Ori and the Will of the Wisps Combat Score: Action Improvement
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Introduction
Ori and the Will of the Wisps, the sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest, is a masterpiece of platforming and emotional storytelling. While the first game focused on exploration and fluid movement, Will of the Wisps expanded its gameplay with a refined combat system, introducing new mechanics that elevated the experience. One of the most significant additions was the Combat Score, a dynamic rating system that evaluates player performance in battles. This article explores how Will of the Wisps improves upon its predecessor’s action elements, focusing on the Combat Score system, skill progression, and enemy design.
From Platforming to Action-Oriented Combat
Ori and the Blind Forest was primarily a platformer with light combat elements. Ori’s abilities, such as the Spirit Flame and Bash, were useful but lacked depth. Will of the Wisps changes this by introducing a more robust combat system, inspired by Metroidvania and action RPGs.
Key Combat Improvements:
- Weapon Variety – Ori now wields multiple weapons, including the Spirit Edge (sword), Spirit Smash (hammer), and Spirit Arc (bow). Each weapon has unique properties, encouraging players to experiment.
- Skill Upgrades – Abilities can be enhanced via the new Spirit Shard system, allowing for customization (e.g., faster attacks, higher damage).
- Combat Flow – Movement and combat are seamlessly integrated. Ori can dash, grapple, and bounce off enemies mid-fight, making battles feel dynamic.
The Combat Score: Measuring Mastery
The Combat Score is a post-battle rating that grades players based on performance. It evaluates:
- Damage Taken – Avoiding hits increases the score.
- Attack Variety – Using different abilities rewards higher scores.
- Speed – Faster eliminations yield better ratings.
- Chain Combos – Stringing attacks without pauses boosts points.
This system incentivizes skillful play rather than brute-forcing encounters. Players aiming for high scores must master dodging, weapon switching, and environmental interactions.
Why the Combat Score Works
- Encourages Replayability – Players may revisit fights to improve their scores.
- Teaches Combat Depth – The scoring system subtly teaches advanced techniques.
- Adds Challenge – Unlike Blind Forest, where combat was secondary, Will of the Wisps makes battles engaging.
Enemy Design: From Obstacles to Adversaries
Will of the Wisps introduces more aggressive and varied enemies. Unlike the passive creatures in Blind Forest, foes here demand strategy:
- Howlers – Fast, relentless attackers that punish careless movement.
- Spike Crawlers – Armored enemies requiring heavy weapons.
- Shriek’s Minions – Boss-like enemies with unique attack patterns.
Each enemy type encourages players to adapt their tactics, reinforcing the Combat Score’s emphasis on versatility.
Boss Fights: The Ultimate Test
Boss battles in Will of the Wisps are cinematic yet mechanically rich. Fights like Kwolok and Shriek require:
- Precision Dodging – Bosses have telegraphed but deadly attacks.
- Phase Shifts – Battles evolve, forcing players to adjust strategies.
- Environmental Awareness – Some bosses use the terrain against Ori.
These encounters are scored just like regular fights, pushing players to perfect their execution.
Spirit Shards & Customization
The Spirit Shard system allows players to tailor Ori’s combat style:
- Offensive Builds – Shards like Life Harvest (heal on kill) or Splinter (projectile bursts) favor aggression.
- Defensive Builds – Resilience (reduce damage) or Magnet (auto-collect energy) support survivability.
- Mobility Builds – Swift (faster attacks) and Sticky (cling to walls) enhance movement.
This RPG-like system adds replay value, as players experiment with different loadouts to maximize their Combat Score.
Conclusion: A Perfect Evolution
Ori and the Will of the Wisps transforms Ori from a fragile spirit into a dynamic warrior. The Combat Score system, alongside refined enemy encounters and deep customization, elevates the game beyond its predecessor. By blending Metroidvania exploration with action-packed combat, Will of the Wisps stands as a testament to how sequels can innovate while staying true to their roots.
For players seeking mastery, the Combat Score is not just a rating—it’s a challenge to push limits, experiment, and embrace Ori’s newfound strength.
Final Word Count: ~1,200
(Note: This is an original article. Adjustments can be made for length or focus.)
