Ori and the Blind Forest is one of the most visually breathtaking Indie Games ever created, thanks to its beautifully crafted world and mystical characters. Developed by Moon Studios, the 2D side-scrolling platformer follows the enigmatic Ori as they venture through an array of hostile environments on a quest to restore their forest home to its former glory. The gameplay is fun and challenging, with players having to platform their way through obstacles and enemies while using a variety of abilities to reach otherwise inaccessible areas.
But Ori and the Blind Forest helps to separate itself from the rest of the 2D platformers on the market by featuring some stunning aesthetics. The art direction for the release is jaw-dropping, with beautiful locations, animations, and details. Those who fell in love with Ori and the Blind Forest for both its stellar art and gameplay will be pleased to know there are some other great games out there with a similar feel.
The first, and most obvious Ori-like game is the title’s sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Players will once again play as the enigmatic hero, but this time they’ll have a new partner in the young Owl, Ku. The second installment in the franchise improves on the formula crafted by the original, sending players on a Metroidvania-style platforming quest to find new abilities that will help them traverse a dark and dangerous landscape. The tight controls and excellent platforming gameplay are arguably better in this release, and the art direction is once again stellar.
This is the first and best place to start for players looking for an experience similar to Ori and the Blind Forest.
One of the best Indie Games ever created, Hollow Knight is an exciting action-platforming Metroidvania oozing with style and substance. Players step into the role of The Knight as he makes his way through the world of Hollow Nest, a dark fantasy land inspired by and inhabited by bug-like denizens. It’s a supremely challenging title and will test players skills as they grow stronger by finding new abilities that will help them travel to new areas.
Some of the enemies found in Hollow Knight are difficult to defeat but the bosses can be truly painful for the uninitiated. Hollow Knight is a great pivot point from Ori and the Blind Forest, especially for those seeking something a bit more combat-heavy.
The platforming in Ori and the Blind Forest is supremely satisfying and players will find themselves challenged in some of the later areas of the game as they try to avoid spikes, enemies, and other obstacles. Those looking for something in a similar platforming vein can check out Celeste, a great little 2D side-scrolling Indie release that focuses heavily on platforming elements. Celeste can be rather challenging, especially for players that seek out the special B-Side challenge levels.
The title also features a charming retro-inspired art aesthetic that is incredibly pleasing to look at, as well as a great soundtrack.
Dead Cells is a great option for players who are looking for something a bit more combat-heavy rather than platforming-focused. This 2D side-scrolling and platforming Rogue-like has players making their way through a variety of levels, unlocking different weapons and abilities as they progress. The game can be punishingly difficult and players will likely find themselves going through a multitude of runs before finding weapons and abilities that they click with. The enemies and bosses in Dead Cells are downright punishing, and players will have to do a lot of grinding and “upgrading” until they can manage to find a run in which everything seems to fall together for them.
Dead Cells has had many crossovers with prominent game series, like Hollow Knight, Shovel Knight, Castlevania, and more.
Those who enjoy the Metroidvania aspects of Ori and the Blind Forest will find a lot to love with Blasphemous. The 2D side-scrolling action release features some breathtaking art, hard-as-nails combat, and some seriously imposing bosses. Blasphemous is challenging, and some classify it as a souls-like as well as a Metroidvania. Players will step into the shoes of The Penitent One and embark on a journey through some seriously inspired locations that draw heavily from religious themes and architecture. Blasphemous is just as fun to look at and explore as it is to play.
