a great variety of contents that make it an amazing successor to Moon Studios’ interpretation of the metroidvania genre. | Read review |
| IGN Spain | David Soriano | 9 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Moon Studios artists have done it again. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a simply perfect work of art in audiovisual terms whose gameplay still shines in a well-designed and balanced silverform. Boss inclusions are appreciated, but they won’t be very memorable. | Read review |
| Impulsegamer | Hugh Mitchell | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-25-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is an exceptional sequel that builds upon the foundations established in the original. | Read review |
| INDIANTVCZ | Vojta Šiman | 10 / 10 | 03-11-2020 | After spending more than 14 hours in the 2nd Ori I explored every nook and cranny of Niwen. I’m willing to say that Ori and the Will of the Wisps managed to balance new additions with proven concepts from the first game. That makes it a great sequel which you shouldn’t miss. Now excuse me, I’m going to return back to Niwen once again. | Read review |
| Just Push Start | Mark Fajardo | 4.6 / 5 stars | 03-11-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps manages to exceed fan expectations. Not only does it build on what made the original great, like art style and story, it has a more refined combat making it even more fun to play. | Read review |
| Kotaku | Unknown | Recommended | 03-11-2020 | With Will of the Wisps, the Ori series’ focus has widened. While some of the details have blurred in the process, the result is a game that’s much more expansive while even more magical and heart-wrenching than the original. That’s coming from someone who just spent 15 hours with a bug-riddled early review copy. I’m guessing it’s even better fixed. | Read review |
| LevelUp | Luis Sánchez | 8.5 / 10 | 03-12-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps keeps the core values of the previous game and elevates them to new heights to consolidate Moon Studios as a new creator force. | Read review |
| Luis Alamilla | Luis Alamilla | 10 / 10 | 03-11-2020 | Video Review | Read review |
| Metro GameCentral | Unknown | 9 / 10 | 03-12-2020 | It may not be able to claim much originality compared to its predecessor, or Metroidvania games in general, but this is still one of the best examples of its craft this generation. | Read review |
| MonsterVine | Brian Seymour | 4 / 5 stars | 03-18-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps maintains the same compelling ethos as its prequel. Major changes to the series most tedious and most unique are for better and for worst. | Read review |
| MSPoweruser | Lewis White | 9.5 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is one of the finest platformers available on consoles, let alone on just Xbox One and PC. Moon Studios has crafted a sequel that truly evolves from the original game and that will keep your attention from start to finish. | Read review |
| New Game Network | Ben Thomas | 85 / 100 | 03-16-2020 | Stunning visuals and brilliant music is just the first course in Ori and the Will of the Wisps. With its large world, lavish combat, and a smooth implementation of the metroidvania design, this sequel is a must-play for fans of the original, and highly recommended for everybody else. | Read review |
| NoobFeed | Adam Siddiqui | 80 / 100 | 03-18-2020 | Ori and the Blind Forest was a rare gem. Combining an emotionally charged story, with beautiful visuals, and challenging gameplay. Tethering everything together was the passionate soundtrack that invoked feelings of both sadness and love. Ori and the Will of the Wisps take every concept of the original game and builds on it. Providing the same exceptional atmosphere and Metroidvania gameplay. But with improved combat mechanics, more engaging optional missions, and a deeply passionate story and soundtrack that rivals Ori and the Blind Forest. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is an outstanding sequel that both challenges and dazzles the player with its enchanting musical score and remarkable visuals. It’s a shame that the most major thing holding it back is the technical problems. | Read review |
| Oyungezer Online | Sabri Erkan Sabanci | 8.5 / 10 | 03-17-2020 | Although I had to break a half point due to the bugs in the game, Will of the Wisps was an incredibly successful sequel by doing better and more in what Blind Forest did. If you don’t have a problem with Metroidvania and a little emotion, I can recommend it with peace of mind. Consider adding that half score when the mistakes in the game are fixed, you get the actual score :) | Read review |
| Pardis Game | Mohammad Mahdi Hossein Zadeh | 8.5 / 10 | 04-14-2020 | Ori and the Will Of The Wisps has obviously improved over the its previous entry. It is an amazing platformer, and the combat is very fun—despite its flaws. The game has managed to utilize its unique and artistic graphics, along with its enjoyable music, to create an amazing atmosphere, and keeps you happy with its generous rewards. | Read review |
| PC Gamer | Tyler Wilde | 81 / 100 | 03-10-2020 | It’s inconsistent and sometimes annoying, but ultimately a charming, challenging, heart-string-pulling fable. | Read review |
| PC Invasion | Unknown | 8 / 10 | 03-26-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is aesthetically brilliant and offers familiar challenges with a new twist. An expansive world filled with interactive NPCs gives you plenty of game for your buck, making this a must for newbies and die-hards alike. Implementation of anticipated patches would bump this score up to a 9. | Read review |
| PCGamesN | Phil Iwaniuk | 7 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | A haunting journey through a woodland with a real sense of place, but its breadth of mechanics silts up the pacing. Phil Iwaniuk | Read review |
