THIS GAME IS GOOD FOR KIDS WHO NEED HELP WITH

Flexibility

Adapting and adjusting to changing conditions and expectations.

One of the thinking skills children will use most when playing Ori and the Blind Forest is flexibility. Ori is a guardian spirit adjusting to life without his community and navigating a forest that is no longer hospitable, and players will share this learning curve. Exploration is nonlinear, and places that seem accessible won't always be and places that are accessible won't necessarily be easy to travel through. There are times when a player will need to think differently about a problem before they re-attempt passage, or just go somewhere else and come back when a new ability is gained. An important side effect of flexibility is resilience, which can make a big difference when it comes to success, not just in a video game, but in life in general. Flexibility is what allows kids to move past feelings of frustration and persevere when the going gets tough, change strategies, and try again.

Self-Awareness

Understanding our own actions, thoughts and feelings and empathizing with others.

Because of the tricky nature of a puzzle-platformer like Ori and the Blind Forest, self-awareness is key for getting through the game, and it works in tandem with flexibility. Knowing Ori’s limitations and paying attention to hazards, enemies, and the health bar will make gameplay far less frustrating. Self-awareness drives initial assessment as well as reflection. When obstacles are encountered, self-awareness is what will tell a player when a hazard or enemy is beyond Ori’s current ability or if there might be an alternative solution. When the problem has passed, self-awareness helps them think about whether their method was efficient and effective or if they should try another way next time. But this thinking skill isn't only about metacognition; it also involves empathy. Ori’s personal journey is good food for thought and conversation about differing views on love, loss, grief, healing, and hope.