Right, we’ve covered modern indie classic Ori and the Blind Forest before… and we’re going to cover it again!

Why? Not only is it a stunning masterpiece of gaming perfection, it’s just had a Definitive Edition release (on Wednesday, to be precise). “So it’s Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition?” Yes. Well done!

Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition

Moon Studios‘ epic modern 2D platformer was four years in the making and, as with the majority of the best contemporary video games, it’s a Metroidvania type shindig.

We’ll state right now this thing is an enthralling, engrossing slice of genius which merges the very best of every gaming element (gameplay, music, visuals, challenge etc.) to create a rare piece of perfection. Are we sycophantic? You bet we are, but with good reason.

The player takes control of Ori (a white guardian spirit), who’s been orphaned and taken under the wings of a Studio Ghibli type beast thing.

After some further equilibrium-shattering narrative action, Ori is joined by Sein, who sounds like Midna from the Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and has characteristics analogous to Enril from the enchanting LostWinds.

It’s a classic 2D platformer, make no mistakes about it, inspired so heavily by glorious masterpieces from the past such as Super Metroid.

Consequently, you guide Ori around the gorgeous levels and gain powerups to advance to new areas. It’s traditional stuff, just achieved with such imagination and panache.

The Definitive Edition adds a bunch of new stuff to get to grips with and smoothes over a couple of issues with the first release, honing it into one of the finest gaming experiences in the history of ever.

It’s mesmerising. You’re overwhelmed by the imagination and attention to detail and you’ll be addicted within minutes, no doubt.

Make no mistake, however, this is one difficult SOB. It can be infuriating at times and the only way to not punch your computer in a rage is to save regularly.

With this in mind, you’ll be sorted ahead of a glorious adventure.

The Soundtrack!

Whilst the game is beautiful to behold, we’ve always held the belief a game’s soundtrack is far more important than its graphical prowess (with gameplay topping the list above everything, of course).

Ori and the Blind Forest delivers big time on this – the game demands glorious music, and boy does it get it.

The soundtrack drifts between joyous romps, poignant orchestral pieces, and full on bombastic glee – it inhabits the game so naturally it’s difficult not to get swept away by it all.

Thusly, get some good earphones and plug them in whilst you play. That’s an order, soldier!

The Looks!

A lingering societal notion goes as follows: “Oh, it has cartoony graphics. Therefore, it must be for kids because, at the end the of the day, what it boils down to, is cartoons are for kids.”

Specious reasoning, ignoramus! Don’t be a philistine and accept you don’t need gritty realism to craft an intellectually stimulating experience for folks above the age of 12.

Anyway, just look at the artistic integrity of the thing! It’s astonishing and in motion it’s even more streamlined and spectacular.

A glorious looking treat for the eyes if ever there was one.

Buy it Now, Dammit!

Right, so it’s available for the Xbox One or just download it off the ever brilliant Steam. It’s £15, which is about $20 we believe.

Incidentally, if you already have the previous version (launched in March 2015), you can download the update for £3.

Do yourselves a favour and buy the thing as you’ll never regret this decision – not even in a billion years.

It’s not often we gush like stupid morons, but today we simply had to. All hail Ori and the Blind Forest!