Ori and the Blind Forest is one of my favourite video games and the sequel was fantastic too. It’s rare for studios – especially indie studios, to completely change the types of games they make. I’ve been trying to think of some and I’m coming up short, although I’m sure there are a few examples. It wasn’t until a fair while after I’d seen the first trailer for No Rest for the Wicked that I realised it was from the same people who made the Ori games.
Switching to a top-down action RPG, with a focus on slower more methodical fighting is a real 180 from the fast and fluid side-scrolling action of the adorable Ori. That being said, as soon as I started playing, I could still see elements of the Ori games here and there. There is still that signature Moon Studio stamp on the game, and so far, I love it.
Vibrant Worlds
For starters, the colour palette and environment feels very much like what you’d see in the Forest of Nibel. Vibrant and dense flora sprouts from wherever possible, pushing its way through the gaps in the floor. Trees tower above you so soon as you leave the boundaries of structures, swaying and rustling as the rain lashes down or the sun’s rays shine through. In the mostly abandoned buildings roots have snatched at the chance to lay claim to the lands.
You may not notice it at first, because the game starts at night in the rain. However, when that sun is shining there is a vibrancy that reminds me of the forests Ori bounds through.
Creatures skitter in the dark trying to scuttle away from your approaching footsteps. When you’re higher up somewhere you can see into the distance and catch glimpses of the world around you. Much like the depth you’d get in certain areas of Ori where you’d see deep into the depths of the forest and the life lurking within.
Be Careful
Whilst the overall pace of the game is slower. The combat still shares a familiarity. Even the ‘weakest’ enemies can pose a threat if you’re not paying attention. Then there are tricky boss fights where you’ll have to draw on all the skills you’ve learned while playing. Whilst the challenge is higher in No Rest for the Wicked, Ori still offers some sticky situations that would test your ability.
I remember getting stuck on a couple of the bosses and having to take breaks. That same theme is here, and the bosses will likely kick your butt even more.
Freedom to Explore
Additionally, the exploration of each game shares some similarities. The world is inviting, wanting you to explore. Points of interest glisten just out of reach. Blocked-off areas show a glimpse of something on the other side, and you know you’ll be there soon opening that passageway up allowing you to move around between areas more freely.
There are rewards for taking a detour down another route. Some secrets are obscured whereas others are cleverly hidden in plain view. Only the keen-eyed among you might find them. Even in the first area of the game, there are dozens of different pathways to take. They may often lead you to the same place. However, having that feeling of freedom to explore is exciting. Although you will have to watch your step as you can quickly find yourself teetering on the edge of something you really don’t want to fall from if you’re not careful.
Full of Character
The characters, both enemies and allies alike are overly stylised, almost caricatures of what they would look like in real life. They feel part of the world, like they belong and are connected to the game. A foul curse has spread changing the world from what we know to a grotesque interpretation of something familiar much like how the Forests in Ori became corrupted and decaying.
No Rest for the Wicked has dialed up the performances with longer cut scenes, some fully voiced characters. There is more detail in the areas – especially in the first town you visit. It seems Moon Studios have taken what they did best in the Ori games and have created something far more ambitious which looks to have paid off.
A Bright Future
All these elements are what give me that similar Ori feel. There is a connection between the games despite the change in genre. Perhaps it’s an obvious thing seeing as it’s one company making these games. However, I like that I can notice the influences of Ori here. We only have a snippet of the full game on offer at the moment due to it only just being released into early access. However, what I’ve played is already fantastic. Additionally, knowing what Moon Studios is capable of, I’m confident this will be a huge success going forward. I’m excited for the future of No Rest for the Wicked and if you like action RPG’s that will challenge you, then you should be excited too.
-Will
