Acclaimed video games “Hollow Knight” and “Ori and the Will of the Wisps” are very similar games but have a few distinct differences that make them unique. They are both 2D adventure “Metroidvanias,” games that let you unlock new abilities and items, letting you go back to where you have already been in the game and explore previously locked areas. “Ori” and “Hollow Knight” both have many differences that are worth nothing before going off and choosing which to buy.

“Hollow Knight” is more combat based with many unique spells, abilities, and “charms” you can use to make combat and navigate easier, and they make your gameplay unique from other players. For example, one of these charms is called “wayward compass” and it makes it so you can see where you are on the map when otherwise you would not be able to. You can also go to the nail smith to upgrade your nail to make beating enemies easier. “Hollow Knight” is full of fun, unique, and challenging boss fights at every corner so the nail upgrades become very useful. 

“Ori and the Will of the Wisps” is a more story and level design based adventure. While “Ori” does not have many boss battles, it makes up for it by having very challenging platforming levels and a truly fantastic story. “Ori” also has a mechanic called “shards” that can be used to help make the platforming a little easier and make the enemies that are around a little less challenging to beat. While you play through the game you unlock new abilities that help you unlock more areas that may have an item for you to get.

In “Hollow Knight” you have to collect four mask shards to gain even one life. This makes it harder because you have to take time to explore the map and look carefully. Not having that life could hinder you because you might need it to beat the boss you are on. In “Hollow Knight” you also need soul to use spells and in order to increase that amount you can hold at one time, you have to go around the map and collect three vessel fragments to create one whole.

However, mechanically the games are similar. Both games have a mechanic for gaining more health points. In “Ori,” you go around the map to collect life cells. You need to collect two of them to increase how much life you can have. To use certain abilities takes energy, some taking more than others. In order to increase how much you can hold you need to collect two energy cells to create one whole cell. They also both have unique combat mechanics and abilities to get you through the game. Most of the mechanics and abilities in “Ori” are platform based but can help with combat, and in “Hollow Knight” most of the mechanics are combat based but can be used to help with platforming.

Both games are amazing but if you are looking for a challenging combat based game “Hollow Knight” is the game for you. If you are looking for a game that has very challenging platforming and a good story with not super hard combat, you might enjoy “Ori” more.