Blasphemous

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 204 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 153 out of 204
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 204
  3. Negative: 25 out of 204
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  1. marcos_derozzi
    Sep 7, 2023
    5
    It's Ok, definitely a decent experience.
    As is pretty well known by this point, the most impressive thing this game presents is the atmosphere and how the levels look and feel (not how they play, by the way), with the whole catholic aesthetic the game goes for being pretty cool most of the time, even if it feels like it's maybe trying a bit too hard sometimes to be cryptic. Unfortunately    It's Ok, definitely a decent experience.
    As is pretty well known by this point, the most impressive thing this game presents is the atmosphere and how the levels look and feel (not how they play, by the way), with the whole catholic aesthetic the game goes for being pretty cool most of the time, even if it feels like it's maybe trying a bit too hard sometimes to be cryptic. Unfortunately the rest of the game isn't that impressive.

    Let's take, for instance, the combat, which stays basically the same from start to finish and is very basic (and kind of sluggish and clunky), with the game lacking any meaningful progression related to your character in anyway to make it feel more satisfying to fight enemies or to traverse the map. The game does present you with a feel items you can equip for "advantages" and a skill tree for a better moveset overall, but unfortunately it all varies from very situational to borderline useless, making the whole experience feel kinda samey, especially for a metroidvania, with the only piece of meaningful progression you're gonna get for most of the game is going to be health/mana and damage upgrades, which cool i guess, but underwhelming.

    As for the level design, i do think it's ok for the most part, but nothing that really blew my mind. Again, the levels look incredible and the developers also try to keep them interesting by adding a different gimmick to each area you visit, but stuff like the constant platforming in the Rooftops or the toxic waste area can get kind of annoying very quickly. These gimmicks then become either unremarkable a lot of the times, or just straight up unpleasant sometimes. Another problem about these levels is that, again, how the game lacks any satisfiable and meaningful progression, exploration feels very unrewarding, with you exploring these levels and getting occasionally a health or a damage upgrade, but mostly junk you do not care about.

    Lastly, the boss fights. They're OK. The game is competent in this regard but i don't think they succeeded in making memorable or engaging boss fights for the most part, with a lot of them being slow big monsters that mostly stand there waiting to be hit, or run away from the player just making me wait there for them to recover. Two bosses near the endgame required a lot more engagement from me by constantly moving and being agressive, and as a result were not only harder, but infinitely more engaging and fun to go against, which shows they know how to do things great sometimes, which makes things even more underwhelming.

    Oh damn, there's a story... The story is certainly there. I don't know anything about it and i honestly do not want to, as the game didn't really make any effort to present anything to me even in a slightly digestible way. I'm not asking for the game to serve everything to me for i am stupid and media illiterate, i'm just asking for something. Games like Hollow Knight or the Fromsoft games manage to be ambiguous while still being engaging and interesting, and having fun and remarkable characters. This game doesn't really have that. It does seem to have a lot of lore though, good for them...

    Since i mentioned the Fromsoft games, i do feel this game is heavily inspired by them, while still being a metroidvania. Unfortunately i don't think it succeeds in doing either style well. It does not present the great combat, abilities and level design either style has, feeling like it lacks understanding of what makes those styles so engaging in the first place.    … Expand
  2. Boborax1
    Aug 27, 2023
    8
    Score: 7. 7 /10

    Blasphemous is a really good game , I enjoyed most parts of it .The dark fantasy world is really interesting and I really enjoy the berserk infulences in it.The theme is fantastic and the designs and art direction in general are phenomenal. The lore is presented like it does in souls games and it's really intriguing. Combat is nice , nothing that crazy ,but pretty    Score: 7. 7 /10

