Although first scheduled to release alongside its console counterpart last month, Microsoft have now confirmed the gorgeous 2D platformer Ori and the Blind Forest [official site] will launch its Definitive Edition on PC next week. In fact it’s so gorgeous that I think we should take a look at its latest trailer before we get onto what the Definitive Edition entails, don’t you agree?
Ori and the Blind Forest Definitive Edition, a re-release of the gorgeous and thoroughly-good platformer that adds new areas, difficulty options, and gameplay upgrades, was originally supposed to be out last fall. Developer Moon Studios announced in December, well after that season had come and gone, that the update had been delayed to the spring of this year, which it recently nailed down to March 11. Just two days ahead of that date, it's been delayed again, but only on the PC. The Xbox One version will go out as scheduled.
Yes, we did announce a release date of March 11th. But to make sure everyone who plays Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition gets a great experience regardless of platform, we re taking a bit of extra time with the Windows Store and Steam versions, Microsoft Studios Executive Producer Mark Coates explained on the Xbox Wire. We will launch the Xbox One version on March 11, and will update you soon on when the other versions will launch.
Beyond that disappointment, the update reveals a bit more about some of the changes in the Definitive Edition. The two new areas, Black Root Burrows and Lost Grove, have their own unique visual themes and mechanics, and there are a pair of new core skills to learn as well, Dash and Light Burst. Pricing was also revealed: Ori and the Blind Forest Definitive Edition will sell for $20, and owners of the original will have the option of upgrading for $5.
Update: The story originally indicated that the listed pricing had only been confirmed for the Xbox One version of the game. A rep has since confirmed that it will also apply to the PC release.
After much success following its release last year, Ori and the Blind Forest [official site] will launch its Definitive Edition on March 11th. With it, come tweaks to the game’s theater mode, new story material and a brand new arena. Pop below to find out more.
Ori and the Blind Forest is gorgeous, fun, and tough, and enough of a hit that a Definitive Edition, with new areas and mechanics, was announced this summer. The plan, as noted by Gamespot, was to have the new version out for the fall, which as you may have noticed did not happen. And yesterday, developer Moon Studios revealed on Twitter that the update won't be out until early-ish in 2016.
In official news: We want to let our fans know that you can play Ori Definitive Edition in Spring 2016 & will have more news to share soon!
— OriAndTheBlindForest (@OriBlindForest) December 22, 2015
Specific reasons for the delay weren't given, but the trouble can most likely be traced back to the fact that this is apparently going to be a very big update. The Definitive Edition will have "new areas, new abilities, more story, more features, more everything!" the studio tweeted in a follow-up. "Built with the same care and love as the original game."
The Definitive Edition won't be free for owners of the original, but it will be available to them as DLC at a discounted price. The cost hasn't been revealed, but if this looks like your cup of tea you can score the original release for 12 bucks—that's 40 percent off its regular price—during the Steam Winter Sale, which runs until January 4.
What are the best Steam Summer Sale deals? Each day for the duration of the sale, we’ll be offering our picks – based on price, what we like, and what we think more people should play. Read on for the five best deals from day 8 of the sale.>