Blasphemous 2 Is My 2023 Game of The Year (So Far)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 พ.ค. 2024
- Because one penance wasn't enough, Blasphemous receives a sequel with Blasphemous 2. It's amazing.
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Blasphemous 2 may very well be my favorite game I've played that's released in 2023 so far. Better than Amnesia: The Bunker.
I loved the first Blasphemous, rough edges and all. With a few tweaks, they could make something special. And they did with Blasphemous 2, with some caveats. Most of the glaring frustrations of the original are gone. The expanded platforming is tight and can get pretty creative. The tweaked weapon system offers more variety, choices, and fun. Bosses are a lot more fun.
That said, the atmosphere, which helped carry the original, isn't as strong as the original. The story wasn't quite as compelling. That said, the developers "The Game Kitchen" made several free content updates to the original to make it a more complete package. I'm expecting the same here.
As it stands at its initial release, Blasphemous 2 is a fantastic game. I hope it doesn't fall through the cracks due to a release date around other notable releases like Starfield. If you loved the original, you'll be right at home here. If the first Blasphemous didn't click with you, give the 2nd a try. It addresses the glaring frustrations of the original.
Oh, and be sure to play the game with Spanish voices for the best experience. I found myself saying "penitente" throughout the day as a result of playing.
Timestamps:
• 00:00 - Prelude
• 01:42 - Improvements of Blasphemous 2
• 03:15 - Presentation of Blasphemous 2
• 05:41 - Gameplay of Blasphemous 2
• 11:31 - The World of Blasphemous 2
• 15:09 - Conclusion
#blasphemous #blasphemous2 #boulderpunch - เกม
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I love that they made an "afilador" a boss. Those guys used to go around with their bikes and blowing the wistle early in the morning. They are the final bosses of people that like to sleep until late
I don't like its art design. It has a cartoonish feel (along with a few other enemies) that is in quite a stark contrast with the traditionally realistic leaning direction of the series.
@@JoeyFTLthought i was the only one, radames and this one's art style looked off to me (bc of the outlines maybe?)
@@user-jk1xb6eh7n that's part of it, but I think most of it is the shading/lighting. Look at the stone on his back for example.
It was interesting to read about that.
@@BoulderPunch th-cam.com/video/YHk2T8fCYSw/w-d-xo.html Here you have a video with a sharpener blowing that infamous flute. Its a typical old-Spanish thing.
I laughed out loud internally when i first met that boss.
12:50 You can actually talk to both people at the table - who's alive depends on which side you enter the room from.
but you can only give "the thingy" to one.
The funny thing is that spanish is my native language, and the english subtitles drift a bit away from the spanish voices. For instance, Orospina's title is "Bordadora Mayor", which would be correctly translated as "Great Embroiderer", or "Arch-embroiderer". "Lady Embroiderer" doesn't have the magnificence that "Mayor" has in spanish.
Also, her intro words are a bit different. A more accurate translation would be "Now, dance with my steel, Penitent One. We will embroider your flesh in sacred punishment... In a tapestry of blood and gold". Not bad, but not exactly accurate.
The final Regula dialogue goes more like
"Penitent One, now that my face has been returned to me, I can speak with thou.
My devotees will return to this chapel thanks to your deeds and the sacrifice of the blessed one, who will be remembered always.
Oh Regula, seek my forgiveness no more, for now, thou have it. You are now by my side, and can rest your tortured back in my arms.
As for you, Penitent One, accept this in memory of Regula.
Always thankful, I will remain of thee. With my blessing, go."
They speak in very formal spanish, and the grammar they use is loaded with honorific flourishes and the like. Of course, I say again, the translation isn't bad, it just doesn't quite capture the formality of the speech and is somewhat inconsistent with the "thee" and "thou" pronouns, since spanish has a very clear difference between "tú" and "vos", being "vos" very formal and hierarchical in this context. In english, "tú" and "vos" are both "you", but "vos" only serves as "you" when it's not formal, so a lot of context is lost, just with that pronoun.
Again, this is absolutely a constructive criticism.
