Moon Studios, the acclaimed creators of Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps, have returned with their latest, highly-anticipated project: No Rest for the Wicked. This visceral, precision-driven Action RPG promises to not only meet the high expectations set by their previous titles but to redefine the genre itself.
Game World and Storyline
In No Rest for the Wicked, players step into a beautifully crafted world brimming with intricate details and a storyline that weaves elements of dark fantasy with compelling character arcs. The game world stands out as particularly vibrant and lush, offering a depth of visual fidelity that makes exploration both rewarding and visually delightful. Moon Studios has once again showcased their mastery in world-building, creating a landscape filled with lore, secrets to uncover, and a variety of enchanting locales to discover.
Combat System
What really stands out in this title is the absolutely smooth combat system, which stands as a hallmark of Moon Studios’ dedication to delivering a refined gameplay experience. Combat in No Rest for the Wicked requires precision and timing but feels natural and fluid, dovetailing perfectly with character development. As players gain experience, they unlock new abilities and powers that seamlessly integrate into their combat style, encouraging a mix of strategy and skill.
Customization
Customization takes a central role in No Rest for the Wicked, particularly when it comes to your base of operations—your very own house. Playing with the various customization options available can be addictive, allowing players to create a personal space that reflects their journey and accomplishments throughout the game. Whether it’s selecting the type of furniture, the layout, or the myriad of aesthetic details, the customization system offers a fun and engaging distraction from the central quest.
Exploration and Map Design
As you traverse the meticulously designed map, No Rest for the Wicked rewards exploration in a way that few games manage to. Every corner of the map holds potential secrets and rewards. Whether it’s hidden quests, rare loot, or simply breathtaking vistas, there’s always a fresh incentive to venture off the beaten path. The map is dense with content and meticulously designed, ensuring that exploration never feels like a pointless grind.
Grinding and Time Mechanics
However, the game does involve a certain amount of grinding, particularly later on. It’s manageable and not overly taxing, but it’s something to be aware of. The more significant issue some players have found is with the game’s upgrade and building system. Even though the game is singleplayer, upgrading and building structures in the game are tied to real-world time, leading to sometimes frustrating waiting periods. This aspect of the game has garnered some criticism, and many hope the developers will address these concerns in future updates.
What Works Best in ‘No Rest for the Wicked’
- Incredible World-building: The game excels in crafting an engaging, vibrant world that feels alive with possibilities.
- Smooth Combat: The fluidity and precision of the combat system make for highly satisfying gameplay.
- Deep Customization: Personalizing your in-game house offers a delightful side activity that adds another layer of immersion.
- Rewarding Exploration: Every inch of the map holds potential surprises, making exploration a consistently rewarding endeavor.
Areas for Improvement
- Real-world Time Mechanics: The upgrade and building systems tied to real-world time can feel unnecessarily restrictive and frustrate players.
- Slight Grind: While not overwhelming, there is a noticeable grind element that some players may find off-putting.
No Rest for the Wicked: In summary, No Rest for the Wicked stands as a testament to Moon Studios’ ability to innovate within the Action RPG genre. Its impeccable world-building, smooth combat, and deep customization offer a rich and immersive experience. While the real-world time mechanics and slight grind may detract for some, the overall package is undeniably compelling. As with any great game, a bit of fine-tuning could address the concerns raised by the player base, making an already great game truly outstanding. – Obsidian