    Blasphemous is a really good game , I enjoyed most parts of it .The dark fantasy world is really interesting and I really enjoy the berserk infulences in it.The theme is fantastic and the designs and art direction in general are phenomenal.
    The lore is presented like it does in souls games and it's really intriguing.
    Combat is nice , nothing that crazy ,but pretty serviceable .Most boss fights were enjoyable and fun
    Currently waiting for Blasphemous 2 which looks like a way more polished and cooler version of Blasphemous and I'm pretty hyped    … Expand
  3. TaysomHill7
    Aug 24, 2023
    9
    Well this game was a pleasant surprise. I loved every minute of it. Lots of items and lore to try to figure things out. The music is great and I loved the art style. Fun metroidvania with lots of power ups to achieve and backtracking to do in order to complete the map. Fun time overall if you like these types of games.
  4. bloodbreath32
    Aug 17, 2023
    8
    The game has great atmosphere with its dark tone, the gameplay has some issues related to the platforming, the map is a little short but it is full of many interesting things, good bosses, good exploration, and a reasonable amount of gameplay to grab on this great videogame
  5. TheNFROMO
    Jul 8, 2023
    8
    Gameplay
    • The gameplay of this game is pretty decent for what it offers. I won’t say anything like it’s revolutionary but it fits very much in the scope of the game.
    • The collectibles of this game have an actual use in this game in which you upgrade yourself to get stronger and what not. • The bosses of this game felt fair except for the boss up north and the end game boss which felt    Gameplay
    • The gameplay of this game is pretty decent for what it offers. I won’t say anything like it’s revolutionary but it fits very much in the scope of the game.
    • The collectibles of this game have an actual use in this game in which you upgrade yourself to get stronger and what not.
    • The bosses of this game felt fair except for the boss up north and the end game boss which felt like a bullet hell.
    • there are progression optional items that are required to get other collectibles in true metrovania fashion.
    • Backtracking for this is like backtracking in a souls game, you can skip it but as with souls games you shouldn’t.
    • You lose basically fervor(mana) if you die in a normal playthrough
    • ng+ becomes pretty simple once you unlock all the new game plus specific items.
    • prayer beads are basically buff/perks you equip to make your character stronger, defense pretty much becomes useless in ng+ because of a certain over powered pentenance
    • theirs also some cool easter eggs in this game
    • gameplay is pretty solid in this game honestly, very simple but very effective.
    • gameplay is a solid 2.0

    Story
    • Let me start off by saying they released 2/3 free dlc for this game which pertains to the story.
    • The side quests in this game actually matter because they give awesome abilities and this game have its most important side quests time gated via bosses basically when you defeat a boss it advances a tick in the game. Basically missable side quests that are required to 100 percent the game but these side quests were pretty amazing and it fit the game amazingly.
    • The story of this game felt like I was playing a god of war / dark souls quality level take of story telling. The pixel art level quality of this game surpasses most indie games on the market. Theirs indies and theirs blasphemous.
    • Theirs flavor text to each of the items, and all npcs have some sort of backstory attached to them.
    • The free dlc basically added more story to this game at a very high quality and added a new ending of the game.
    • The care that this studio put into this game was at a very high level that you usually don’t from triple a studios and especially indie studios.
    • The gruesomeness of the story is something you rarely from indie games as well if at all.
    • The story by itself deserves a 2.5 for how well respected and how well they crafted it.

    Music
    • The music for this I’m going to keep it short fits the theme
    • during special events i.e. cutscenes it fit very well.
    • sound effects felt good and decent
    • just nothing popped out to me.
    • still deserves a 2.0 because it checked all the boxes

    Performance
    • The game runs at 60 fps at 100 percent of the time, its an indie pixel art game I would expect it to
    • I had an issue with this game with sort of motion blur, it felt slow, I don’t know why. It’s like my eyes couldn’t focus because blurring caused, no other game had this issue.
    • because of that issue I had to rate it at a 2.0, I could get used to it but still annoying

    Price Point
    • This game msrp is rated at 24.99 us dollars.
    • I feel that this games deserving of up to 20 bucks.
    • this game is amazing at 20 dollars max it’s a very good sweet spot, at 25 you have to put up the justification if an indie game is worth that much
    • indie games should usually fall into the 15-20 dollar range especially if they are pixel art based.
    • I believe because the barrier of entry for indie game should be priced around that point.
    • This developer supported this for 3 years from release date, the last dlc I would consider it more so a preparation for the sequel but they have the improved through constant support.
    • I would love not to subtract 0.5 from the score because of how much the developer respects and loves their community but I must be unbiased.