Regardless, I do agree the real way to play Blasphemous is with the original spanish voices. It's a game that drinks very deep from Spain's cultural and religious imagery, as well as classical artists, rendering it completely unique.
once you find out how all verbs end in D or OS, you know its some real shit
Ehhh, I prefer the English voice actors. They have some religious ehteral tone in their voice. Spanish just sounds like a telenovela.
So I don't know if you have heard, but apparently the artist who did the first one's cut scenes is Russian and either the devs or the publisher didn't/could work with him due to the war. It's worth looking into what exactly the situation was because I don't know the specifics. But essentially they weren't able to use the same artist.
But I agree with your analysis. It's also my favorite game so far this year. Just wish the atmosphere and story had the same cohesion and gravitas.
I didnt enjoy the first game as much due to some small things. But this game so far is absolutely fantastic
It's really good. It just didnt blow my mind like the first one. Cant wait for any updates. I would like a randomizer of some sort.
The 'Afilaor' boss is a 100% made for comedy. In case you didn't know they were guys that used to go around on their bike offering to sharpen your knives, you knew they were around by the unique tune of their flutes. Even here in Argentina we had afiladores up to about a decade ago.
So yeah, in Spain and here and pretty much anywhere where they are a thing it hits you with that nostalgic feel, it's impossible not to see this boss as a bit of a joke, in it's concept at least. I found the fight itself pretty cool
Love that you started the video with probably my favorite piece of imagery from this game full of amazing imagery.
I love the game, biggest problem for me isn’t the cutscenes or smaller bosses, but the lack of gritty and dark scenes-whether it be bosses or areas. Hopefully a dlc with a new weapon or two will fix it, but if not the game is still amazing. Just different. And the combat rooms aren’t bad, an excuse to get tears and items and stop our running through an area, just wish the rooms were more creative or verticals or something
Titty man and the flask lady death skeleton beg to differ
so there is no scenes or areas like in that beginning moment where you first visit the giant golden faced head after beating ten piedad? or areas like Jondo? it had immaculate and thick oppressive atmosphere. it was brooding and almost like being in a dream when combined with the ambient music.
@@Shad0wmoses I meant specifically for 2
I fucking LOVE the first game. The heavy handed Spanish Catholicism and Spanish voice acting were phenomenal. Brutal game, took a long time to get through. But still love it to death. I'm getting the second right now and the only thing that made me raise an eyebrow was the cut scenes in the second. I much, much prefer the pixelated ones from the first and these high Def looking ones make me :( But that aside I just know I'm going to absolutely love it.
As someone who ADORES Blasphemous enough to get every achievement I can say that Blasphemous 2 improves upon the original in every way.
(except the cutscenes, the pixel art ones from the original look way better in more in tone with the setting)
Whoa a review on Blasphemous 2?! Nice!
Good opinion on the game too man, can't wait to get my own copy and jump back into this hellish world!
i like how last year had 2, maybe 3 serious goty contenders, but pretty much every month this year had a goty for someone.
and while my goty is between totk and ac6:for, i really appreciate this game for letting you beat up an infant. it really does have a little something for everybody
game is stunning, amazing and just great:
2 things i cannae stand - Cutscene style just feels off and feels a bit discombobulating when transitioning between play and cut scene
2 the rooms... obvious rooms they stack enemies so closely together, their use of them in this game is way to often for them to feel like a surprise... just felt like padding..
what I LOOOOVEEEEE
GRAPHICS, STILL NICE
GAMEPLAY MORE EXCITING,
WEAPON CHOICES
almost everything bar my couple of winges
What i miss:
the bleakness from the 1st.. this game legit feels a little less dire...
THE ELEVATOR BOSS FIGHT IS SO GOOD THO
Best Indie 2023 so far
Can’t wait to get my hands on this , loved the first one specially Stir of dawn DLC and how awesome the ost was ( Baile de violetas) and cheers for content mate
Penitente, mirad! Boulder Punch subió video.
On the miracle acting inconstant, the deformed one (that bird dude that was born), explains something to the vain of it tries to be helpful but it doesn’t comprehend the effects it has on regular people
Thanks for this. As a big fan of the first game, your review popping up in my feed was he first I heard of a sequel, which I've just downloaded.
