Ori and the Will of the Wisps: Analysis

Building on the First Game

Just like the first game we get to learn skills. We start by learning some of the same skills as before, which I don’t understand. It would have been better if we already had them from the beginning. But we do learn new skills and the rest of the game completely utilizes their mechanics to create a world worth exploring.

New Enemy Types

We are introduced with new enemy types which can shoot projectiles. Every enemy type is unique and dangerous. There are also boss fights which were a missing factor in the first game.

Simulating 3D in a 2D World

When Ori is swimming and swim to the top of the water, the camera tilts slightly to give the illusion of depth. When we swim back down the camera tilts back.

Unlockable Areas

Few locations in the world is locked and we can only access them later in the game when we have acquired that skill. Like after learning the bow and arrow skill, we can use the frogs and their tongues to jump higher. Finding new uses for the same game mechanics even later in the game help keep the player intrigued.

Maps

The world was already full of surprises in first game, the addition of new characters like the merchant and the fact that you can buy the maps of the next levels help add a RPG element to a 2D platformer. The maps also now show your trail as you progress through a level.