Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition due next week
UPDATE: PC version delayed.
UPDATE 09/03/2016 10.15pm: Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition has been delayed for PC, though its Xbox One version is still on track for launch this Friday.
"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," explained Microsoft Studios' executive producer Mark Coates 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. We can't wait to get the final game in the hands of players and see their reaction!"
The Xbox Wire post included the following new trailer:
ORIGINAL STORY 01/03/2016 10.34pm: Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition is coming to Xbox One and Steam on 11th March, developer Moon Studios has announced.
That's exactly one year to the day of Ori's original release.
This enhanced edition adds all sorts of goodies to the already acclaimed platformer. For starters, it adds the all new Black Root Burrows section of the game, expanding the title's lore.
"There is a great story sequence throughout Black Root Burrows where you're discovering the past of Naru, the mother character," said executive producer Mark Coates on the Xbox Wire. "You discover her roots, where she came from, and you learn a bit more about her as a character and why maybe she is compelled to do some of the things that she does later on in the game. It's all interwoven with the already-existing story."
There will also be an all new dashing ability that can be upgraded throughout the adventure, eventually letting you burst about in mid-air, and a grenade-like Light Burst explosive attack.
If this sounds like it will make the game too easy, don't despair as Moon Studios is adding all new difficulty settings to tailor the experience to your liking. A Hard Mode will increase the challenge, while the truly masochistic can attempt the "One-Life" Mode, which is exactly what it sounds like. If you're on the other end of the platforming spectrum you can opt for the new Easy Mode.
Finally, Blind Forest: Definitive Edition adds a new Theater Mode, allowing you to rewatch cutscenes and view concept art and trailers.
The developer previously noted that those who already own Ori and the Blind Forest will be able to upgrade "for a very comfortable price", though no pricing has been announced at the time.
Eurogamer contributor Dan Whitehead came away from Ori and the Blind Forest's original release suitably impressed. "It's no exaggeration to say that Ori and the Blind Forest is still arguably the best Microsoft console exclusive of the last six months," he concluded in his Ori review.
