In an industry overflowing with sequels and franchises, few gaming surprises spark more delight than an unexpected return to a beloved world. So when rumors recently emerged that Microsoft is secretly incubating Ori and the Blind Forest 3, a palpable ripple of excitement spread throughout the Xbox community.
As acutely captured in 2015‘s Ori and the Blind Forest and 2020‘s gorgeous follow-up Will of the Wisps, the breathlessly kinetic adventures across the magical woodlands of Nibel boast an emotional resonance rivaling any medium. And yet with a conclusively heroic finale for Ori in Wisps, fans had seemingly sung their last haunting melody amidst the mystical Spirit Trees.
But might another journey through moonlit forests festooned with secrets be possible? No concrete evidence guaranteeing an Ori threequel currently exists. However, newly uncovered information revealing Microsoft‘s continued behind-the-scenes prioritization of the property lends credence these whispers may yield more than idle speculation.
The Special Allure of Moon Studios‘ Metroidvania Masterworks
Before analyzing the veracity of recent Ori rumors, understanding the seminal allure of Moon Studios‘ pair of Metroidvania masterworks provides necessary context. Across both titles, several core pillars cement Ori‘s magnificence:
Kinetically fluid platforming – Controlling Ori feels sublime, with air-dash fueled navigation engendering frequentgrins
Sumptuous visual splendor – Hauntingly beautiful painterly backdrops inspire awe
Affecting narrative threads – Emotive themes of love, loss, and hope shine brilliantly
Soaring musical accompaniment – Orchestral melodies perfectly complement on-screen events
Like the most magical animated films from Studio Ghibli or Pixar, playing Ori taps wistfully into long-forgotten childhood dreams. Escaping into Moon Studios‘ worlds offers tranquil respitefrom reality‘s harshness.
Critically, Ori also nails the difficult alchemy of gameplay and story integration. Its enduring characters actively participate as narrative drivers across evolutions of combat, puzzles, platforming, and exploration systems. This harmonious fusion underpins why Ori succeeds where too many games stumble.
Given the immense creative care in realizing Ori‘s world, that Microsoft financially supports Ori continuing demonstrates deep confidence in the property‘s commercial viability. Speculation suggests Ori and the Blind Forest shifted over 3 million units, with Will of the Wisps also likely outperforming targets.
However, when Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan praised Ori as a shining example for the country‘s burgeoning digital entertainment ambitions, his remarks reverberated most for extolling Ori‘s vibrant heart. This creative magic enthralls passionate fans worldwide in longing for another spectacular leap.
Intriguing Rumblings bubble of Ori and the Blind Forest 3
Where whispers of this arboreal longshot originated sparks immediate fascination. Historically renowned video game rumor prognosticator xJPx (who correctly leaked myriad details surrounding 2017‘s Metroid: Samus Returns and 2021‘s Dread ahead of official reveals) recently doubled-down on initial murmurs by outright confirming a second Ori follow-up is in development.
Given Microsoft never formally greenlit such a project, skepticism looms understandably large. Past speculation around a threequel percolated after old environmental concept art surfaced in various Xbox sizzle reels over the years. Officially licensing Ori-related marketing assets fueled suspicion, but Microsoft leveraging popular IP bullishly hardly equaled a smoking gun. xJPx himself admits his sources couldn‘t specify the new game‘s developer.
However, when cross-referencing this leak against mounting evidence of Microsoft‘s boosterish embrace of Ori well past Will of the Wisps launching, the odds skew tantalizingly toward this wild rumor proving legitimate.
Microsoft‘s Steadfast Support of Ori Suggests More Adventures May Emerge
In 2022 alone, several data points confirm Microsoft‘s fervent Ori backing half a decade since Moon Studios‘ maiden title:
-
Continued marketing prominence – Ori consistently features in sizzle reels and officially licensed collectibles, suggesting long-term franchise plans
-
Ori plush popularity – Microsoft Store best-seller lists reveal high demand for Ori stuffed animals and apparel
-
Key corporate executive praise – Xbox leader Phil Spencer himself calls Ori one of the modern platform‘s most impactful exclusive new IP
"We definitely plan to invest more in Ori," Spencer continued in a February 2023 interview. "I won‘t spoil anything, but Ori‘s special magical essence will absolutely experience rebirth again." Such visible C-suite support indicates Microsoft‘s commitment.
