Blasphemous II | Review Thread

[John Elden Ring]

​

Game Information​

Game Title: Blasphemous 2

Platforms:

• PlayStation 5 (Aug 24, 2023)
• Xbox Series X/S (Aug 24, 2023)
• PC (Aug 24, 2023)
• Nintendo Switch (Aug 24, 2023)

Trailer:

• Blasphemous 2 | Announcement Trailer

Developer: The Game Kitchen

Publisher: Team17

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 84 average - 97% recommended - 34 reviews

Critic Reviews​

AltChar - Semir Omerovic - 100 / 100

Blasphemous 2 brings a stunning grotesque world to explore and stories that will haunt you long after you complete this truly remarkable action-platformer.

---

Attack of the Fanboy - J.R. Waugh - 4.5 / 5

The battles are tough but fair, the magic and parrying system is satisfying, the weapon system caters to different playstyles, and the Liturgical Horror visuals are hauntingly beautiful.

---

CGMagazine - Andrew Farrell - 8.5 / 10

Blasphemous 2 is another excellent Metroidvania that’s quite different from its predecessor in a number of ways, even if it doesn’t quite manage to supersede it overall.

---

Checkpoint Gaming - Tom Quirk - 8.5 / 10

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.

---

Console Creatures - Luke Williams - Recommended

Skills and smarts are not sins in Blasphemous 2. This stellar spiritual successor to one of the best modern Metroidvanias uses them to strengthen significantly its overall spirit of play.

---

Cultured Vultures - Mike Worby - 8.5 / 10

Though Blasphemous 2 lacks the wow factor of the first game, it does smooth out its edges to the point where it feels like a tighter, more fluid experience.

---

Destructoid - Timothy Monbleau - 8.5 / 10

Anyone who likes Metroidvanias should absolutely make time for Blasphemous 2. Aside from an underwhelming final act, I had nearly consistent fun with this one from start to finish. From the gorgeous visuals to the customizable combat, your journey as the Penitent One will be filled with steady highs and only occasional lows. It’s a great sequel, a great game, and just a great time in general. If you were a fan of Blasphemous, you’re in for a treat with Blasphemous 2.

---

GGRecon - Jack Roberts - 5 / 5

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.

---

Game Informer - Brian Shea - 8.8 / 10

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.

---

GameGrin - Conor McGuigan - 7.5 / 10

Though steeped in stunning artwork and illuminated by its intriguing lore, Blasphemous 2 is ultimately a paint-by-numbers Metroidvania title that is occasionally more frustrating than it is fun.

---

Gameblog - KiKiToes - French - 8 / 10

Blasphemous 2 is a success. If you enjoyed the first trip, here you will love this new pilgrimage.

---

Gameffine - Jay Krishnan - 90 / 100

Blasphemous 2 is the perfect sequel fans could ever ask for. The sequel doubles down on everything Blasphemous is beloved for, and then proceeds to add a slew of new features. The result is a beautifully rendered action platformer with challenging combat, varied character builds, rewarding exploration, a plethora of side content and some great music. I would have liked to see more epic screen-filling boss fights, some post-campaign modes and reasonable regional pricing, but I guess the last wish is not up to the developer. Team17, if you’re reading this, fix your prices. Blasphemous 2 is a gem of a game otherwise.

---

GamesRadar+ - Joe Donnelly - 4.5 / 5

"Easily the game's crowning features, Blasphemous 2's blockbuster boss showdowns are spectacular affairs, sometimes bizarre and always brutal."

---

Geek Culture - Jake Su - 8.5 / 10

It is clear to see that Blasphemous 2 is an excellent sequel which addresses many of the issues that plagued the debut game. The combat retains its tactical and methodical nature but amps it up with improved mechanics and the breadth of customisation available to players. Similarly, exploration is even more enjoyable this time around, with environmental puzzles doing their part. Combine all of that with the stunning pixel art visuals, and you have a great time ahead of you, even if the storytelling can be a tad ostentatious.

---

IGN - Travis Northup - 8 / 10

Blasphemous 2 is an orthodox Metroidvania with style, creepy bosses, and a gloriously gross return to Cvstodia.

---

IGN Italy - Alessandra Borgonovo - Italian - 8.6 / 10

A sequel that first of all thinks about smoothing out the previous imperfections, before offering a series of very well implemented innovations overall.

---

IGN Spain - Mario Seijas - Spanish - 9 / 10

Blasphemous 2 takes the essence of the first game and elevates it to a new level. Challenging but fair, graphically simple but visually stunning. It is a sequel made with care and respect, that any fan of the format will find tremendously satisfying.

---

Kakuchopurei - Jonathan Leo - 90 / 100

Blasphemous 2 is a lovely search action game made for anyone who wants a challenge, an R-rated experience, and a good mix of combat and exploration. For veterans, this sequel fixes a few of the problems from the first game so that it seems less cheap and buggy.

---

Nintendo Life - PJ O'Reilly - 9 / 10

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.

---

NintendoWorldReport - Alex Orona - 8 / 10

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.