Excellent work Boulder Punch, rock on ❤😊
Cant wait 1 felt really special to me, overall the bosses may not look as unique as the first, the fights themselves look overall alot better in the sequel im sure im gonna love this along with Lies of P bc im buying this physically
Now I'm looking forward to it!
Happy to see you in Boulder Punch! Hope you also do enjoy the rest of his channel.
Also, love your work, you exposed me to what would become some of my favorite films, like Possum, and also expanded my knowledge as I was growing older, so thank you for that!
A great video that really focuses on the idea of what a sequal is, compairing it to the original. I hope Blasphemous 2 recieves the same after release care, this elevated the original so much higher in my honest opinion. The after credit scene (to the true ending) seems to imply this will happen....... I really enjoyed it thank you for all your efforts with this video.
Spanish or no, I don't ignore good voice acting in my native tongue, especially when directed by those same Spanish devs. Many of the best actors from the original return. Laudes of the the Amanecidas among them. The Spanish may complete the immersive photo, if your goal is to transport to a Spanish landscape, but well-delivered English immerses me on its own level, since the characters seem to be more directly speaking to me as I'm processing the monologue.
I encountered a bug when I quit to main menu it would completely delete my entire save file, so I lost my first 5 hours, so now after letting them know I pick one weapon and then raced straight the other 2 weapons so I could go back to the start and search most of each area until I get traversal upgrades, I only just got the daggers now so I have all 3vand am ready to explore
Pretty dam good Metroidvania! Literally just platinumed it 10 min ago, and this popped up in my timeline! I think I prefer the first one just a bit more, I liked the boss fights more being based around parrying, and I enjoyed the challenge. I kinda breezed through this one.
Hi Boulder I mentioned you in a video recently :,3. Great video btw. Can't wait to play B2
Great video but i hope you make a video for the 1st blasphemous, its one if not the most entertaining and fun metroidvania game ive ever played and the only game I've spend 20+ hours and regretted nothing 😂
I think Blasphemous 1 is an overall better game. The only things Blasphemous 2 has over the first game is better visuals and the control of the character is more fluid. The first game is better in every other way.
@@chunglehunt2266 yeah i can agree on it, im actually half way of Blasphemous 2 and it feels different on the movement section and dare i say it feels unnatural.
The instant kill spikes caused way too much frustration imo. But if you really wanna play one of if not the best meteoidvania I'd advice you to check out hollow knight. While blasphemous is great, to me it doesn't come close to the quality that is hollow knight.
@@112523 IMO i never enjoyed Hollow Knight, trust me i did and try to get good and tried to enjoyed it, but it kinda never worked unlike blasphemous despite its punishing nature still pretty enjoyable and pretty to look at, like I said its the only metroidvania game that i spent 20 hours or more and still plays till this day for its story and cool gameplay l.
@@carloRX78K2I liked hollow knight alot. It's really overstayed it's welcome though. There should have been an endgame upgrade that let you warp to any bench.
We need more indie projects like this
Do you know how many 2d metroid type games are out? Lol this type of game is common bro.
Dude same. I just finished it, after getting both endings, and it was phenomenal. I want to play more, which shows it didnt overstay its welcome.
Loved the original. Looking forward to playing this one.
I'm very impressed with Blasphemous 2. To say it's inspired somehow falls short. The inherent intrigue and ambiance of the entire game is just gorgeous. The gameplay is challenging but never stops being fun. I love the nods to characters in the first game and the sort of wistfulness that their absence leverages. I fully expect the game to fleshed out in subsequent updates, but im thrilled with the base game.
Ohhh that Spanish voice tho 1:20
One mechanism I love in this game is the Guilt system, which would give more rewards and more difficult enemies as the Penitent One died. After so many deaths, without knowing that as the Guilt stacked and covered the Fevour gradually after each death, I played the game with harder difficulty. Normal enemies can one-hit kill my character. This is when I started to be serious and fought seriously too. Every wrong step means that I might have to play again at that section. All of the sudden, the game became more thrilling. Bosses can also kill Penitent One with only a few hits. The experience is stunning.