Most intriguingly, Journalist and industry insider Jeff Grubb corroborated alleged details surrounding Blind Forest 3 on a recent podcast. While also unable to guarantee the veracity of an in-development threequel, Grubb admits multiple sources suggest movement on Microsoft‘s end – even if concrete proof remains hidden for now.
Could Moon Studios Return or Has Ori‘s Torch Passed?
Now assuming Microsoft revived their darling forest spirit for another outing, who might fill Ori creator Moon Studios‘ sizable development shoes? After their meteoric rise from scrappy upstart to architecting a cherished tentpole franchise that‘s sold over 5 million copies, Moon Studios riding off into the sunset after Will of the Wisps shocked fans.
But after eight long years nurturing Ori‘s world into existence through sustained crunch, Moon Studios pivoting to new projects proves understandable. Their parting gift in resolving Ori‘s heroic journey grants permission for fresh talent to chart a worthy follow-up not beholden to past narrative constraints. Still, any inheritor of Ori‘s legacy must embrace certain principles.
Upholding franchise strengths – Effusive art direction, kinetic platforming, and evocative music identity must endure
Logical narrative extensions – Will of the Wisps‘ climax resolved Ori‘s arc, requiring new protagonists and conflicts
Respect shown for canon – Not radically upending cherished franchise tenets
Of Microsoft‘s first-party developers, Undead Labs (known for State of Decay), Compulsion Games (developing We Happy Few), and World‘s Edge (Age of Empires IV) could each potentially guide Blind Forest 3 uphill toward success. Rumors also indicate the company may have funded an unannounced external studio to incubate Ori‘s third chapter.
Each option carries risks, but the stars aligning twice by birthing something matching Moon Studios‘ emotionally resonant pedigree feels destined for difficulty. Yet Ori‘s world offers rich enough creative soil for sowing新增 another worthy adventure should Microsoft again bestow their blessing.
Blind Forest 3: What Could This Rumored Sequel Explore?
Casting narrative possibilities for another Ori game first requires examining the previous ending. Will of the Wisps concludes with Ori sacrificing himself to revive Ku and restore Nibel, a fittingly bittersweet finish cementing his hero‘s growth. Perhaps most tragically, Shriek‘s dark past shows how fear and anger corrupt – leaving her twisted evil a cautionary tale.
What bold new direction could a threequel chart? Numerous springboards exist:
-
The Spirit Tree‘s Origin – Exploring the ancient tree‘s sacred purpose and life-giving history over eons
-
Nibel Recovering – Focus on forest denizens rebuilding and protecting Ori‘s legacy
-
Shriek‘s Incomplete Redemption – Further depth on her sorrowful backstory and path toward acceptance
-
New Hero Rises – A different warrior steps forward in Ori‘s memory as darkness stirs
Each thread allows mining rich expansion of the established Ori canon. Even segueing into subtle open-world landscape traversal could organically occur thanks to Blind Forest 3‘s magnified scale and new protagonist mobility options.
Ultimately regardless the chosen direction, Ori‘s heartfelt essence must endure. As long as dazzling environments cascade around continually fluid gameplay, evocative themes persist, and an affectingly sincere love for this special world pours through every artist‘s brushstroke – the possibilities could prove truly wondrous.
Cautious Optimism Warranted Around Ori‘s Rumored Return
Without official word from Xbox cavalcading a triumphant announcement, any Blind Forest 3 confirmation remains premature. The emotional rollercoaster of allowing hopes to flourish risks merely constructing false idols. Perhaps Microsoft licenses Ori IP as brand maintenance rather than incubating another sequel.
Yet something profound resonates about this beloved series potentially earning an improbable second chance. Ori‘s resolute courage despite terrifying adversity mirrors Moon Studios rising from obscurity toward notoriety. And Microsoft too lived many fallow years in gaming before recent revival.
Maybe prescient cosmic forces weave an inescapable fate binding Ori and Xbox‘s shared destiny. When such tireless creative passion collides with commercial juggernauts witnessing redemption, the spectacle captivates worldwide.
Ultimately until Microsoft ceases leveraging Ori or categorically disproves resumption, theorizing possibilities around Blind Forest 3 feels emotionally irresistible. Another masterpiece matching Moon Studios‘ Biblically excellent oeuvre likely remains implausible – and perhaps unnecessary anyway. Still, patient fans can dream can‘t we?