Blasphemous

91%
Game Brain Score Based on 13,704 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • graphics
Blasphemous Game Cover
Blasphemous gets so much right, but also creates its own identity with its stellar art style, tight gameplay and platforming, and unique cast of characters
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Blasphemous is a punishing action-platformer set in a dark, religious world. As the Penitent One, a silent protagonist seeking redemption, you'll explore a nightmarish landscape, defeat gruesome enemies, and uncover the secrets of this cursed land. With challenging gameplay and a haunting atmosphere, Blasphemous offers a unique and intense gaming experience.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Android
  • Epic Games
  • Linux
  • Mobile Platform
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

91%
Audience ScoreBased on 13,704 reviews
gameplay1,066 positive mentions
grinding249 negative mentions
  • gameplay2,722 mentions

    The gameplay of "Blasphemous" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its challenging mechanics, tight controls, and engaging combat, often likening it to a blend of "Dark Souls" and classic metroidvania titles. Players appreciate the atmospheric world and intricate lore, but some criticize the platforming mechanics as clunky and frustrating, particularly due to issues like instant-death spikes and inconsistent hitboxes. Overall, while the game offers a rewarding experience for those who enjoy difficult gameplay, it may not appeal to everyone due to its occasional mechanical shortcomings and reliance on trial-and-error.

    • “Blasphemous is a visually stunning and challenging metroidvania game that combines tight gameplay with a haunting, gothic atmosphere.”
    • “The gameplay is snappy, fast, and punishing, built around a core slashing attack that can be charged, and magical abilities (prayers) that provide a variety of buffs or additional attacking options.”
    • “The gameplay, a tapestry of skill and grace, is both engaging and rewarding.”
    • “After 25 hours of gameplay, I started to grow tired of its repetitiveness; the end seemed to never come, and while I wildly enjoyed the creativity, lore, and overall gameplay, it unfortunately was not able to keep me interested, and I have not returned to it in months.”
    • “The gameplay is just tedious, making it difficult for all the wrong reasons.”
    • “The gameplay is solid, but there are a few movement bugs here and there.”
  • story2,452 mentions

    The story of *Blasphemous* is a dark and intricate narrative steeped in religious themes, particularly drawing from Spanish Catholicism, which many players find both captivating and cryptic. The storytelling is primarily conveyed through item descriptions and NPC dialogues, reminiscent of the *Dark Souls* series, requiring players to piece together the lore and plot as they progress. While some appreciate the depth and atmosphere created by this approach, others find it frustratingly obscure, leading to a mixed reception regarding the clarity and accessibility of the story.

    • “The story of the penitent and the miracle is intriguing, disturbing, and mysterious.”
    • “The roots and, perhaps, motives of this 'miracle' aren't immediately clear, but Blasphemous allows for players to largely ignore such things or actively investigate them and develop their own theories.”
    • “The story is very intriguing as well; if you don't want to read item descriptions to try to piece together the story, just look up an explanation online, it's worth looking into!”
    • “The story is deliberately obtuse, similar to Dark Souls, which is about the only criticism I have for this game.”
    • “The cryptic dialogue adds to the atmosphere but makes following the story a challenge, and the nature of item usage can feel unnecessarily confusing.”
    • “The story is a bit hard to follow, even compared to Soulsborne games, and most of the storytelling is in item descriptions like those games.”
  • graphics2,213 mentions

    The graphics of "Blasphemous" are widely praised for their stunning pixel art and unique aesthetic, which draws heavily from gothic and religious themes, particularly Spanish Catholicism. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to create a haunting atmosphere through detailed character designs, fluid animations, and richly crafted environments, making it visually captivating. However, some players note that while the visuals are impressive, they can sometimes overshadow gameplay mechanics that feel less polished.

    • “The visuals are stunning, the music is hauntingly beautiful, and the gameplay is tough but fair.”
    • “The art style is beautiful and grotesque, the music is mesmerizing and gameplay is challenging but not unfair.”
    • “Blasphemous is a pixelated metroidvania with dark visuals and amazing atmosphere, gore and religious imagery influenced by the culture of southern Spain.”
    • “The artwork is poor and the animations are choppy and disjointed.”
    • “The graphics are not gonna make your PC explode, but it's very well done; everything looks like a work of art, and I really felt that they were getting better with time, as the last expansion has some absolutely beautiful imagery.”
    • “The art style, character, enemy and boss designs and the lore of the game are absolutely phenomenal, which is why it's disappointing to say that this game is incredibly aggravating to play, especially in the later levels.”
  • music1,631 mentions

    The music in "Blasphemous" has received widespread acclaim for its atmospheric and haunting qualities, effectively enhancing the game's dark and immersive world. Many players appreciate the unique blend of Spanish guitar and choral elements, which complement the game's themes of religious fervor and despair. While some reviewers noted that certain tracks can become repetitive over time, the overall consensus is that the soundtrack is a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's emotional depth and aesthetic appeal.

