Blasphemous II

While it’s unlikely to win over anyone that tried the first and didn’t vibe with it, Blasphemous 2 is undoubtedly a treat for fans wanting to spend more time with the Penitent One. With more variety in terms of both visuals and gameplay, this is a confident sequel that builds on the foundations of its predecessor. And while its story may be confounding at times, we can’t help but be mesmerised by its dark and mysterious world.

Blasphemous 2 has earned its place as one of the great metroidvanias. While it can be punishingly difficult, it's equally rewarding to overcome all challenges the game has to offer. It maintains everything that was good about the original but also improves on its shortcomings, putting a greater emphasis on exploration and character building. When it comes to overall gameplay, Blasphemous 2 is not a terribly innovative title, but it does an exceptional job of following the best examples of the genre and creating its own unique and unforgettable world. For any metroidvania fan, missing out on Bl...

Since Elden Ring secured its position as one of 2022's best games, Soulslikes have seen another huge spike in popularity, with a plethora of titles already released or in the pipeline for this year. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, Remnant 2, Lies of P, The Lords of the Fallen, Hollow Knight: Silksong, The Last Faith — the list goes on — each one of them throwing in their own unique twist on the beloved genre to try and steal the limelight. The latest and greatest of these, Blasphemous 2, is a 2D hack-n’-slash, Metroivania sequel to the well-received 2019 release, from Spanish based developer The Game...

Blasphemous was the surprise hit of 2019, impressing both critics and players in equal measure. By combining the exploration style of metroidvanias with the brutal combat of soulslikes, it answered the prayers of many gamers the world over. Its visceral, gothic setting and rich lore left many fans clamoring for more. Fans rejoiced when The Game Kitchen announced Blasphemous 2, allowing us to once again explore the twisted world of Cvstodia. After such a successful first outing, the question o...

Steeped in religious themes, the narrative of Blasphemous 2 tells of a land unable to overcome the curse placed on it by a higher power, regardless of how repentant its people are. Playing Blasphemous 2, I sometimes felt the same, as I wondered how I could possibly overcome the challenge before me. But like the denizens of The City of the Blessed Name, I persevered. And though the curses being thrown around my house each time I died were of a different variety than those cast in Blasphemous 2’s story, I loved nearly every minute of this challenging Metroidvania journey.

If you've been praying for a good Metroidvania, then Blasphemous 2 has come to offer you salvation. Strange cutscenes aside, this is an exceptional game full of tight combat, satisfying secrets, and incredible bosses.

4 years after the release of the dark 2D Metroidvania, Blasphemous, developer The Game Kitchen has returned with a sequel. This follow-up takes the amazing art and formidable gameplay from the original and expands it in every way, providing more varied combat, more over-the-top boss fights and a whole new gorgeously strange world inspired by Spanish Catholic folklore to explore. Blasphemous set a high bar, and it is safe to say that The Game Kitchen has not just met it with Blasphemous 2, but...

Possibly the best classic metroidvania this year, Blasphemous II delivers a solid action-adventure game topped with somber religion-inspired visuals.

Blasphemous 2 is a solid sequel that improves upon its predecessor by being truer to its Metroidvania inspirations. It refines the concept of the original game by mixing classic platforming with more modern Soulslike themes. The combat and platforming aren’t ground-breaking, relying a lot on backtracking and collectibles, but the difficulty level generally strikes a fine balance between being challenging and fair. Along with a wonderful art style and spirited music, the game makes blaspheming a reason worth fighting for.

Even as a Souls-like Metroidvania, Blasphemous 2 can be quite a doozy.

Blasphemous 2 is an exceptional Metroidvania that captivates with its world, gameplay loop, and fluid animations.

The path I took through Blasphemous 2 led me to a definite and dark ending. I saw the potential for other paths, but without the help of an online community or guide, I’ll admit I was lost in how to stray from the one laid out before me. Over time, these secrets will be unlocked by minds more dedicated than my own and — we can pray — more development support will be given. That is not to say that this game, at a nice 20 hours, is  unfinished, anything but. It is a polished, snappy action-platformer that wears its influences on its sleeve while still making them its own. But to what end? I’m pe...