The video games market is saturated with Soulslikes, with many developers trying to find unique twists on FromSoftware’s blockbusting formula. One indie title in particular,Blasphemous, has already stood out from the Soulslike pack thanks to its 2D format, sumptuous art style, and perfectly-balanced challenge.
Developed by Spanish studio The Game Kitchen,Blasphemousshares just as much DNA with Metroidvania games as it does with theDark Soulsfranchise, and was released in 2019 to critical acclaim. The December 2021 release of its final DLC could propel the popular and award-winning title to the top of the 2D Soulslike hierarchy.
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How Blasphemous Became a Standout Soulslike
Blasphemouswas successfully crowdfunded via a 2017 Kickstarter campaign, winning fans’ backing with its mixture of Spanish-influenced music and strongly religious imagery, as well as its promise of a brutal, combat-focused challenge. Although the game is undoubtedly aMetroidvaniatitle, it borrows heavily from theSoulsseries by having enemies that reset every time the protagonist recharges their health at an altar, meaning the player must balance exploration and progress with healing.
Blasphemousis set in Cvstodia, a highly religious realm clearly inspired by elements of Roman Catholicism, and casts the player as the Penitent One, who is seemingly a living embodiment of the idea of repentance. Not only is the protagonist’s helmet wrapped in thorns, but his sword is even named Mea Culpa, and these religious themes persist strongly throughout the game’s story.
The plot revolves around “The Miracle,” a mysterious force that has transformed Cvstodia and its inhabitants, seemingly blessing some of them while turning others into horrifying monstrosities. Three of the most grotesque and powerful of these beasts must be slain by the Penitent One, who is the sole survivor of the Brotherhood of the Silent Sorrow, an organization sworn to oppose the governing Church and its leader Escribar, who serves as the game’sfinal boss.
The game’s religious themes also permeate through its soundtrack, as well as its distinctive and beautiful art style.Blasphemous’ visuals were singled out for particular praise by many reviewers, particularly some of its boss battles, which feature enormous and detailed sprites as well as being great examples of trulyhorrifying creature design.
Like the best encounters inDark Souls, each of these clashes is likely to take multiple attempts to defeat, without ever feeling unduly frustrating or unfair. Each skirmish challenges the player to demonstrate their mastery of the game’s fighting mechanics, as well as perfectly intertwining with the game’s story by permitting progress only to the strongest fighters.
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Blasphemous’ Final DLC Concludes an Unforgettable and Gruesome Pilgrimage
However, the game is not just about combat, and also rewards players who carefully explore its sprawling game world.Blasphemouscontains many secrets, greatly increasing its lifespan and providing a welcome opportunity for players to enhance their character ahead of the game’s infamously difficult final boss battle.
In another nod toFromSoftware’sSoulsseries, the game also features a surprising amount of lore buried in its dialogue and item descriptions, once again encouraging players to keep coming back to unearth more of Cvstodia’s history. The release of DLC content has only served to further enhance the game’s longevity.
Blasphemousnow incorporates three DLC expansions, with the last released at the end of 2021 to close out the game ahead of its already-announced sequel, which is now in development. The Stir of Dawn DLC addedNew Game+ contentand delivered the studio’s originally-planned Spanish dub, resolving one of the few criticisms of the base game by offering an alternative to its original English voice acting, which is weak in patches. The second DLC, Strife and Ruin, added a Boss Rush mode as well as render mode selection and other challenge rooms.
The final DLC,Wounds of Eventide, is more of a traditional expansion in that it adds new areas and boss battles to the base game, as well as introducing a new story conclusion that segues neatly into the upcoming sequel. Once again, reviews have enthused about these updates, proving that The Game Kitchen is a major player in the 2D Soulslike and Metroidvania arenas.Blasphemousnow stands alongside the likes ofHollow Knightat the apex of its crossover genre.
Having alreadysurpassed one million players,Blasphemoushas cemented its reputation as one of the premier Soulslike games available. The addition of a third DLC and a slew of new bosses for players to pit their wits (and trusty sword) against means that there is plenty of life in the blood-soaked title ahead of its sequel, which is rumored to be releasing in 2023.
Blasphemousis available now for the PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
