'Ori And The Blind Forest (2015)' is, first and foremost, gorgeous, its painterly 2D aesthetic perfectly immersing you in the oddly beautiful darkness of its world. Its music, too, does an excellent job of compounding you within its serene yet dangerous world, even if it does get slightly repetitive at times. The game sees you take control of a small creature, born of light, who must travel through his darkness-infected homeland to rekindle the light of the spirit tree that used to protect it. It's, essentially, a Metroidvania platformer, as you gain skills throughout the game that then allow you to retrace your steps and reach previously inaccessible areas. The whole map is interconnected and peppered with secrets, so exploration is encouraged. However, the piece does a good job of steering you towards your intended target and can, if so desired, be played more or less linearly. This is a rather smart decision, as it caters to two distinct types of players, and it keeps the game as accessible as possible. The thing is a satisfying platformer with tight controls and inventive mechanics. One of its more unique aspects is the ability to create a save point anywhere you wish (within reason) at the cost of energy points. This creates an interesting dynamic, as you have to decide carefully when to save and when to press on. It's possible to save yourself into a tight position, but the energy can be found frequently and the game never feels as though it's punishing you. You'll die a lot, that's for sure, but the fact that you can choose where to save - and can do so frequently - prevents the experience from being frustrating. In general, the game is highly enjoyable. It's also surprisingly affecting, with its simple narrative having much more impact than you may expect. It has a wistful tone, yet it's also full of hope. Its moments of sadness are balanced out with moments of joy. It's a satisfying experience on all fronts. From its beautiful art to its intuitive gameplay, the piece is a blast to play from beginning to end. 8/10.
