How a 2D masterpiece expanded into a 3D odyssey
In short: When Moon Studios set out to sequel Ori and the Blind Forest, they didn't just expand the map. They overhauled the entire visual language, moving from two-dimensional artwork to complex, three-dimensional models layered within deep, immersive backgrounds.
The transition from the 2015 original to the 2020 sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, represented a massive leap in both technical scope and artistic ambition. While the first game relied on 2D artwork, the development team—which grew from roughly 20 members to 80—implemented 3D models played within multi-layered backgrounds. This shift was led by artists like Jeremy Gritton, formerly of Blizzard Entertainment, to create a sense of seamless integration within the environment.
The scale of the project was immense; developer Daniel Smith estimated the sequel's scope to be three times larger than its predecessor. This expansion required a 'crazy iterative' approach to development, with a single E3 2017 trailer undergoing 2,000 iterations during the polishing phase. The gameplay itself evolved from a sequential upgrade system to a more flexible 'shards' system, inspired by the 'materia' mechanic from the Final Fantasy series, allowing players to customize Ori's stats and attacks.
Despite the technical triumphs, the journey was not without friction. The game's release saw criticism regarding frame rate issues and visual bugs on the Xbox One version, though many of these were addressed via a day-one patch. The narrative also deepened, moving the setting from Nibel to the region of Niwen. The story, narrated by the Spirit Tree, follows Ori's quest to recover the shattered light of the Spirit Willow, a journey that ultimately leads to a profound transformation of the protagonist.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Ori and the Will of the Wisps
- Also: Wikidata — Ori and the Will of the Wisps · CC0
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