There was no shortage of metroidvanias in 2015. In fact, the term “metroidvania” is bandied about these days to refer to any game that combines 2D platforming, item collection, map exploration, and combat, so the phrase tends to cast its net wide. Yet one metroidvania from this year stands a head above the rest, despite its main character’s short stature. That game is Ori and the Blind Forest, which is California-based developer Moon Studios’ second released title. Ori’s gorgeous hand-painted visuals and impeccable controls landed it a spot in the hearts of many gamers this year, and its enchanting, Celtic-inspired soundtrack was nominated for this year’s Game Awards.
The game proved so popular, in fact, that Moon Studios announced a Definitive Edition of Ori earlier this year, which was due for release this Fall. But the update never came. Moon Studios announced on their Twitter yesterday that the Definitive Edition will be delayed until Spring 2016, for reasons unannounced.
In response to a fan asking what exactly Ori’s Definitive Edition will contain, Moon Studios replied that the update will include “new areas, new abilities, more story, more features, more EVERYTHING […] Built with the same care and love as the original game.”
The update will not be free for owners of the original game, but will be available at a discounted price. This plan has upset some Ori fans, though most are happy to see an update in the first place.
The Definitive Edition likely won’t be the end of the road for Ori, either. Moon Studios CEO Thomas Mahler announced back in Spring that he would like to expand upon the IP, possibly even with a movie. No word on the series’ future has been given since then.
In the meantime, you can buy Ori and the Blind Forest on Steam for $11.99 US. This price will last until the Steam Winter Sale ends on January 4th, at which point it will return to its regular $19.99 US price tag.