Chris InglisLate last year, Moon Studios and Private Division announced No Rest for the Wicked which takes a departure from the side scrolling Ori games and is an action RPG that is looking fantastic. Set for an early access release on PC on April 18, 2024, development will continue with a full release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC planned for some time after Early Access. I have been longing for an Ori 3, however after seeing the aRPG gameplay and familiar art style with more verticality and depth, I am super keen for this new game.
Set 841 years after The Embrace, a pivotal moment dawns upon the kingdom, marked by the passing of King Harol. A devastating conflict arises when a peaceful transition of power devolves into chaos. In addition to this political turmoil, a deadly plague has reemerged on the remote island of Isola Sacra, twisting the land and its inhabitants.
The world of Isola Sacra is your seamless playground. Each area feels dense and meticulously hand-crafted, packed with secrets to uncover, resources to scavenge, and enemies to vanquish. You’ll be able to explore the verticality of the world by spelunking depths of crypts, lush forests, and treacherous mountain passes. Each location is home to complex protagonists with their own problems, hidden treasures, ferocious creatures, and secrets to discover.
Those who enjoy the Soulsborne genre will feel right at home with combat in No Rest for the Wicked. It’s a slower, more methodical dance that punishes mistakes. Mastering your dodges, parries, and well-timed attacks is key to surviving encounters. Resource management also plays a crucial role, as you’ll need to scavenge for crafting materials and use them wisely to keep your weapons and armour in top shape.
As with any good roguelike, death is inevitable in No Rest for the Wicked. But it’s not a punishment – it’s a learning experience. Each time you fall, your items incur a durability loss, and you’ll respawn at the last whisper point you activated, or at the starting area if near the beginning. You’ll also gain knowledge about the world and your enemies which will help you progress further on your next attempt, creating a rewarding loop of death, discovery, and improvement.
There is also a multiplayer mode where you can share your world and progress with up to three friends by their side in the campaign’s online co-op mode. Every quest, boss, and square foot of Isola Sacra is theirs to share with others…or they can simply venture off and do as they please.
As a massive fan of Ori and the Will of the Wisps, I’m super excited to check out this new aRPG from Moon Studios when it launches in early access on Steam on April 18, 2024. Development will continue with a full release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC planned for some time after Early Access. If you missed the Wicked Inside Showcase from March 2, you can watch it here.
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