I recently spent a good few hours with No Rest for the Wicked. I approach games with a speedrunner’s mindset, seeking both techniques to shave off completion times and insights into game design. This title presents a mixed bag of stunning artistry, innovative mechanics, and some frustrating pitfalls. In this review, I share my honest impressions as SpeedyGamer99 and provide tips for players who want to master its intricacies.
Overall Impressions
No Rest for the Wicked proudly comes from Moon Studios, the creative force behind Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps. The game promises a visceral, precision Action RPG experience and, in many respects, it delivers. Its art style shines and the world feels carefully crafted. Yet, the game stumbles in its gameplay balance and certain technical issues. I found its mix of inspiration from titles like Dark Souls compelling, yet overly punishing at times. Frequent crashes and mismatched mechanics make it challenging to smooth through runs—a nightmare for a dedicated speedrunner like myself.
Gameplay Mechanics
I dove into the combat and exploration systems with high hopes. The combat delivers precision and spectacle when it works correctly. I appreciated the nuanced enemy encounters and the ability to dodge, parry, and counterattack. However, I noted several areas that need refinement. I found that enemy behavior sometimes lacks fairness. For example, several players pointed out that enemies launch off-screen attacks or track with unpredictable speed. One reviewer mentioned that enemy parrying and tracking feel arbitrary, and I must agree. I found such moments especially vexing during speedruns. Fast-paced combat demands consistency, so these issues often break the flow I strive for when aiming for optimal times.
Another standout quirk is the balancing act with consumable items. On the Steam Deck, attempts to switch quickly between functions took too long. I have developed a habit of minimizing downtime during runs, so I recommend keeping controls optimized for best performance. The management of the stamina bar also proves problematic. In intensive encounters, its placement can disrupt rapid decision-making. I observed that some builds, particularly those that rely on swift dodges and attacks, suffer when stamina regeneration becomes slow. These intricacies force players—especially speedrunners—to adjust their strategies on the fly. I suggest investing time in understanding how your build and pacing interact with these mechanics.
Story and Characters
The narrative in No Rest for the Wicked is ambitious. The story weaves dark themes with rich lore. I appreciated the effort that Moon Studios put into creating a mystical world with memorable characters. However, dialogue delivery often takes a backseat to the gameplay. The backstory occasionally feels sparse. Despite this, I encountered moments where side quests enriched the lore and built tension. A reviewer mentioned additional post-launch story content, which has helped clarify some of the game’s earlier narrative gaps.
As a speedrunner, I usually focus on optimizing movement and combat strategies, but I also find that a compelling narrative can add depth to each run. The characters are quirky and mysterious, imbued with personality even if their stories sometimes remain underdeveloped. I look forward to future updates that may expand this dimension, allowing a deeper connection with the world and its inhabitants.
Visuals and Graphics
No Rest for the Wicked excels significantly in its artistic presentation. The painterly visuals remind me of the immersive art style seen in Ori titles. I found the environment to be both enchanting and challenging, making each moment feel like I’m part of an evolving painting. The character design complements the world’s ethereal tone. The attention to detail enriches both long explorations and intense combat sequences.
This gorgeous aesthetic is a double-edged sword. While the visual design helps disguise some graphical shortcomings, it sometimes masks performance issues. I experienced occasional frame drops and crashes, which are particularly disruptive during speedruns. Despite these setbacks, I revel in the artistry and recommend that players appreciate the careful design of each scene. Moon Studios has clearly invested in creating a world that is as beautiful as it is perilous.
Sound and Music
The auditory experience in No Rest for the Wicked deserves praise as well. Its soundtrack builds tension and elevates the emotional stakes during boss battles and exploration. The music often adapts to the flow of combat, encouraging rapid responses and precise maneuvers. I found that the sound effects intricately matched the visual and gameplay dynamics. In moments where the combat felt hyper-responsive, the audio cues helped me gauge timing and decision-making, which is a boon for anyone honing speedrunning techniques.
Some technical inconsistencies persist, however. Minor audio glitches distract momentarily during high-intensity sequences. These weaknesses do not overshadow the overall musical layout, but they do suggest that further polish is needed before the game reaches its full potential. I remain optimistic that upcoming patches will rectify these minor issues and further elevate the game’s atmosphere.
Difficulty and Replayability
No Rest for the Wicked targets players who enjoy a challenging, skill-based experience. The game does not shy away from testing your reflexes, timing, and strategic decision-making. I appreciate a game that pushes me to reimagine my usual approaches during runs. However, the steep difficulty curve is compounded by some unpredictable enemy behavior and the aforementioned technical glitches. I found certain boss encounters overwhelming, especially when parrying felt the only viable option.
Despite these challenges, the game offers significant replayability. Every run can expose you to new strategies and refinements. I have engaged with community forums where fellow speedrunners contribute tips on route optimization and enemy pattern recognition. For instance, I learned that setting the graphical setting to either balanced or performance on the Steam Deck greatly improves stability. Continuous updates, like the new Breach update cited by some players, promise improvements that will likely address issues related to grinding and enemy behavior.
Tips for Speedrunners
For those who love to push every frame, I recommend a few strategies. First, optimize your consumable use by remapping controls for quicker access. Second, pay close attention to enemy patterns and adapt your route accordingly. Third, consider experimenting with both parry-based and dodge-centric builds until you find one that suits your pace. Lastly, keep your eye on community updates and developer notes. Moon Studios is known for listening to player feedback, and I expect further iterations will ease some of these hurdles.
Final Thoughts and Rating
No Rest for the Wicked stands as a testament to Moon Studios’ ambitious design and artistic vision. Its combat and visuals captivate even as technical issues and fairness in enemy engagement dampen the experience. As a speedrunner, I see potential for improvement with each update, and I embrace the challenge to refine my strategies. Despite its rough edges, the game offers a deep, immersive experience that rewards persistence and smart play.
For anyone ready to invest time and adapt to its complexities, I assign No Rest for the Wicked a rating of 3.5 stars out of 5. The game has a strong foundation and artistic charm that make every run a worthwhile challenge. With further refinements and careful attention to technical issues, I am confident that Moon Studios can elevate this title to a must-play status for speedrunners and ARPG enthusiasts alike.
I look forward to future updates and hope my insights help fellow gamers optimize their play and prepare for the exhilarating yet challenging journey that No Rest for the Wicked provides. Keep refining your strategies, and I will keep pushing forward in pursuit of the perfect run.
