August 24th 2023.
Blasphemous 2 is the sequel to one of the best 2D Soulslikes of recent years and is a game FromSoftware would be proud of. 2019's Blasphemous was ambitious, wanting to recreate the Dark Souls games but in 2D and with pixelated graphics. It succeeded in its vibe, thanks to its gloriously gothic air of twisted religious mysticism, but it lacked the role-playing elements that make the Soulsborne genre so compelling.
Blasphemous 2 picks up where its predecessor left off and successfully acts like a 2D role-playing game. It has a mix of melee combat, magic attacks, and platforming that still conforms to the Metroidvania playbook. This time around, there are additions to the character's weaponry and accessories, and an overall expansion in scope, resulting in over 30 hours of gameplay.
You play as the Penitent One, a character that looks like a stern member of the Spanish Inquisition, and you are immediately presented with a choice to make between three weapons. We recommend the mace, which is immensely satisfying and can be fire-enhanced. As you progress, you will find other weapons along with areas of the map hidden behind puzzles that can only be solved with specific weapons.
The enemies in Blasphemous 2 will punish you until you work out their patterns. There are combinations of enemies that form mini-bosses and actual bosses that are as fearsome as you would expect. The platforming sequences are also challenging and require total concentration and near perfection.
The game takes its cues from Dark Souls in terms of storytelling, but there is little explanation for what is happening. It pays to explore as much as you can to get a better understanding of what is going on. The map shows three initial objectives, but you won't be able to get close to them without having first accumulated various crucial items and upgrading the Penitent One.
Developer The Game Kitchen is Spanish, which explains the game's unique ambience. It is full of quasi-Catholic mythology and imagery, all put through a dark and gothic blender. The City of the Blessed Name is an impressive mediaeval metropolis built into the sky on the backs of three giant statues, but since the Miracle, it has become weird and dangerous.
Blasphemous 2 has the gothic tone that fans of FromSoftware's games have come to love, but it goes further than the first Blasphemous to really replicate the Dark Souls experience in 2D. With its huge map, hidden areas, and wider range of abilities, it feels like a full-blown, intricate role-playing game.
It may be a while before we get more Soulsborne fare from FromSoftware, but Blasphemous 2 does an unbelievably good job of filling the hole. It deserves to be a major hit and should delight any open-minded fans of FromSoftware's games. It's easily the best 2D Soulslike game so far and should not be missed.
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