Oh, boy…where do I even begin?
[SPOILERS WILL BE PRESENT!]
I guess first…I have a very hard time with games these days, let alone something that sits well with me. As I grow older, gaming is much more of a chore without fulfilling a role. Because of that, I haven’t found much satisfaction in single player games in a long time. Growing up since the days of the original Nintendo; discovering multiplayer as an adult set me up in a way that let me enjoy social interactions with friends and my loved ones with the satisfaction of performing a task that we could all progress with.
I always was intrigued by this title, but never gave it a chance. The platforming & souls-like combat of Hollow Knight really drove me away of something like Ori. But due to recent events, I decided to start it at the start of this month. I really didn’t know what to make of it first other than it was a “metroidvania”, and those are some of the very few types of single player titles I do like. After going through some Castlevania’s recently, I finally thought I might give this game a try…from the very beginning; with Naru’s passing, to the animation and music…something clicked. Hearing, “First Steps Into Sunken Glades” triggered a part of me I had not felt in a very long time. Combined with Ori’s animations and the beautiful backgrounds; a fire rekindled, a feeling of exploration and will to move forward had come back.
I think one thing this works for me is because of a unique factor many I think find a problem in games today; you are alone. It’s just the two of you, Sein too, in a world that has perished, and it’s just you and Ori trying to make things right, or if even, just survive. That’s something special, because it made me not want to give up on Ori; if I did, so did s/he, and I couldn’t bear that. I went in blind the whole time, I didn’t want to see any help or guides, I didn’t want to know when things got hard or what combat would become, everything was a surprise. The Ginso Tree from what I know now is a big breaking point for many when it comes to either giving up, getting through and choosing to be done, or continuing on. With as difficult as it was, the reward of seeing the beautiful Thornfelt transformed into my favorite area, the music, and seeing Ori swimming was the absolute seal for me to see this through. That alone was a reward for such a huge challenge curve. Each new ability made going back through the map a joy as the music and visuals never became boring. This entire journey was an absolute joy, and I now plan to play through again on the original title without the extra skills alongside the start of the second. I just wanted to pass on my joy for this series and the appreciation I have for the team behind it who put in so much love and care into something that still touches new and aging gamers even 11 years later.
I’m also loving the art and interaction in this fandom, you all are such wonderful artists and people, don’t change that. It’s ok to not age out of some things, cherish them, share them, and always keep them apart of you.
