Back in 2019 I came across one of the most unique looking games I had ever seen with their use of pixel art, that game being “Blasphemous” from developers at The Game Kitchen. That Kickstarter funded game rejuvenated my love of metroidvania style games and I was very much looking forward to its sequel. Now that it’s here, “Blasphemous II,” continues to captivate, as this metroidvania platformer learns a lot from the original and introduces many quality-of-life improvements here. Following the niche success of its predecessor, this sequel maintains the remarkable pixel art style that immerses players into a dark, gothic realm. The audio design and music in the game continue to enhance the eerie and grotesque atmosphere, drawing me deeper into its macabre beauty.
The storyline picks up seamlessly from the first installment, as you continue to embody the Penitent One in his quest to thwart the resurgence of the malevolent curse known as “The Miracle.” As the game commences, players are presented with the choice of three distinct weapons, each accompanied by time to try each one of them out for a more informed selection. These weapons offer diverse skill trees, showcasing their individual strengths and weaknesses. True to the franchise’s tradition, “Blasphemous II” presents a challenging gameplay experience laden with treacherous traps and hazards throughout the levels. The game’s difficulty remains unforgiving, particularly when repeated deaths can lead to heightened challenges until you successfully reclaim your lost items from prior deaths.
Like many metroidvania titles, revisiting familiar territories becomes a recurring theme. While the traversal mechanics exhibit smoother fluidity compared to the original game, retracing steps to previously explored regions can become monotonous. The presence of numerous dead ends on the map further complicated gauging my progress. Over time, the introduction of new abilities, such as the double jump, slam, cherub grab, and air dash, significantly enhance the cohesion of the game world. These newfound skills offer a sense of empowerment, alleviating some of the initial traversal tedium. Conveniently placed portals provide a fast travel option, alleviating some of the potential frustration of traversing the expansive map.
The game boasts a trio of weapons, each boasting distinct attack patterns. Although I quickly realized, some of the fundamental attacks familiar to this genre are absent, necessitating an adjustment period, learning how to use each weapon the proper way. The game’s bosses, masterfully crafted characters, pose formidable challenges. While they require players to gain a thorough understanding of each weapon’s nuances, they generally feel less daunting than their predecessors from the first game. Combat mechanics are a standout feature, offering players a satisfying sense of fluidity and impact with each strike. Nonetheless, certain enemies exhibit an excessive amount of health, making many of them feel like sponges during battles, it just feels that at times unnecessarily drawn-out.
To delve into “Blasphemous II” is to embark on a haunting odyssey that seamlessly builds upon its predecessor’s strengths. It does a lot right for a sequel, but also not a lot super new, making this superior sequel a bit on the safe side. The game’s evocative pixel art, accompanied by really fun gameplay for this type of platformer in the end make for an awesome and challenging experience. The game’s overall allure lies in its ability to transport players into a macabre world brimming with style and atmosphere with classic metroidvania gameplay all within unforgettable pixel art. As the Penitent One’s saga continues, players are beckoned to navigate a labyrinthine universe, marred by curses and secrets, in a quest that stirs both fascination and trepidation. Here’s hoping for an ever more ambitious third installment.
9/10
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Related: Nick Navarro Reviews
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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