Summary
As one might expect, The Game Awards 2023 were awash with several world premiers of upcoming games that players can look forward to in 2024 and beyond. One of the more unexpected but welcome surprises was the reveal ofOri and the Blind Forestdeveloper Moon Studios' new gameNo Rest for the Wicked. BothOrigames are considered by some to be two of the best Metroidvania titles ever made, and now Moon Studios appears to be turning its attention toward the Action-RPG genre. Interestingly, the reveal trailer showcases thatNo Rest for the Wickedhas a heavy emphasis on combat, which immediately sets it apart from theOrigames.
Contrary to most Metroidvania titles, which typically can be considered action-platformers for their twin emphases on movement and combat, theOriseries places a premium on platforming and incredible setpiece moments that push players' skills to their limit. AlreadyNo Rest for the Wickedlooks to carry-on Moon Studios' traditionof crafting beautiful worlds with stunning art direction, but the true test of the game will ultimately rest on its combat. And in terms of what was shown in the reveal trailer, there’s a lot to be excited about while also still ultimately raising more questions.
What No Rest for the Wicked’s Reveal Trailer Suggests About its Combat
The most noticeable difference that the trailer presents betweenNo Rest for the Wickedand Moon Studios' previous work is the title’s switch to an overhead isometric perspective rather than the 3D assets on a 2D plane as in bothOrigames. This perspective switch makes perfect sense given the switch in genres and the tendency for ARPGs to adhere to this kind of camera view, and it also gives players some insight into what they can expect fromNo Rest for the Wicked’s world and combat. Right off the bat, the focus on environments and a lack of HUD elements presents a stark contrast togames likeDiabloorPath of Exile.
While there are likely going to be skills and abilities that players can acquire throughout their playthrough (as well as potential for a variety of classes), the lack of cooldown timers, skill icons, and health or stamina meters allows both the world and the characters that inhabit it to take the focus. As an ARPG,No Rest for the Wickedwill undoubtedly have more of a focus on combat than platforming or traversal as inMoon Studios’Origames, but the emergent gameplay and environmental design present in the trailer are still very much in-line with what players would expect from the studio.
BothOri and the Blind Forestand, to a greater extent,Ori and the Will of the Wisps, feature combat, but the platforming and traversal through each game’s world was where Moon Studios placed its focus in both titles. In comparison,No Rest for the Wickedlooks to involve all the trademarks of a nuanced and complex combat system, with the trailer showcasing dodge-rolling, parries, and what appear to be some intimidating and challenging boss enemies to encounter. What remains to be seen is how the combat feels, and whether it’s more of a hack-and-slash or a methodical,Soulslike approachto the ARPG genre.
Many of the new games revealed at the Game Awards showcased departures from what some beloved studios are traditionally known for.No Rest for the Wickedis a far cry from theOrigames in the sense that it sees Moon Studios try their hand at a different genre and focus more heavily on combat mechanics than movement, but all the other trademarks that the studio is known for are front and center. If the storytelling andatmosphere of theOrigamesis any indication, players are in for a captivating world and narrative whenNo Rest for the Wickedfinally arrives.
Ori and The Blind Forest
WHERE TO PLAY
The forest of Nibel is dying. After a powerful storm sets a series of devastating events in motion, an unlikely hero must journey to find his courage and confront a dark nemesis to save his home. “Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning action-platformer crafted by Moon Studios for PC. Featuring hand-painted artwork, meticulously animated character performance, and a fully orchestrated score, “Ori and the Blind Forest” explores a deeply emotional story about love and sacrifice, and the hope that exists in us all.
