Play it on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, Windows (Steam Deck OK), macOS, Linux
My current goal: Consume blood and gain penance
As I watched Geoff Keighley Fest last weekI was surprised by one particular Showcase debut: The release date trailer for blasphemous 2. The harrowing atmosphere, unsettling pixel art, and fluid combat held my eyes for 90 seconds. All I could think about was how this game was practically made for me, even though I’d never given the first one Blasphemous one try. So I dusted off my trusty barbed Capirote helm, filled the thing with way too much blood, and headed to the Metroidvania world of Cvstodia.
Blasphemous makes an undeniably great first impression. The world is steeped in religious iconography, from a nun’s bloodcurdling screams to cryptic riddles about Catholic repentance. You won’t find many games that will immerse you in their spooky atmosphere as quickly as Blasphemous. It’s fascinating, detailed art is borderline uncomfortable, yet I long to descend further into Cvstodia.
The Metroidvania with a Dark Souls Spin has been made countless times, but few match the lore and mystery that exist Blasphemous brings. The fight evokes feelings of Hollow Knight or owlboy, but far more grotesque. The addition of fight-ending executions is now a feature I would like to see in every single Metroidvania.
Blasphemous is relatively short. So if you’re ready to devote your weekend to The Miracle, there’s a good chance you’ll make the credits by Sunday night. Still, I recommend you take your time and really enjoy the area. It’s also bloody difficult, so be patient, penitent. – Jeb Biggart
