Blasphemous 2 Review Thread | (83/100 OpenCritic)

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 - 83 average - 96% recommended - 48 reviews

Critic Reviews

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.

---

But Why Tho? - Abdul Saad - 9 / 10

Blasphemous II is a fantastic game that meets expectations as a fan of the first game and leaves the player satisfied and engaged throughout.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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."

---

IGN - Travis Northup - 8 / 10

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

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

Try Hard Guides - 10 / 10

Blasphemous II will go down as an icon of its genre, attracting fans of Metroidvanias, Soulslike games, and newcomers alike. Its dark world is wholly unique and is gorgeously presented with the best pixel art I’ve ever seen. The talent, passion, and creativity that went into this title elevate it far above even its most frustrating moments, making a game that captures your attention and keeps you engaged even in its toughest fights.