Blasphemous 2

Game Kitchen not only delivers a beautiful and accessible metroidvania that welcomes newcomers to the genre, but also provides a decent challenge for the more experienced and demanding players with an exquisite art direction.

Blasphemous 2 isn't blasphemous at all in being an excellent soulslike and metroidvania. The game delivers a solid campaign, excellent stages, bosses that will give you a hard time and top-notch challenging combat encounters. While the difficulty may prove frustrating to some, the game is well balanced and strong candidate to indie game of the year.

Blasphemous 2 plays much better than its predecessor in many ways. The focus is more on dexterity and exploring the game world with your newly discovered skills. The lack of friction may have lost the soul a bit, but in return you get a wonderfully varied metroidvania that you can explore to your heart's content.

While fans of character-building gameplay in souls-likes might find themselves yearning for more, those with a nostalgic fondness for Symphony of the Night will discover solace in this extraordinary experience, deemed by many as the pinnacle of its kind. Prepare to be mesmerized by Blasphemous IIs' mesmerizing imagery and the Penitent One's valiant crusade for purification. The frantic mix of weapon swapping and fast-paced exploration show that the developers learned a lot from their last game and have fully embraced the metroidvania formula.

Blasphemous II is one of the best metroidvania we have ever played. Its exquisite pixel art graphics and orchestral soundtrack, its refined gameplay and the great challenges presented by its fearsome bosses make this an outstanding game.

Blasphemous 2 surpasses its predecessor in everything, thus becoming a new jewel of Spanish development and one of the best metroidvanias of recent years. It is an authentic work of art that we never tire of contemplating, listening to and -above all- playing. Praise the Miracle and praise The Game Kitchen.

Blasphemous 2 is a more than competent Metroidvania, diminished only by a sometimes unfair difficulty and a second half that is a bit too controlling.

The Game Kitchen manages to do very well by combining video games and Andalusian folklore. They once again demonstrate their mastery of metroidvania with Blasphemous 2 by further pushing the formula of the first episode: three weapons directly integrated into the gameplay, an atmosphere that is still just as gloomy and combat that is gratifying and far from insoluble. However, those who did not catch the first episode are not likely to be converted as the evolution remains too timid in our opinion.

Blasphemous 2 is a truly stand-out Metroidvania that is an easy recommendation for fans of the original and newcomers alike. From its detailed and fluid animations to its wide assortment of gameplay improvements, Blasphemous 2 is everything a sequel to the already-strong Blasphemous should be. Although it isn’t as consistently challenging as its formidable art direction and clear Soulslike influence would suggest, the core experience of Blasphemous 2 is still something fans of 2D platformers and Metroidvania exploration are sure to greatly appreciate.

If you're a fan of the genre, I'd say this is the best Metroidvania 2023 will see, and I also think it's a must for fans of the first one and a redemption for those who thought it was too stiff.

Blasphemous II crafts an intricate and satisfying world that is only accentuated by the gorgeously gruesome art. The Penitent One feels better to control than ever, and the amount of choice you have over your attacks and abilities compliments the game’s punishing combat brilliantly. Despite some niggles, Blasphemous II is a Metroidvania masterclass and an incredibly confident sequel.

While it commits its fair share of game design sins, Blasphemous 2 delivers a rewarding, unsettling Metroidvania that's worthy of some devotion.

Despite the numerous additions and subtractions, I found myself addicted to Blasphemous 2. I was constantly scouring the map for new paths or hidden items and enjoying the smooth new movement. The gripes don’t take away from what a vast improvement Blasphemous 2 is from its predecessor. It’s slightly less punishing while polishing up a lot of the rough edges. Right when I started to feel the fatigue is when the game ended. The customization is substantial and the story brings even more rich lore to this world. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Cvstodia and plan on going back to 100% it, after I’ve had a bit of a break. Thank the miracle, this game rules.

At several points in my lengthy journey through the Gothic delight that is Blasphemous 2, I worried the monstrous foe in front of me would spell an end to my journey. But without these frequent frustrations, the triumphs wouldn’t be as great. Blasphemous 2 takes inspiration from those that came before it, but by intertwining a gorgeous art style, enticing exploration, and rewarding combat, it rises above the horde of Castlevania-inspired action titles.

Blasphemous 2 sticks with the exquisitely dark and gory style of its predecessor whilst building on the core combat and improving upon the platforming we saw the first time around. The Game Kitchen could have served us up more of the same and we'd have been perfectly happy. However, they've made meaningful upgrades here, with deeper and more satisfying combat and three upgradable weapon sets that combine perfectly with environmental puzzling that feels more cohesive and fluid overall. The Penitent One's return to Cvstodia is an absolute banger.

Through all the beauty and bloodshed, Blasphemous 2 is a game that demonstrates why the pixel style endures and should be recognised as one of the best-looking games of the year. As you find yourself entrenched in its eerie environs, you will undoubtedly find it hard to put down.