Forget the forest, we’re going to hell.
Moon Studios just traded their glowing spirits for buckets of gore, and it is glorious.
If you’re like me, the mere mention of Ori and the Blind Forest makes you want to curl up and cry about a pixelated owl. But put the tissues away, because the developers have clearly spent the last few years binge-watching Dark Souls and sharpening rusty meat cleavers. Their new title, No Rest for the Wicked, is a grim, damp, “swords and sorcery” nightmare that feels like a massive middle finger to anyone who thought this studio only did “cute.”
Diablo’s Camera Meets Dark Souls’ Cruelty
The first thing you notice—besides the fact that everything is covered in a delightful layer of grime—is the perspective. It’s top-down, giving off major Diablo vibes, but don’t let the camera angle fool you into thinking this is a mindless click-fest.
- The World: You wash up on Isola Sacra, a land currently rotting from something called “the Pestilence.”
- The Vibe: It’s stunning, if a bit dark. I’ll be honest, I squinted a few times, but the way the environment fades out to reveal hidden paths is a slick touch.
- The Exploration: This isn’t a straight line; it’s a labyrinth. I found myself wobbling across thin beams and smashing through crumbling walls just like the good old days in Lordran.
Is it weird that I’m more excited to explore a “manky swamp” than a magical forest? Maybe. But Moon Studios has a way of making rot look like high art.
Stamina Management is the Real Boss
Let’s talk combat, because if you go in swinging wildly, you’re going to end up as bird food. This is a “Soulsborne” through and through. You’ve got stamina bars, parries, rolls, and—my personal favorite—the “heavy armor tax” that turns your nimble warrior into a literal tank that can’t move.
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One major twist that actually made me cheer? The “bonfire” equivalent—Cerim Whispers—doesn’t respawn enemies when you use them. You can actually explore, find loot, and fall off a cliff (which I did, repeatedly) without having to re-clear the entire map. It’s a small mercy in a game that otherwise wants you dead.
Bosses, Friends, and Sunflowers
The 90-minute preview ended with a fight against Warrick the Torn. Imagine a human who got hit with a mutation stick and grew too many legs. It was frantic, adrenaline-soaked, and left me wanting more.
And if you don’t want to suffer alone, you don’t have to. The game supports four-player co-op with no tethering. That means you can literally wander off to another part of the map while your friends are getting slaughtered by a boss. That’s what friends are for, right?
The Verdict: Keep Your Eyes Peeled
I walked away from this demo itching to get back in. Moon Studios has managed to translate that “adventure of discovery” feeling into a hardcore, top-down ARPG that feels fresh yet familiar.
It drops on April 18th, and if you’ve been looking for something to fill the Elden Ring-shaped hole in your heart, this is it.
Are you ready to trade the platforming for a parry? Check out the gameplay video below and tell me if you think this is a “Wicked” upgrade or if you miss the forest!
Would you like me to find the specific PC system requirements so you can see if your rig can handle the “Pestilence”?