    Final Thoughts
    • My final score for Blasphemous sits at a damn well 8.0. The game has an awesome story, that I consider top of the line. Decent music that most people will enjoy while playing it but most of it is kind of forgettable after your playthrough. Gameplay fits its metrovania / hack and slash style with collectibles and upgrades littered around. S tier graphics that I consider very damn high quality. This game is a perfect example of what indie developer can accomplish. They have basically built a Souls Game in 2D.    … Expand
  6. Zquaranteneuf
    Jun 18, 2023
    10
    Literally one of the finest games I have ever played.

    Aesthetic, lore, combat, boss design, level design, enemy variety, music, etc, etc, everything is incredibly inspired and unique. One of the rare true spiritual successors of the Castlevania and Souls games. It does it all. Even the DLCs are stellar. The last one even succeeds at recontextualizing the whole base game in a    Literally one of the finest games I have ever played.

    Aesthetic, lore, combat, boss design, level design, enemy variety, music, etc, etc, everything is incredibly inspired and unique. One of the rare true spiritual successors of the Castlevania and Souls games.

    It does it all.
    Even the DLCs are stellar. The last one even succeeds at recontextualizing the whole base game in a mindblowing way. A rare occurence of subverting expectations done right.

    Highly recommend.
    Like, play this game.

    Seriously.    … Expand
  7. HydrophobikFish
    Jun 9, 2023
    7
    Fun but extremely punishing metroidvania. Art direction is incredible and brutal and boss fights challenging but fair. Overall though feels a bit sluggish to control and doesn't explain some of its systems.
  8. ThiefBrRj
    May 30, 2023
    9
    I have experience with RPG and souls-like games, but this was my first 2D game on PS4. I don't have any criticisms for this game, it has good combat, good story and good game play.
  9. claud_inc
    Mar 8, 2023
    10
    This game has everything one would expect from a metroidvania type but adding some (I would say minor) soulslike mechanics, as well as maximizing interaction with the environment and making combat the most satisfying experience I've seen in this kind of game yet. All of these, combined with an incredibly beautiful and carefully crafted visuals and music, make this game an unforgettable experience.
  10. Fox_Cloud
    Feb 17, 2023
    10
    A atmosfera do jogo é envolvente ao mesmo tempo que a dificuldade é instigante a ponto de até no momentos mais críticos do jogo você não encontrará empecilhos para continuar jogando
  11. p1menta
    Dec 25, 2022
    8
    its a 2D souls like. one of the best souls like i've ever played. the artistic side of this game is just next level, its breathtaking, But i wish the fighting system was better. there are no combos and no aerial attacks, that takes a bit of the fun for me
  12. Roman_LAV
    Dec 6, 2022
    7
    Прикольная метроидвания. Крутейший мрачный дизайн, классическая для жанра механика. Мне понравилось
  13. Nathan912
    Nov 26, 2022
    10
    Este juego no merece menos de un 10 es increíble de principio fin tiene una alta dificultad plataforma está doblado al castellano y es español. Bebé de la formula metroid
  14. Kalelos
    Oct 1, 2022
    4
    A good game with a good story and awesome graphics it's a game for ppl that like metrovania..... Until ofc I got to play Miriam's challenges. Such a bad and failed design of platforming especially with lamps. Those lamps are unbelievable I loved the game until then. But after 200 tries in the fifth challenge of Miriam I am close to just delete this game. It's just left me such a badA good game with a good story and awesome graphics it's a game for ppl that like metrovania..... Until ofc I got to play Miriam's challenges. Such a bad and failed design of platforming especially with lamps. Those lamps are unbelievable I loved the game until then. But after 200 tries in the fifth challenge of Miriam I am close to just delete this game. It's just left me such a bad taste. So over all a metrovania platforming game with one of the worst platforming design I have seen. Disappointing.… Expand
  15. MaxieZeus
    Sep 2, 2022
    8
    Great platformer/Souls-like. Needs improvements on platforming side and it needs more abilities to use during combat but otherwise its great.
  16. 9bb
    Jul 21, 2022
    10
    Wow just wow. Criminally undarated. Felt like playing a walking fever dream. Probably the most memorable art style in a video game. The combat is also incredibly fun. The bosses mostly are a hit, especially in the dlc. The catholic themes really add to the story. And the world design is incredible.
  17. Mychaelwo
    Jul 16, 2022
    8
    Jogo incrível, absolutamente bem polído e divertido, cenários lindos e história e design artísticos épicos, indie de altíssimo nível.
  18. painava
    Jun 28, 2022
    7
    Not bad, not great. Too much backtracking and the gameplay feels old. Aesthetically impressive. Controls are a little clunky/unreliable, and the game gets too repetitive after 10 hours. Vague NPC quests. Relics should be permanent upgrades. There are so many questionable game design choices I have to give a bit lower score than I otherwise would.
  19. piston
    Jun 8, 2022
    8
    Good game, if you like '2d douls like' games it's a good one. I put this up there with salt and sacrifice.
  20. lailxd
    Dec 22, 2021
    10
    What I like about this game:
    dark ages religious atmosphere.
    challenging game play.
    characters design and dialogs. They are ridiculous and I love them.