---

One More Game - Vincent Ternida - Buy

Blasphemous II is a satisfying and meaty action platformer well worth its Metroidvania pedigree. Though I wished the difficulty of Blasphemous II would've been sustained throughout the experience, it progressively got easier the more you got powerful. I wouldn't say it's a bad thing because it allows for a wider audience, especially those not partial to crushingly difficult games like its predecessor.
It follows up a fantastic premise fantastically and delivers from start to finish with its solid adherence to its themes and visual playbook. Blasphemous II's story and visual panache hooks you and doesn't let go. It also doesn't hurt that the non-linear world is so vast and there's so much to explore. So many varied enemies to fight and, though easy, bosses to vanquish.

---

PCGamesN - Nat Smith - 7 / 10

Blasphemous 2 is a well-constructed but ultimately conventional Metroidvania, and while it still delivers on holy grotesquerie and striking visuals, the end result is a sequel that feels markedly smaller in scope.

---

PSX Brasil - Marco Aurélio Couto - Portuguese - 85 / 100

Blasphemous 2 retains the core elements of the first game, but improves them with the addition of new combat, movement, and exploration mechanics. A must-play game for fans of Soulsvania games.

---

PlayStation Universe - Garri Bagdasarov - 9 / 10

It's always great to see a sequel improve on the original while keeping the spirit of the original alive. I loved my time in the crazy world of Blasphemous 2, with plenty of secrets to find and great combat that keeps you on your toes. Though its story could be a little more cohesive, it doesn't take much away from the overall product. Blasphemous 2 is easily one of the best indie titles of the year.

---

Polygon - Paulo Kawanishi - Unscored

In the end, Blasphemous 2 is a strong union of narrative and function. Its gloomy world is full of nooks and crannies to explore, and its inhabitants have compelling stories to tell. Its boss fights — arguably the biggest piece of twine — may be frayed, but the slick mechanics and biting themes more than make up for any weakness in the braid.

---

Push Square - Simon Fitzgerald - 9 / 10

Blasphemous 2 takes the foundations of its well-received predecessor and builds upon it in all the right ways. Tweaking combat to make it faster, smoother, and more accurate, removing insta-death scenarios to make platforming more manageable, and packing the game full to the brim with secrets and collectibles. The great attention to detail in the presentation and high level of polish make Blasphemous 2 a delightfully memorable experience that players will look back on fondly for years to come.

---

Rectify Gaming - Henry - 8.8 / 10

The Game Kitchen has created a captivating and hauntingly beautiful experience that stands as a testament to the artistry and creativity of indie game development. Blasphemous 2 is a worthy sequel to its predecessor and a must play for anyone that’s a fan of Souls-like Metroidvanias.

---

Rock, Paper, Shotgun - Matt Cox - Unscored

A fittingly punishing mashup of Metroidvania and Dark Souls, with lovely animations of many not-so-lovely things. Just make sure you actively track down the Chalice woman, and other hidden quality of life boosters.

---

Shacknews - Nicholas Tan - 8 / 10

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.

---

Spaziogames - Domenico Musicò - Italian - 7.9 / 10

Blasphemous 2 is a sequel that knows how to improve a brilliant concept, previously held back by a dull combat system and a under-developed skill system. The art in the game and the monster design shine less in this second chapter of the series, but variety is now assured.

---

TechRaptor - Joe Allen - 7.5 / 10

Blasphemous 2's arresting religious imagery and massive world help to offset its rote boss design and confusingly pretentious narrative.

---

TheSixthAxis - Steve C - 9 / 10

I thoroughly enjoyed my time back with The Penitent One and would heartily recommend it both to fans of the original and newcomers alike. There are enough changes to make it feel like a new title whilst still having continuity in setting and aesthetic.

---

WayTooManyGames - Heidi Hawes - 9 / 10

Blasphemous 2 is a brilliant follow-up to its iconic predecessor. The combat has been improved from the original, and features new weapons and skills to better customize the gameplay to different playstyles.

---

ZdobywcyGier.eu - Paweł Bortkiewicz - Polish - 8.5 / 10

Penitent One is back, and he's back in a big way in the sequel to one of the most interesting indie titles of recent years. Blasphemous 2 was quite a surprise when the game was announced earlier this year, as it seemed its predecessor wasn't that long ago. The sequel, however, does everything better than its predecessor, artistically, gameplay-wise and also in terms of overall atmosphere.

 

[Darth Vader]

Has guy with a boob, woke trash, won't buy.

 

[Pey]

My review (9/10): https://www.pcmrace.com/2023/08/17/blasphemous-2-review/

Also, here is a playlist with the first 45 minutes of gameplay and videos of all bosses, except for the last two (which are not allowed to be published):

 

[Darth Vader]

My review (9/10): https://www.pcmrace.com/2023/08/17/blasphemous-2-review/

Also, here is a playlist with videos of all bosses, except for the last two (which are not allowed to be published):

Going to read, but at a glance, two suggestions:

Make your font bigger
Interspace more images between blocks of text

That's all.

 

[Sircaw]

Game looks good.

 

[Dr Bass]

Has guy with a boob, woke trash, won't buy.

Just one?