When the game starts out, you are given a choice of one of three new weapons, although you can unlock the others later on in the game. These weapons are a heavy mace that packs a punch, a powerful broadsword, and a rapier/dagger combo that lets you hit in quick succession. What is interesting about these weapons is that each plays a part in the exploration aspect, as the mace can be used to hit bells to create platforms to get to new areas, while the broadsword can downward slam through wood barriers and the rapier is able to cut through chains that block platforms and teleport in mirrors.
It is not just exploration though, as each weapon does have a different playstyle advantage, since the mace is a slow but hard strike, that cannot parry but you can spend mana to set it on fire for more damage. Your broadsword is able to parry and has a unique meter that fills up with dealing damage to increase your attack. Lastly, the rapier and daggers are focused on fast-paced movement and dashes, though are able to parry as well.
Once you find all three weapons, you can switch between them at will and use them for both exploration and combat, but there are multiple meters and gauges to keep an eye on here. It should be noted as well, that the weapon you pick at the start will affect how you are able to explore at the start of the game, so there are three different playthroughs worth of experiences there. Of course, there is also. the customization to factor in, as that will affect the combat as well, as each weapon has its own individual skill tree with new abilities, while you can also find rosary beads provide minor buffs.
Blasphemous 2 has a lot to discover on the map, and there is a large amount of quests to do and items to find. Some NPC will want you to find some of these items for them and will give you powerful upgrades and items to help you in the experience. What may be a bit daunting is how many quests and NPCs there are, but the sheer amount of hidden areas and objects to find make it all worth it.
One thing to be aware of is that Blasphemous 2 has had major changes made to the difficulty, and relies less on brutal combat and platform challenges to frustrate you and instead goes for enemy arenas that swarm you in a claustrophobic environment. This is not to say that these make the game easier, as they can be quite difficult in their own way, and can be equally rage-inducing, but it is the nature of the difficulty that has been changed. Combat still has a challenge and you will still die plenty of times, but it feels different now, even the bosses. While the bosses still stand out for their amazing design and spectacle, the challenge feels different, especially towards the end, and sometimes not as satisfying as the first game.
Considering how Blasphemous was built up with a large amount of DLC since it was first released, it will be interesting to see how The Game Kitchen will build on this sequel. There is a lot of potential in the world of Cvstodia and the game’s narrative and world both provide a great framework to add to. Even without that for now, though, the game has so much to do and find that you will not get bored.
In many ways, Blasphemous 2 is an improvement over the first game and smooths out a lot of the rough spots that it had. Yes, there are some frustrating elements still and there are some areas where it is not as good as the first game, but these do not detract from what is an overall great game. The art style goes deeper than, the first game and the music is superior as well, with a world that feels a bit more alive than the base game for Blasphemous 1 did. This is a game that is very easy to recommend for both Souls-like fans and Metroidvania fans, and the game never outstays its welcome. A well-made game that has so much potential for the future, what is there not to love?
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