| PCMag | Jordan Minor | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-13-2020 | As we prepare for yet another new generation of gaming hardware to push power and technology to their absolute limits, it’s nice to play the kind of game that impresses with more timeless qualities of polish and craft. Here you have a beautiful world made of thought-provoking levels, as well as the tools to move through that world with unparalleled grace. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a worthy continuation of what is now one of Microsoft’s best PC game franchises. | Read review |
| PCWorld | Hayden Dingman | 4 / 5 stars | 03-10-2020 | the Wisps is more than the sum of its parts. Is it just another Metroid homage, one among many? Absolutely. I think it’s one of the best-playing, sure, but it’s still well-trod territory of late. | Read review |
| Player.it | Simone Alvaro Segatori | 9.5 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | This second chapter is a long journey, which not only pleases the eyes, but is also able to conquer the player’s heart and soul. | Read review |
| Player2.net.au | Unknown | Recommended | 03-10-2020 | It feels far more like the MetroidVania that its predecessor intended to be, and improves on everything else that the original title did so well. Ori & The Will of the Wisps is a wonder to behold, a joy to play, and a must-have for anyone with the means to play it. | Read review |
| Polygon | Andrew King | Recommended | 03-10-2020 | Others provide functionality, like Twilen, the opportunistic merchant who sells Ori shards, equippable stones that provide our hero with active skills or passive buffs. You won’t need to interact much with Wellspring Glade’s inhabitants to finish the story, but you’ll unearth a treasure trove of side quests and secrets by dedicating time to the village. The more grounded, yet still clever, conversations with these new characters adds an extra layer of connection to the game’s world. | Read review |
| PowerUp! | Leo Stevenson | 9.1 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | In spite of all of the issues, the lacklustre combat and the reduced impact due to coming back for a second go, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is still great. If nothing else, the exploration and movement are absolutely top-notch. | Read review |
| Press Start | Brodie Gibbons | 9 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | While Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a sequel that’ll challenge your resolve and temper your spirit at times, its final act will fill your heart and have it bursting with joie de vivre. | Read review |
| Rectify Gaming | Dave Rodriguez | 9.5 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | “More than a mere sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps innovates and excels in creating a bigger and bolder adventure in every way imaginable.” | Read review |
| Rock, Paper, Shotgun | Cian Maher | Recommended | 03-10-2020 | Presuming these techy mishaps are rectified, Ori And The Will Of The Wisps is one of the most charming, engaging, visually striking and emotionally touching games I’ve played in a long time. It’s difficult but fair, complex but intuitive, and gruelling but conquerable. | Read review |
| Rocket Chainsaw | David Latham | 4 / 5 stars | 03-26-2020 | If you’re looking for a heart-wrenching game that will test your stress levels while bringing a tear to your eye, then this game is for you. | Read review |
| Saudi Gamer | صالح بازرعة | 9 / 10 | 03-16-2020 | Another entry in the series that enchants us with its beauty and inventiveness, and mesmerizes us with its world and challenges, with nary a dull moment in sight. | Read review |
| Saving Content | Evan Rowe | 5 / 5 stars | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps marks a thrilling return to the unique, gorgeous world created by its predecessor. In many ways it is more of the same, but only in the best ways possible, as Will of the Wisps succeeds in retaining all of the high points of Ori and the Blind Forest, while making great improvements and updates across the board. It’s an emotional journey with a lovely story about friendship and family that looks incredible, sounds lovely, and feels really great to play. Sequels have the unenviable task of being both the full embodiment of and improvement over their progenitors, and Will of the Wisps absolutely delivers on this difficult task. It’s every bit the follow-up you would want to see, and it stands in its own right as an excellent game. | Read review |
| Screen Rant | Connor Trinske | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-13-2020 | Moon Studios has outdone itself with Ori and the Will of the Wisps, which surpasses its prequel to become one of the best Metroidvanias out there. | Read review |
| SECTOR.sk | Matúš Štrba | 9 / 10 | 03-12-2020 | Beautiful platformer with great leveldesign. One of the best games this year so far. | Read review |
| Shacknews | Chris Jarrard | 8 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | We are living in the golden age of metroidvanias and Will of the Wisps will deserve to stand with the best of the bunch should its technical shortcomings be resolved. | Read review |
| Sirus Gaming | Erickson Melchor | 9 / 10 | 03-20-2020 | The gameplay alone guarantees more than a dozen hours of playtime, not including exploration and building up the Glade. It’s a wonderful story throughout that needs to be part of any gamer’s library of games. The ending most of all make it all the more worth it. If you are the kind of player that enjoys stories, tight platforming, challenging runs, or a combination of the three, then you can’t go wrong with Ori and Will of the Wisps. | Read review |
| Skill Up | Ralph Panebianco | Recommended | 03-10-2020 | Video Review | Read review |
