2015’s Ori and the Blind Forest felt sort of funny when compared to Metroidvania style games like Hollow Knight. The game’s tone is far lighter, and much more imaginative than dark, gritty titles usually featured in the genre. Games like Limbo make great use of darkness and shadows, but Ori made use of light. It felt inspiring to play, and for Microsoft, it ended up being one of the few bright moments for the publisher during the Xbox One Years. Ori and the Will of the Wisps will try to meet its predecessor’s expectations and enjoyment. For Microsoft’s sake, I hope it does.

It’s funny: people called the first Ori title one of the best Microsoft exclusives of this generation. Now, you can’t even say that; the game is available on Switch. Nevertheless, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is set to be a huge release for all gamers in 2020. The game is coming to Xbox One on March 11, 2020. Three things could make this game one to watch in the early parts of the year.

Firstly, the game’s implementation of new moves and bosses might transform the title. If done well, the game is going to feel a lot more like a traditional side-scroller, and less like the visually minded title Blind Forest was. Secondly, the game is going to be releasing after two major delays. Because of that, fans and myself included are expecting something great. Giving yourself more time is fine, but it needs to be worth it. Lastly, more people will be exposed to this game right away than its predecessor. The first game was a surprise hit, but now, everyone is ready to see what Moon Studios and Microsoft have cooked up.

I’ll be honest, I think calling Ori a series worthy of comparisons to the greatest side-scrollers of all time is silly. It’s a great game, but it’s not necessarily groundbreaking. Ori and the Will of the Wisps could be the next level I’m looking for from the series. I’m anxiously awaiting picking the game up on Xbox Game Pass on March 11, 2020.

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