    • “The musical score is generally not bombastic, suitable for tracks that largely will be looping for hours while you play, but adds beautifully to the atmosphere of the setting - love that Spanish guitar!”
    • “The music is possibly my favorite soundtrack from a game yet, and the art is incomprehensibly beautiful.”
    • “The soundtrack is a perfect blend of somber and epic tunes that stick with you long after you’ve stopped playing.”
    • “Hit detection was buggy, bosses were simplistic, and the music was only good in a couple of areas.”
    • “The music sounds like airport elevator music, sleep inducing and uninteresting.”
    • “The music is nothing I would personally write home about; it's your typical dark fantasy affair, though some songs do stand out among others, if only just by a little.”
  • atmosphere988 mentions

    The atmosphere of "Blasphemous" is widely praised for its haunting, gothic aesthetic, deeply rooted in Spanish religious iconography and folklore. Players appreciate the stunning pixel art, atmospheric soundtrack, and intricate world design that create an immersive experience filled with dread and melancholy. The combination of evocative visuals, compelling lore, and a somber musical score effectively draws players into a dark and oppressive world, making it a standout title in the metroidvania genre.

    • “Blasphemous is a visually stunning and challenging metroidvania game that combines tight gameplay with a haunting, gothic atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere, the characters, the music; it's all just so beautiful.”
    • “The pixel art is incredibly detailed and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the game’s dark and oppressive tone.”
    • “The oppressive atmosphere and constant barrage of grotesque imagery can make it difficult to maintain interest and motivation.”
    • “The game's atmosphere is too stuffy and tiring.”
    • “Unfortunately that mood never changes; it is just constantly grim, there is never a shift in atmosphere, it stays constant no matter what location you are in.”
  • grinding269 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious due to excessive backtracking, slow traversal, and repetitive combat. While some appreciate the challenge and nostalgia of grinding, others feel that the lack of fast travel options and the design of certain areas make the experience frustrating and unenjoyable. Overall, the game is described as having a beautiful aesthetic but suffering from gameplay mechanics that can feel unnecessarily tedious.

    • “Not too grindy but does require some practice (especially the bosses).”
    • “No grinding required to level up stuff or reach 100% achievements.”
    • “2D metroidvania with no grinding, skill-based with decent boss difficulty and tight control.”
    • “This game is tedious; some abilities seem to work only half the time, and there are so many small tweaks that would make the combat better.”
    • “The gameplay itself is just tedious, making it difficult for all the wrong reasons.”
    • “The level design doesn't support navigation from one area to another at a maximum pace; every time there is some obstacle or platforming that you don't want to deal with anymore, but you have to do it again, that makes traveling around the game very tedious.”
  • stability141 mentions

    The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting a variety of bugs and glitches that significantly impact gameplay, including hit detection issues, unresponsive controls, and problematic platforming mechanics. While some users noted that the game runs well on platforms like the Steam Deck, the overall experience is marred by frequent glitches that can lead to frustrating moments, such as getting stuck or encountering unresponsive enemies. Despite these issues, some players find the game's charm and art style redeeming, though many agree that it feels unfinished and in need of further polish.

    • “Runs great on Steam Deck with very low battery usage.”
    • “I played it on my Steam Deck, which is just perfect for metroidvanias like this, and it runs great!”
    • “The audio is great, nearly two hours of quality soundtrack and ambience with no glitches.”
    • “The only thing I don't like about the game is the glitches; I've encountered a lot of glitches that ruin the gameplay and just kill the mood. For example, after I killed a boss, his projectiles didn't disappear and kept hitting me while I was stunned because of the win screen until I died and didn't get to see the cutscene.”
    • “The game is too buggy; it crashes when playing.”
    • “I have had to play the same levels repeatedly not because I'm bad at the game, but because at certain points the game changes the pattern, or glitches, or something, and an enemy will simply hit me and kill me even though the special attack I performed the first dozen times oddly kills me.”
  • replayability138 mentions

    Blasphemous boasts high replayability, primarily due to its multiple endings, new game plus mode, and various challenge runs that encourage players to explore different playstyles and secrets. Many players appreciate the added content from DLCs and the ability to unlock new bosses and abilities, making each playthrough feel fresh and rewarding. However, some critics note that once 100% completion is achieved, the incentive to replay may diminish for certain players.

