Ori and the Will of the Wisps: Is It on PS4? Guide & Review

The journey of the little spirit, Ori, is one of the most visually stunning and emotionally resonant experiences in modern gaming. If you are searching for Ori and the Will of the Wisps on PS4, you are likely hoping to dive into this breathtaking Metroidvania adventure. However, it is important to clarify the platform availability early on to save you time and frustration.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a masterpiece of art and level design, but it is not available on the PlayStation 4. Because it is published by Xbox Game Studios, the title remains exclusive to the Microsoft ecosystem and the Nintendo Switch. While this might be disappointing for PlayStation owners, understanding where the game is playable and why it has earned such critical acclaim will help you decide if it is worth picking up on another device.

In this guide, we will explore the platform situation, dive into the mechanics that make this game a genre-defining title, and provide tips to help you master Ori’s latest adventure.

Platform Availability: Where Can You Play?

Many players search for Ori and the Will of the Wisps on PS4 because they have heard of its reputation as a "must-play" title. Unfortunately, the game was developed by Moon Studios and published by Xbox Game Studios, meaning it is not released on Sony hardware.

To help you find the right way to play, refer to the table below regarding official platform support.

If you own a PC, an Xbox console, or a Nintendo Switch, you can experience the game in its full glory. The PC version is particularly scalable, allowing it to run on a wide range of hardware, provided you meet the minimum requirements.

Minimum PC System Requirements

If you are choosing to play on PC, here is what you need to ensure a smooth experience:

Why Ori and the Will of the Wisps Is a Genre-Defining Title

Whether you are a newcomer to the series or a fan of the original Ori and the Blind Forest, Ori and the Will of the Wisps offers a significant evolution in gameplay. The developers took the feedback from the first game—which was praised for its art but sometimes criticized for its combat—and overhauled the entire experience.

The game is a 2D Metroidvania, meaning it emphasizes exploration, backtracking to unlock new areas, and gaining abilities that change how you traverse the map. Unlike many other games in the genre, Ori and the Will of the Wisps balances intense platforming precision with a deeply emotional narrative.

Combat and Movement Overhaul

One of the biggest improvements is the combat system. In the previous game, Ori’s attacks were somewhat limited. In this sequel, you have access to a wide array of melee weapons and projectiles, allowing for a combat style that feels more like an action game.

Tip

Master the Movement The game is designed around flow. Don't just rely on standard jumping; learn to chain your dash, double jump, and glide abilities together. The game rewards players who treat traversal as a rhythmic dance rather than a simple means of getting from point A to point B.

The "Shard" system is another major addition. Inspired by the Final Fantasy materia system, these shards allow you to customize Ori’s stats and abilities to suit your playstyle. Whether you prefer a tanky build that prioritizes health or a glass-cannon build that focuses on damage, the shard system gives you the flexibility to adapt.

Essential Tips for Success

If you are diving into this game for the first time, the difficulty can spike unexpectedly. Here are some strategies to help you survive the perils of Niwen.

1. Prioritize Mobility Shards

Early in the game, focus on collecting shards that improve your movement. The "Triple Jump" or "Dash" modifiers can make platforming sections significantly easier. If you are struggling with a specific boss fight, swapping your shards for defensive options can make the difference between victory and defeat.

2. Utilize the Radial Menu

Combat in Ori and the Will of the Wisps is fast-paced. You can assign your favorite abilities to a radial menu for quick access. Don’t stick to one weapon; learn which enemies are weak to specific types of attacks. For example, aerial enemies are often easier to manage with the Spirit Arc (bow) rather than trying to chase them down with melee strikes.

3. Explore Every Corner

Metroidvanias are built on secrets. If you see a small ledge or a suspicious-looking wall, there is likely an upgrade waiting for you. Upgrading your health and energy cells is vital, as the bosses in the latter half of the game will punish players with low stats.

The Visual and Auditory Experience

It is impossible to discuss this title without mentioning the presentation. The hand-painted art style is not just a stylistic choice; it is a fundamental part of the game's identity. The environments in Niwen feel alive, with layers of depth that make the background feel just as important as the foreground.

The soundtrack, composed by Gareth Coker, is equally impressive. It adapts dynamically to the action on screen, swelling during intense chase sequences and softening during the quieter, more contemplative moments of the story. If you enjoy games that treat audio-visual presentation as an art form, this title is unrivaled.

Games Like Ori for When You Finish

If you have already completed Ori and the Will of the Wisps and are looking for similar experiences, the Metroidvania genre is currently in a golden age. Based on community recommendations and critical acclaim, here are a few titles that capture the same spirit of exploration and challenge:

• Hollow Knight: Silksong: The highly anticipated follow-up to Hollow Knight. It features similar fluid movement, intricate world-building, and challenging boss encounters.
• Nine Sols: If you enjoyed the combat focus of Ori, Nine Sols offers a punishing, parry-based combat system inspired by Eastern mythology.
• Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown: This game brings the classic franchise into the modern era with tight, satisfying platforming and excellent Metroidvania structure.
• Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist: For those who loved the "ruined world" atmosphere of Ori, this game provides a bleak yet beautiful fantasy kingdom to explore.

FAQ: Common Questions

To help you get the most out of your experience, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about the game.

Q: Is Ori and the Will of the Wisps available on PlayStation 4? A: No, the game is not available on PS4. It is an Xbox Game Studios title, meaning it is only playable on Xbox consoles, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Q: Do I need to play the first game (Blind Forest) before this one? A: While it is not strictly required, it is highly recommended. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a direct narrative sequel, and you will appreciate the emotional payoff of the story much more if you have experienced the journey of the first game.

Q: Is this game difficult? A: The game offers a good challenge. While the platforming can be demanding, the game includes generous checkpointing (Spirit Wells), which prevents the frustration often found in older, more punishing games in the genre.

Q: What is the estimated playtime? A: A standard playthrough typically takes around 12 to 15 hours. However, if you are a completionist who wants to find every shard, energy cell, and secret area, you can easily spend over 20 hours in the world of Niwen.

Final Thoughts

While the lack of a PS4 port might be a hurdle for some, Ori and the Will of the Wisps remains one of the finest examples of the Metroidvania genre. Its combination of tight, responsive controls, stunning hand-painted visuals, and a story that genuinely pulls at the heartstrings makes it a title worth experiencing on any platform where it is available.

Whether you are navigating the complex platforming sections or engaging in the fast-paced combat, the game consistently proves why it is a masterclass in design. If you have access to a PC, Xbox, or Switch, do yourself a favor and embark on this journey—it is an adventure that stays with you long after the final credits roll.