What is Ori inspired by?

What is Ori Inspired By?

Ori and the Blind Forest is a highly acclaimed action-adventure platformer game developed by Moon Studios. The game received widespread critical acclaim for its beautiful visuals, engaging story, and challenging gameplay mechanics. But what inspired the developers to create such an amazing game? In this article, we will dive into the inspirations behind Ori and the Blind Forest.

Story Inspiration

The story of Ori and the Blind Forest is deeply rooted in the concept of a Spirit Tree, which is a central element to the game’s narrative. The game’s director, Thomas Mahler, took inspiration from various mythological and cultural stories, particularly from Japanese and Korean mythology. The Spirit Tree serves as a symbol of protection, guidance, and nurturing, which is reflected in the game’s themes of exploration, discovery, and growth.

Art Inspiration

The game’s breathtaking visuals were inspired by a wide range of artistic influences, including:

• Japanese watercolor paintings
• Korean folk art
• Nordic mythology
• Celtic myth and legend

The team also drew inspiration from their own personal experiences and feelings, aiming to create an atmosphere that is both evocative and immersive. The game’s art director, Gennadiy Korol, mentioned in an interview that they used a combination of traditional hand-painted textures and algorithmic techniques to achieve the game’s distinctive look and feel.

Gameplay Inspiration

The gameplay mechanics of Ori and the Blind Forest were influenced by several classic platformers, including:

• Super Mario Sunshine
• Rayman 2: The Great Escape
• Metroid Fusion

The team also experimented with new mechanics, such as the use of soul links to connect Ori and other characters, and the incorporation of environmental puzzles and platforming challenges.

Character Inspiration

The protagonist, Ori, is inspired by various mythological creatures, including:

• Winged horses (Pegasi)
• Fox-like creatures (Kitsunes)
• Sprites

The game’s antagonist, Kuro, is also inspired by various mythological and cultural figures, including:

• The Japanese Folklore of the Kura Onna (a mountain yurei)
• The Greek Mythology of Persephone

Similarities with Other Games and Stories

It is notable to see the similarities between Ori and the Blind Forest and other games and stories in the industry. For example:

• The game’s narrative and themes are similar to those found in Dark Souls and other FromSoftware games.
• The environmental puzzles and platforming mechanics are reminiscent of games such as Metroid and Banjo-Kazooie.
• The game’s art style and atmosphere evoke comparisons to games such as The Legend of Zelda and Okami.

What Makes Ori Unique

So, what sets Ori and the Blind Forest apart from other games in the industry? Here are a few key factors:

• The game’s unique art style and atmosphere, which draws inspiration from various cultural and mythological influences.
• The game’s challenging and rewarding gameplay mechanics, which require players to think strategically and creatively.
• The game’s narrative, which explores themes of growth, discovery, and the consequences of one’s actions.

Conclusion

Ori and the Blind Forest is a game that is rich in inspiration and creativity, drawing from a wide range of artistic, cultural, and mythological influences. The game’s unique blend of gameplay mechanics, story, and art style have made it a standout in the industry, and have earned it a loyal fan base. Whether you’re a fan of platformers, action-adventure games, or simply beautiful visual aesthetics, Ori and the Blind Forest is a game worth checking out.