    I think most of the early user reviews are lower since the game had a lot of bugs at the start, but most were ironed out at this point.

    I will forever rate this game as 10/10. can't wait for Blasphemous 2!
  21. Wladisslaw
    Dec 5, 2021
    10
    Ставлю твёрдую 10: - великолепная религиозно-средневековая атмосфера
    - прекрасная музыка и звуковое сопровождение
    - довольно высокая сложность для игры подобного жанра - хорошо прописан лор и отлично нарисованы боссы, монстры, НПС - удобный адаптивный интерфейс Яркий, необычный и очень достойный представитель жанра. Если любите подобные игры - обязательно к прохождению.    Ставлю твёрдую 10: - великолепная религиозно-средневековая атмосфера
    - прекрасная музыка и звуковое сопровождение
    - довольно высокая сложность для игры подобного жанра
    - хорошо прописан лор и отлично нарисованы боссы, монстры, НПС
    - удобный адаптивный интерфейс

    Яркий, необычный и очень достойный представитель жанра. Если любите подобные игры - обязательно к прохождению.
  22. Vanessa19
    Nov 28, 2021
    0
    Tiene de todo, y lo mejor el equipo desarrollador escucha a su comunidad y están muy pendientes de las recomendaciones del juego, veo que en cada actualización solucionan muchos fallos y nos han dado adicional 3 dlc gratuitos :D
  23. JayGrizzwold
    Sep 5, 2021
    9
    First. I have no idea why this game isn't by the VERY LEAST an 8. Im seeing a lot around 7- 7.5, which is honestly a grave mistake. From start to finish your blown away from the different type of game play you just stepped into. And I don't mean the platform type of hack and slash. I mean the older style music. The biblical type of art and graphics throughout. The very harsh type of storyFirst. I have no idea why this game isn't by the VERY LEAST an 8. Im seeing a lot around 7- 7.5, which is honestly a grave mistake. From start to finish your blown away from the different type of game play you just stepped into. And I don't mean the platform type of hack and slash. I mean the older style music. The biblical type of art and graphics throughout. The very harsh type of story line where your wondering What the Hell is going on? The more i travel and hack these creatures to death, the more I want to keep going and powering up. People might not like the difficulty of the game bc i can admit at times i just wanted to shut it off but that's what makes the game linger and test your skills by using strategy. This game you need to use different type of offense and defense. DSP wouldn't get past the start menu. Anybody whos into darker/biblical/sword slashing while trying to keep upgrading with mystical objects. This is your game, I promise. Wow, what a game.… Expand
  24. oksoundsgood
    Aug 13, 2021
    9
    The art style and character designs of this game are intriguing enough for me, but when paired with fun combat (for the most part) and exceptional level design, it culminates in a fun and bloody Metroidvania that I am sure to recommend to anyone looking for a game in the genre.
  25. SamirMrtnz
    May 31, 2021
    10
    Un juegazo por todo lo alto, me impresiona el nivel de calidad siendo un estudio Indie, el diseño artístico es sublime, la Música es épica, los combates contra jefes son alucinantes, las ejecuciones brutales; solo puedo tirarle rosas a este título, y en cuanto a la dificultad, pues no es muy difícil, es justo a su manera y me dan risa los ardidos que le ponen mala nota solo porque sabenUn juegazo por todo lo alto, me impresiona el nivel de calidad siendo un estudio Indie, el diseño artístico es sublime, la Música es épica, los combates contra jefes son alucinantes, las ejecuciones brutales; solo puedo tirarle rosas a este título, y en cuanto a la dificultad, pues no es muy difícil, es justo a su manera y me dan risa los ardidos que le ponen mala nota solo porque saben jugar o no quieren aprender sus mecánicas… Expand
  26. Xmadcatx33
    Apr 20, 2021
    10