The soundtrack to both games are amazing
What Chad for playing it with the spanish voice overs
I still need to finish part 1 lol. I think I got around 70% progression and some other stuff came out I wanted to play more and when I went back to finish Blasphemous, I totally forgot where I was in the story or where I was supposed to go next and just gave up again lol. Curious if you checked out The Last Faith yet? I just finished that one last week and really enoyed it, but it could be just as obtuse in giving direction as Blasphemous.
i liked the first one, i love the second one. for me personally it is better in nearly every way.
and like you i loved orospina. it felt like a fencing duel or at least how i imagine one to feel :)
I picked up the War Sensor to start the game and just whacked her into submission. Next play through I'll have to give it.a more proper fencing duel match. Also, pick a different starting weapon to see how things change in the beginning.
another fantastic review Punch-senpai!!
The pixel art cutscenes in 1 definitely have more awesome IMO.
It's a bit unfortunate that the style and atmosphere isn't as good as the original. Especially the art style during cutscenes. Remembering characters like the Lady of six Sorrows or as you have shown in the video, Nacimiento, are just very memorable. Also thank you for not spoiling the endings and only giving a general idea / concept of the story given early on.
It's definitely on my list of games I want to play but August / September is just very packed with games like Baldurs Gate 3, Armored core 6, Starfield and the likes.
Agreed, excellent gameplay, I only hope the third game can find the sweet spot of challenging bosses and grim pixel art to tie it all together.
THEY MADE A SECOND ONE?!?
I think it's safe to say that Blasphemous 2 is not in it's final state yet. Can't wait for the DLC's to expand on the game and ofc new game plus
My GOTY for the moment as well, only complaint is the lack of unlock-able skins and NG+ at launch.
This year might be the GOAT year In terms of quality releases
I absolutely adore this game and I would even go as far as to consider it my Game of the Year. While I acknowledge that there are some minor issues, such as the boss encounters feeling a bit lackluster in terms of difficulty, the game's atmosphere and top-notch music really struck a chord with me and kept me fully invested. I really hope that they release a DLC for this game, just like they did for the first one.
For me it wasn't that some of the bosses wereacklustre in terms of difficulty, it's that in 2 some of the bosses aren't that memorable.
I vividly remember most if not all of the bosses from the first game - unique, visually and mechanically.
While 2 has some good bosses and designs, I honestly can't recall maybe half of them because they just didn't have that punch or impact that the bosses in the first game had.
The DLC trailers for the first blasphemous had the same art has the second one does in its cutscenes, i noticed that right away.
While I get that blasphemous 2 had to limit their execution since there’s 3 weapons atleast they could’ve focused more on the penitent one miracle tree arm as the main execution weapon instead I remember seeing the reveal trailer and the penitent one wrapping the huge bell enemy in a bunch of tree roots and squeezing him to death
Just finished B2 last night. I mostly agree with your review, though I think I may have encountered more bugs and glitches than you did. I had a recurring problem where i would get stuck in doorways, unable to move essentially softlocking the game. While I do think I prefer the original overall due to it's atmosphere, B2 is still really good.
I'm loving it so far
The first one hurt my eyes something about the pixel animation like jittered/blurred not sure how to describe it
Mad props for playing with Spanish dub. This is the way :)
In regards to the glitches. I found all nine sisters but cannot claim my last reward. Has anyone else experienced this
The only thing I didn't like about the second game is the lack of large bosses with crazy designs. I also haven't found any interesting rosary beads. They all seem purely defensive boosting in nature now.
they pretty much replaced rosary beads with altarfigures
I love the first Blasphemous, but man, GOTY is a hell of a claim in a year that's given us Street Fighter 6, RE4make, Tears of the Kingdom, Baldur's Gate 3, Armored Core 6, and probably a bunch of others I'm missing just because of how packed this year has been. So if it's up for consideration against those, definitely worth checking out.
Whatever floats your boat. But gameplay wise you're missing out. The game feels better then the first and it's nice that the spikes ain't an insta kill anymore. And while combat overall does feel better. The bosses are better imo. As they telegraph they're attacks better so they feel more fair. And atmosphere wise, I don't think they could've topped the original, but it's still very good.
