Blasphemous Review (PlayStation 4)

by Jim Smale · Published September 25, 2019 · Updated December 18, 2024

Blasphemous Review, Blasphemous is a ruthless ARPG platform game set in a dark and nightmarish world where metroidvania-style gameplay meets hack’n’slash action. The world of Cvstodia is plagued by a foul and fearsome curse known as ‘The Miracle’. Terrifying monsters and unforgiving bosses have taken up residence and Cvstodia’s only hope for salvation rests in the hands of ‘The Penitent One’, the sole survivor of ‘The Silent Sorrow’ massacre.

Blasphemous Review Pros:

Beautiful dark gothic pixel art graphics.
2.84 GB download size.
Platinum trophy.
3 save slots.
Metroidvania gameplay.
How to play pop-ups as you play.
It uses Dark Souls-type mechanics like dropping items when you die.
Altar checkpoints are also places where you can equip new items.
Dark twisted atmosphere.
Hack and slash combat and it’s very much a case of learning patterns.
Some of the best animations I have ever seen in a game.
Clever traversal tricks like sticking your sword in the wall, jumping then stab jump then stab.
The map fills in as you play.
The game world they have created is dripping in Gothic architecture porn, It is disgustingly beautiful.
Disturbing/creepy elements.
Vibrant locations.
A lot of lore and story to uncover, with every item having a page of lore.
Big boss encounters.
Some of the best character designs and animations I have seen.
Meet memorable characters.
It is definitely one of those games that sticks with you long after you have played it.
Despite the talk of darkness and blood, the game is not overly gory and bloody which I like.
2D game world with animated backdrops.
The controls are easy to pick up and learn.
Each weapon has its own unique fighting style.
Many secrets and shortcuts to find and unlock.

Blasphemous Review Cons:

Difficult as is the genre.
Pages of text to read to get the most out of the lore.
So much to take in with many layers to a character creation like beads, abilities, special abilities, items, etc.
Can feel lost at times with not-great breadcrumb trails.
A lot of backtracking.
It has one cool gimmick and then feels like a game you have already experienced.