| Slant Magazine | Aaron Riccio | 4 / 5 stars | 03-16-2020 | The game improves upon its predecessor, and finds new ways to demonstrate their shared eco-friendly themes. | Read review |
| SomHráč.sk | Karel Šír | 90 / 100 | 03-23-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps confirms that the Moon Studios’ debut title wasn’t just a fluke, but that they indeed are one of the most precise and focused game developers in the world. | Read review |
| SpazioGames | Gianluca Arena | 8.8 / 10 | 03-11-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is not only one of the best metroidvania in years, but also one of the finest Microsoft exclusives yet. It’s by no means perfect, but it has a heart and a soul. Don’t miss it. | Read review |
| Stevivor | Ben Salter | 9 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Moon Studios has built upon its own great work to delver a fantastic sequel. | Read review |
| TechRaptor | Joseph Allen | 7.5 / 10 | 03-15-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps plays it too safe, but there’s fun to be had. Engaging platforming and improved combat make up for uninspired enemy design and a much too self-serious tone. | Read review |
| Telegraph | Tom Hoggins | 5 / 5 stars | 03-20-2020 | There was a deft magic to Moon Studios debut in 2015. | Read review |
| The Angry Joe Show | Joe Vargas | 8 / 10 | 04-02-2020 | Video Review | Read review |
| The Digital Fix | Posted by Nick Petrasiti | 9 / 10 | 03-25-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a bold and ambitious sequel and I really did not want to put it down when I was done. You owe to yourself to give it a try. | Read review |
| The Games Machine | Daniele Dolce | 9.8 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is the natural evolution of the already excellent Ori and the Blind Forest, a masterpiece and a milestone in the metroidvania genre. It’s a modern fairy tale with a lesson that should be accepted by everyone and applied without reservation in the everyday life. So be careful: playing Ori and the Will of the Wisps could make you a better person. | Read review |
| TheSixthAxis | Dominic Leighton | 10 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps builds on its predecessor’s near-perfect Metroidvania platforming and grows the concept to wonderful effect. A game that’s as much about rebirth, hope and wonder as it is death and decay, Will of the Wisps is a beautiful, enchanting piece of fantasy, and an instant classic. | Read review |
| ThisGenGaming | Robby Bisschop | 9.5 / 10 | 03-17-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is nothing short of a masterpiece. From its painting-like gorgeous aesthetic and a soundtrack that will sweep you off your feet to the tight gameplay and addictive progression system. | Read review |
| TrueAchievements | Heidi Nicholas | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-11-2020 | The wait for Ori and the Will of the Wisps will most definitely prove worthwhile: Moon Studios has created a masterpiece. | Read review |
| TrueGaming | Unknown | 9.5 / 10 | 03-16-2020 | A great sequel to a great game, The Will of the Wisps takes us back to a magical world filled with emotions and remarkable adventures. it’s easily one of our favourite experiences this generation. | Read review |
| Twinfinite | Chris Jecks | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-10-2020 | Fans of the first game, as well as platformer and metroidvania fans in general need to give Ori and the Will of the Wisps their time. As long as the performance issues are completely ironed out in the near future, this is one platformer that’ll long be remembered. | Read review |
| Unboxholics | Γιάννης Φανίδης | Recommended | 03-17-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a masterpiece among 2D metroidvanias and platfromers. | Read review |
| USgamer | Nadia Oxford | 4 / 5 stars | 03-12-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps serves up a balanced meal of combat and platforming that captured me immediately. I’m not a big fan of the first game, but Ori’s weapon wheel and slick maneuverability turns Will of the Wisps into an irresistible ballet. Unfortunately, performance problems on the Xbox One S in particular bring down a game that is otherwise almost perfect. | Read review |
| VGChartz | Evan Norris | 9 / 10 | 04-01-2020 | An extraordinary achievement. | Read review |
| VGN | Angelo Bianco | 9.3 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Elegant, magical and fulfilling, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a pearl of rare beauty, proof of a video game that in the small barrel the wine is not so little and is exquisitely good. | Read review |
| Video Chums | A.J. Maciejewski | 8.8 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a wonderful Metroidvania that manages to be both beautiful and challenging. If you enjoyed Ori and the Blind Forest then you’re in for one impressive treat with this sequel. | Read review |
| VideoGamer | Joshua Wise | 9 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | In the beauty stakes and beyond, there are very few, in the rarefied realms of indie or AAA, who can challenge it. | Read review |
| WayTooManyGames | Kyle Nicol | 10 / 10 | 03-16-2020 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps not only managed to live up to the original game, but also expand on it in almost every way you can imagine. The new combat system, boss fights, story, music and world design all come together for an unforgettable experience that I would recommend to anyone. | Read review |
| Wccftech | Rosh Kelly | 8.7 / 10 | 03-10-2020 | Ori and the Will of Wisps is a truly delightful and devastating game that blends new ideas into a solid foundation, all topped off with an incredible score and even more breathtaking levels to explore. | Read review |
Awards & Recognition
RECOGNITION
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