I'd say, don't skip it. But if you don't wanna spend the full price for it I'd wait for a sale. It's still a great game and I bet you'll enjoy it despite your gripes.
One other thing I will note: While I was also a little bummed at the switch in cutscene style, I can say from experience that pixel-based animation on that level is an incredibly long, laborious process that probably contributed in no small amount to the first game's lengthy development cycle. It's a loss, but I can't honestly blame them for wanting to expedite that part of things this time around.
Exactly he got paid to say that GOOD GAME. But far from goty
You know that in Gotys there are a lot of diferent categories don't you?
To be fair of those listed I've only played 4make, but of everything I've played from this year so far B2 is my favorite.
I’m 10 hrs in, it’s really good. I heard that it was easier than the first, I agree maybe for the most part but damn that one 3 part boss with the big penitent, then the little then both! 20 try’s later… This game is nails.
Anyone who plays with Spanish dub is a man of culture.
I disagree on the backgrounds not being as inspired as the original. In the original game, There were a lot of rooms and outdoor areas with bland backgrounds.
In this game, sometimes I took time off to just marvel at the enthralling backgrounds they made for this. Hell you showed some of them.
I also think that it's understandable that this game has a brighter and more epic atmosphere because it's a natural progression fromthe last one's ending. Also I thought the story was very epic.
seriously as a spaniard, this game has the best spanish voice cast i've ever seen. Like it's leaps and bounds better than most AAA games. If you are spanish/Latino is a no brainer but if not please play it in Spanish it's the way it was meant to be played.
I’m praying no spoilers :( I’m waiting for my physical copy on switch. I’m obsessed!!
watched the whole thing and there are no spoilers, only a general idea of the construction of the game
@@krlosz1996 ok thx. I'm going to give it a listen now!
I love this game way more than the first one, it's a major step up in terms of quality in every way, the controls were really Smooth and responsive compared to the first game, the platforming was fun ( thank God spikes Don't one shot) the levels were fun to explore every corner, the bosses were the best part a big step up from the first game, I loved every single boss they were unique and memorable and fun as hell, although difficulty wise this game is far easier than the first one, the game literally gives easy mode by giving you a ton of resistance rosary beads to stack, I rarely die while exploring areas sometimes I don't even die, the bosses were easy as hell the hardest one eviterno only took me 4 tries, the first half bosses took from one to three tries, the second half was basically a non stop first try , I don't remember the first game bosses being that easy so I was thinking they either should buff bosses dps or nerf the resistance rosary beads a little
My only other gripe is the story feels less well written than the first and the cutscenes although really good they do not fit the atmosphere of the game
Anyway 9/10 one of my favorite games of all time now
Just platinumed it today. Absolute masterpiece. I'm going back to platinum the original now.
No insta-kill spikes? Sold.
It's an awesome sequel. My only negative mark would be the music isn't on par with the 1st game.
I think every game this year is everyone’s game of the year !
I’m Peruvian and I showed my mom this game, when she was a girl my grandma made her go to an all girls catholic school, and while she isn’t very religious, she said this game scared her, she stated that while the imagery is holy, there is something seriously wrong with it, like something has infiltrated god, which funnily enough, is a prevalent theory about the high wills and miracle in the previous game, and I share her sentiment, the game is unsettling, especially for someone being raised spanish catholic
There is a bug of invencible power , when u got attacked by a boss and u cannot evade the attack, use the chant to get back home , it won’t work but it will give a very long window f invincibility and won’t expend any of fervor , boom there , thx me later
La Campana!
Just finished both endings and I'm only few trophies from 100%
Took me 21 hours
Both first and second game are fantastic. 10/10
EDIT:
And I agree. First game was sometimes charmingly janky. Not frustrating for me but I have pretty high resistance after countless hours of soulslikes.
And yeah, the story of the first one felt better because the whole game introduced us to one of the most unique lores in videogames.
Good to hear, I was really enjoying the first one until the frustration because of the BS of the plataforming sections, I rage-quit that game...might give this one a chance.
Would you say you need to finish the first one first?
