While it’s not 100% perfect or anything, I found Hollow Knight had a much better modulated difficulty curve than Ori, and far better level design. Ori had a lot of really powerful setpiece moments and impressive visuals, and I’m glad I played it, but I was constantly getting frustrated by things I shouldn’t have been frustrated by. In Hollow Knight, for the most part, my frustration was earned, and it eventually turned into satisfaction. I had more “I did it!” moments than “Fucking finally” moments.
I am looking forward to the next Ori game, as it seems like an opportunity to really achieve the potential of the original.
If anyone’s interested, here was my full critique of Ori when I played it.