The acclaimed developers behind beloved platformers Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps are returning with a very different kind of game – the unforgiving action-RPG No Rest for the Wicked. After being announced at The Game Awards, the grim hack-and-slash title now has an Early Access release date of April 18th on Steam.
In this dark fantasy world, players take on the role of the Cerim, holy warriors with extraordinary powers who must journey across the plague-ridden realm of Isola Sacra. The handcrafted environments and precision-based combat promise to challenge even seasoned action RPG veterans.
Early hands-on previews describe tough enemies that encourage mastery of dodging and parrying to survive. While death brings durability loss instead of progress loss, the world still punishes the unprepared. Despite demanding gameplay, previews find the challenge compelling and worth tackling.
For Early Access, the initial chapter of the mature, morally complex narrative will be included along with side quests, items to craft, and a diverse arsenal. The full 1.0 release will expand the world significantly. One of the major updates planned is 4-player co-op, allowing friends to join the grim adventure together.
This represents a notable tonal shift for Moon Studios after the charm and whimsy of their Ori games. But the studio is keeping their trademark artistry and attention to detail for crafting immersive game worlds. No Rest for the Wicked brings their talents to a setting thick with darkness and desperation.
The game joins a crowded field of Souls-inspired action-RPGs, but its gorgeous high fantasy universe combined with Moon’s pedigree offers hope that it can stand out with unique style and carefully calibrated gameplay challenge.
While Moon has faced allegations of workplace issues in the past, fans remain eager to dive into their next meticulously designed world of wonder and danger. No Rest for the Wicked launches into Steam Early Access on April 18th.
