Blasphemous

A haunting journey through a dark, mysterious world of brutal secrets.

Graphics: 9/10

Peak pixel art! It is not only beautiful but also eerie and full of dark beauty. The blood-encrusted cathedrals and terrifying mists completely draw you into the sad realm of Cvstodia. The creations of the characters, particularly The Penitent One, are very impressive and unforgettable.

Music: 8/10

The music is of an atmospheric kind and is scary too, which is just right for the game’s gloomy tone. It is such a type of music that you listen to it for the times, particularly during the thrilling or boss fight moments. It really makes you feel the pain of the world filled with despair.

Lore: 7/10

The story is obscure and full of metaphors. It took me a little while to get the whole thing but it is extremely twisted and tragic at the end of the day. The lore is primarily found in item descriptions and cryptic dialogues, thus, it rewards the observant.

Gameplay: 8/10

A difficult platformer combined with Soulslike features. The fighting needs patience and accuracy, and getting killed is common — but every victory feels justified. It’s easier than some Metroidvanias but still exciting and satisfying.

Difficulty: 9/10

Get ready for a very tough experience. Dying is often but that makes you improve and adapt. It is hard but at the same time fair, thus, the triumph is even more delightful.

Overall: 8.2/10

“Blasphemous” is a game that is not only beautiful and atmospheric but also very brutal and one that tests your patience and skills. It is definitely not for the weak-hearted; however, if you are the kind of player who loves dark and challenging worlds with stunning art and haunting music, then you would find this game irresistible.

Score 8-viking out of 10

PROS / CONS

  • Unique, atmospheric visual style
  • Appeals to fans of dark, gothic themes
  • Replayability through secrets and lore
  • Engaging, challenging gameplay
  • Strong emotional impact
  • Steep difficulty
  • May require significant time investment
  • Dark themes could be intense or unsettling
  • Complex lore can be confusing
  • Niche genre