    • “Blasphemous offers some replay value with its multiple endings and new game plus mode, and there's plenty to do for 100% completion.”
    • “With its high level of replayability and new game plus mode, Blasphemous offers an experience that keeps players coming back for more, uncovering new secrets with each playthrough.”
    • “The game has amazing replayability as you can take different bosses on first to change your experience as well as a host of new bosses only available in ng+!”
    • “The only downside I could find at first was that it didn't last long (10-15 hours I believe is the usual playthrough time, 20+ with full completion) and it didn't add too much for replayability.”
    • “Fantastic game overall, but a bit short, and lacks replayability.”
    • “I'd say the biggest problem with this game is that there is zero postgame or replay value.”
  • character development80 mentions

    Character development in the game is highly praised for its stunning and unique character designs, which blend horror and beauty, contributing to an immersive and eerie atmosphere. Reviewers highlight the intricate details and thematic depth of the characters, often inspired by religious imagery, which enhances the storytelling and overall experience. The art direction and character design are consistently described as exceptional, making a lasting impression on players and elevating the game's narrative and gameplay.

    • “The story is wonderful and the game has this macabre ambience surrounding the characters, so it always feels like you need to be on your toes. The character designs are made in such a specific way that you will have an interesting time finding who is foe and who is friend!”
    • “The character design is second to none and where the game really shines.”
    • “I found the character design to be... boring.”
    • “The character designs range from hellish creatures and deformed popes to the design of our hero and his allies, which seem to be mostly inspired by Spanish Catholicism and the Spanish Inquisition.”
    • “Every character design in this game has so much thought and detail put into it that I would recommend getting the art book just to see the concepts.”
  • emotional71 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of feelings, from frustration due to vague hints and punishing mechanics to moments of deep connection with its themes of guilt, redemption, and atonement. Players appreciate the stunning art and haunting atmosphere, which contribute to an emotionally engaging experience, though some express dissatisfaction with inconsistent gameplay mechanics that detract from the overall emotional journey. Despite its challenges, many find the game to be a heartfelt homage to the metroidvania genre, evoking nostalgia and a sense of accomplishment.

    • “The themes of guilt, redemption, and atonement are woven into the fabric of the game, adding emotional weight to the dark journey of the penitent one.”
    • “The game's stunning art style, tight gameplay, and haunting atmosphere create an experience that's both visually striking and emotionally engaging.”
    • “This game is an art piece; every background, every little detail that complements the pixel scenery, the instrumentals, really made me feel something I don't think I can explain with just words.”
  • humor53 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized by its absurdity and quirky character designs, such as the "funny cone man" and "pointy hat funny," which elicit laughter through their animations and interactions. While some players appreciate the darkly comedic elements and absurd situations, others feel the game lacks light-heartedness, making it more challenging than funny. Overall, the humor is a mix of visual gags, absurdity, and dark themes, contributing to a unique but polarizing experience.

    • “You play as a guy that looks like a funny traffic cone.”
    • “Funny hat guy clumsily platforms his way through a twisted world while fighting monsters and grotesquely mutated people.”
    • “The gameplay elements also look hilariously out of place when you wander into a dreary sepulchre only to find wonky platforms floating up and down and essentially gun turrets that shoot out fireballs at regular intervals.”
    • “I love metroidvania and soul-like games, but this game is not funny, just hard. I will finish this game, by the way.”
    • “From sluggish movement speed, terrible UI, and lack of clear direction where to go and what to do, to badly designed unfunny bosses, the game is designed to be annoying and frustrating instead of fun.”
  • optimization31 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while many players report smooth performance and good character control, others experience glitches, frame rate issues, and microstuttering, particularly on certain hardware configurations. The pixel-art style generally avoids major performance problems, but some users noted that the game feels better optimized for consoles than PCs. Despite these issues, many players found the gameplay rewarding and enjoyable, with specific optimizations enhancing the experience.

    • “Their animations are clear and well-optimized, with precise timing that allows the player to parry or dodge in time.”
    • “Lastly, performance and polish are stellar; I did not encounter a single crash or frame drop in 25 hours of playing, while bugs were only few and barely noticeable.”
    • “Blasphemous, in as few words as I can manage, consistently and almost endlessly rewards higher degrees of gameplay efficiency, optimization, and knowledge.”
    • “The performance was absolutely terrible no matter how much I fiddled with resolution and other graphics settings.”
    • “Also technically the game is limited to 60fps, vsync is an absolute catastrophe and the game has microstuttering in some areas and in some it doesn't.”
    • “The optimization is godawful; you can't even go back to the main menu.”
  • monetization5 mentions

    The game features no monetization tactics, such as in-game advertisements or DLC promotions, and is praised for its reasonable launch price, offering good value compared to other modern titles. Despite initial perceptions of it being a cash grab, players find it to be a well-crafted experience without exploitative monetization practices.

    • “At first glance, you'd call this game a soulsborne ripoff made for nothing more than a quick cash grab.”
    • “The launch price is very, very reasonable compared to what you'll get out of modern games, with no blatant in-game advertisement for DLC or glaring quality control issues.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

78% average critic score

Buy Blasphemous

Play time

17hMedian play time
29hAverage play time
14hMain story
29hCompletionist
7-32hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 48 analyzed playthroughs

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