Zero Punctuation Season 9 Episode 12 Wrong Number and Ori and the Blind Forest

Zero Punctuation is a web series created by British-Australian writer and gamer Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw, who is known for his witty, fast-paced, and often scathing reviews of video games. In season 9, episode 12, Yahtzee reviews two games: "Wrong Number" and "Ori and the Blind Forest."

In "Wrong Number," Yahtzee takes on the role of a hitman named Jacket who is tasked with taking out various targets in an 80s-inspired, neon-drenched world. The game is a fast-paced, top-down shooter that requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking. According to Yahtzee, the game is a "successor to Hotline Miami in everything but the name," which is both a compliment and a criticism. On the one hand, Yahtzee appreciates the game's tight controls and pulse-pounding action sequences. On the other hand, he feels that the game is a bit too derivative of Hotline Miami and doesn't do enough to differentiate itself.

Despite these criticisms, Yahtzee admits that he had a lot of fun playing "Wrong Number" and recommends it to fans of the genre. He particularly enjoys the game's dark humor and ultraviolent set pieces, which he describes as "Tarantino-esque." Overall, Yahtzee gives "Wrong Number" a positive review and encourages players to check it out.

In his review of "Ori and the Blind Forest," Yahtzee shifts gears and takes a look at a platformer that has been widely praised for its beautiful visuals, emotional story, and challenging gameplay. The game follows the journey of a young spirit named Ori as he explores a mysterious forest, fights off dangerous creatures, and gradually uncovers the secrets of his world.

According to Yahtzee, "Ori and the Blind Forest" is a "gorgeous" game that lives up to its hype in terms of its visuals and music. He describes the game's art style as "painterly" and notes that the animation is smooth and fluid. He also praises the game's orchestral soundtrack, which he says adds an emotional depth to the proceedings.

However, Yahtzee also notes that "Ori and the Blind Forest" is a very difficult game that can be frustrating at times. He comments that the game requires a lot of precision and patience, and that players who are easily frustrated may not enjoy the experience as much. He also suggests that the game may be a bit too sentimental at times, with its emphasis on the power of love and friendship.

Overall, Yahtzee gives "Ori and the Blind Forest" a positive review and recommends it to fans of platformers. He acknowledges that the game is not perfect, but feels that its strengths (especially its visuals and music) outweigh its weaknesses. He sums up his thoughts by saying that "Ori and the Blind Forest" is a "beautiful, challenging, and ultimately rewarding experience."