I like Blasphemous but found it very rough and never finished it. I picked up 2 and played through in a few sittings. Loved it. I'm sure there is plenty there for lore enthusiasts and fans of the first game, but I never felt like I was missing out not having completed the first.
I say Still play it, and honestly its worth it for the lore alone and finishing it once is quite fulfilling.
spanish voice acting is soo on point
I do have to agree with your point about the atmosphere. Don’t get me wrong, the atmosphere in Blasphemous 2 is phenomenal in its own weird way, but it does lack that overall darkness and grittiness. Some people may disagree, but I can say the same about the soundtrack as well. Again, don’t get me wrong, the soundtrack is equally as amazing. I think I just kinda miss that dark/gothic/evil vibe. Other than the atmosphere, Blasphemous 2 is an amazing sequel to a phenomenal game. I can’t wait to see what the devs have in store for us in the future with Blasphemous 2 🤘
Man those disney cutscenes look absolutely out of place
Loving the game. Im at 99% on the map. The true test of a good metroidvania is me actually wanting to 100% it
the combat in this game has a lot of depth and feels extremely satisfying. Sadly, it still feels like the game so far only scratches the surface of its potential with most bosses and enemies but they created an incredible building block here. Haven't really seen any other metroidvanias nail combat this well except maybe Hollow Knight (no pun intended) and perhaps Crowsworn?
i finished it today its the best game i played this year ,i agree you 👍👍👍
So the first game was one of the few times where it felt like it was being hard for the sake of being hard. Isn’t it better in this one?
I really didn't like the first one, but this is I think my GOTY also. It's so good.
What😂😂😂 the first one was MILES BETTER AND HARDER
@@Diabeticninja90 I'm probably going to revisit it once I'm done with this one. I didn't get far before dropping it.
IMO B1 had better storytelling, immersion, and art direction while B2 had better gameplay and exploration.
Platinumed it yesterday. Absolutely awesome series in one of my most beloved genres.
You play and make videos about the coolest games on yt I would love to see a Top 50 games of all time from you like resonant arc or something I love recommendations from people who have different tastes from the mainstream (not to be edgy I just love a different perspective)
My only complaint is that the pixel cutscenes of the original looked way better to the cartoon aeisthetic they went with this time, but that's about it.
I had no idea this dropped. The original was one of the best games I’ve played purely from an art style pov.
Imo it does the Metroidvania formula better then any
I think Blasphemous 2 deserves an S rank in terms of quality and maybe even a GOTY nomination
But personally speaking atleast, theres too many GOTY contendors that deserve the spot more this year.
Tears of the Kingdom, Armored Core 6, Baldurs Gate 3, Starfield (Probably), just to name a few
Even games like Dead Space Remake and RE 4 Remake came out this year.
What a stacked year
Its crazy that there is a year of Gaming where even this game could get overshadowed by other bangers
The bosses would be much better if they had maybe 50% more health and an extra phase to some of them.
Personally i prefer Number 2 to Number 1.
Slightly easier yes - but for me i found it a bit more pick up and play and enjoyable.
The heavier focus on traversal, movement and metroidvania playstyle was a huge draw for me and the range of weapons and prayer variety has added more replayability for me personally.
The quality of life changes were a huge plus - getting rid of the insta death on falling into a pit has removed such a huge headache of retreading sections again and again thst occured in the first game.
Im excited for more playthroughs whereas B1 was a 'one and done for' me.
i love the game but the power creep is to strong in this game
like you said: later bosses were just to easy
i just powered through without learning the boss mechanics
but the bosses till afilaor i loved: super good designed and mechanically fair
To me it's great if they have a DLC.
Of course, there is more hope in this world, the Penitent One made that happen in the first game :)
I agree!
i wonder if u played zelda totk!
Hmmm. The first one was ok but felt rough clunky compared to other similar games. I will take your word for it and try it out
This game is my game of the year and the game of the previous year too
Defo top of the list at the moment. I’m finding it hard to enjoy Armored core after playing blasphemous
I had some tech issues, but otherwise loved it. Did the true ending
This is definitely gonna be listed for GOTY. Blasphemous 2 looks way more fun than the first one, even this three weapon system looks interesting too.
>playing in Spanish
patrician