    Se nota cuando los desarrolladores le meten un mimo enorme a sus juegos y es el caso de Blasphemous, se mejoro enormemente con las actualizaciones y contenido gratuito señal de que son agradecidos con el éxito y saben de su potencial, a mi me encanto de principio a fin y lo he jugado a morir, no me aburri ya que sus escenarios sin hipnoticos y los detalles de sus personajes lo son aun mas
  27. RagnarokMike
    Apr 15, 2021
    10
    If you're a fan of the retro 2D Metroidvania style, Blasphemous stands with the best genre has to offer, up there with Symphony of the Night and Hollow Knight (though I'd rate it 3rd with those examples). Controls are tight, combat is brutal, lore is deep, art is beautiful, world is fantastic, bosses are well designed, just so much to love about the game. I can't recall any flaws beingIf you're a fan of the retro 2D Metroidvania style, Blasphemous stands with the best genre has to offer, up there with Symphony of the Night and Hollow Knight (though I'd rate it 3rd with those examples). Controls are tight, combat is brutal, lore is deep, art is beautiful, world is fantastic, bosses are well designed, just so much to love about the game. I can't recall any flaws being noticeable enough to merit mention, though, unless you analyze everything in intricate detail, you will need a guide, as some items have very specific uses, even paying attention it's easy to miss a ton of nuance. Epitome of tough but fair, never is a boss based on luck or is damage unavoidable if you're playing properly, death is most always player error; like any, there are a few slips, but it's in the upper echelon of the critique. Unless you're opposed to 2D sidescrollers of the sort, there's no good reason to not give it a go.… Expand
  28. VanCan72
    Apr 5, 2021
    9
    As good as a 2D souls-like can get. The story is as obtuse and vague as any of the Souls games, with information being very few and far between for anything truly substantial. The lack of information coupled with gorgeous pixel art for environments, characters and cutscenes along with religious overtones makes the game's presentation both a blessing with its eye candy, but also a curseAs good as a 2D souls-like can get. The story is as obtuse and vague as any of the Souls games, with information being very few and far between for anything truly substantial. The lack of information coupled with gorgeous pixel art for environments, characters and cutscenes along with religious overtones makes the game's presentation both a blessing with its eye candy, but also a curse with how unsettling things can appear with all of these factours in tandem. Sound design is pretty good too. Lots of ominous noise, your sword sounds great while swinging and actually hitting something, enemies make hideous noises and there are constant tells from sound alone. Voice acting is pretty great as well. There isnt a whole lot of characters to voice, but the ones there are come strong and help elevate the eerie setting even more. Music is very religious oriented and your mileage is gonna vary here. I would say these tracks are definitely more for painting a mood for where you are rather than being bop after bop. Great in context but probably nothing you're gonna be blasting in the car. As far as gameplay goes, unlike your usual 3D Souls games which put heavy emphasis tactical play and waiting for openings, Blasphemous takes a more hack-n-slash approach with an emphasis on platforming rather than normal traversal. That doesnt mean you wont be doing a lot of dodging and countering because there's plenty of that in spades, but the combat is tailored to reward aggressive play. From there it's just your standard MetroidVania fare, with a big map to explore and gain access to other sections later on. I honestly really liked this game, and after I was done with my first playthrough I was more interested than ever to actually figure out what the full story is about in full. Highly recommend if you're up to the challenge.… Expand
  29. sinantos
    Mar 31, 2021
    9
    I initially rated this game 6/10. After finishing it (%100), I changed my note to 9/10. Here is my reasoning:

    I loved and hated the game at the same time. Good story, stylish graphics, good music, very good level design, lots of secrets to explore, beautifully designed side quests and amazing boss fights. However game play is sometimes frustrating. The hardest boss in this game is    I initially rated this game 6/10. After finishing it (%100), I changed my note to 9/10. Here is my reasoning:

    I loved and hated the game at the same time. Good story, stylish graphics, good music, very good level design, lots of secrets to explore, beautifully designed side quests and amazing boss fights. However game play is sometimes frustrating. The hardest boss in this game is jumping from point A to Point B. I died countless times just by failing to jump, more than dying in boss fights. In the beginning of the game I visited a place I should have visited later. I was so frustrated to the point of giving up the game, yet I am happy that I didn't. If you loved Darks Souls games, I recommend this game. Please be patient with this game and it will award you handsomely.    … Expand
  30. njp500
    Feb 12, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What a great game, found and played it by chance. If you are someone who can see joy in life's misery, hear horror and violence in religious narratives, and feel at ease when rising to challenges, you are someone who will enjoy this game very much. The developers have created a world of unrelenting sadness, where God is not "dead" as nietzche stated. God has returned to his creation not to deliver eternal salvation, instead delivering eternal punishment. it's a great and dark heavy metalish idea, but even more than that, I think they really knocked the realization of this concept out of the park, both artistically and in the game world they created. I disagree with other reviewers' criticisms on the gameplay; the gameplay is just as strong as any other aspect of the game if not the best aspect. It rewards disciplined and skillful playing, and destroys anything less than that. You can burn through anything and everything in this game quickly and easily, if you do it right, and its not that hard unless you're slacking. All I can say is get good and this game may not be for everybody. It gives experienced gamers a nice and perfectly fair challenge and presents a story that is in no way comforting with great art and metroidvania gameplay. I applaud them for taking the time to make this… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

76
#76 Best PS4 Game of 2019
56
#56 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Worth Playing
    Dec 30, 2019
    73
    If you're into challenging action platformer games, Blasphemous is as good as the next. It isn't perfect or revolutionary, but it doesn't have to be. Its lore and visual direction are disturbingly beautiful and craft an interesting and distinct world. Great boss fights and an enjoyable and challenging combat system ensures that fans of the genre will have enough to sink their teeth into and enjoy.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Oct 25, 2019
    85
    The Game Kitchen’s latest work is ideal not only for fans of metroidvania genre. For me its accessibility and sheer fun of gameplay compares to a “souls” version of last year’s Spider-Man, which is the best recommendation I can give. [12/2019, p.55]
  3. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Oct 22, 2019
    80
    There are minor irritations – some bosses have annoying stun-locks, enemies sometimes don’t load in properly, and platforming can be iffy at times. But trying again comes with minimal punishment. Like the twisted religion testing The Penitent One’s faith, the game’s willing to forgive – if you’re willing to try again. [Issue#168, p.78]
See all critic reviews »