Blasphemous – Gamivo Deal of The Day

Each day brings us many surprises. There is no exception to that with our Deal of The Day section. Today we would like to highlight a true masterpiece that is on the verge of being not only a game but also a piece of art.  We are talking about Blasphemous – a recent creation of small indie studio called The Game Kitchen – previously known from making little and underrated gem – The Last Door. Blasphemous is published by well-known and experienced Team 17 Digital – fathers of Worms and also a publishers of such hits like Escapists 2 or Overcooked 2

The setting of  Blasphemous

The game draws a ton of inspiration from the Christian culture and especially it dark times during the activity of the Spanish Inquisition. The main theme of Blasphemous is bathed in the blood of sinners and our protagonist is one of them. We decide to repent our sins and put an end to the curse called “Miracle”. World – Cvstodia– is on the bring of the collapse, most of the inhabitants are dead, but the afterlife brought something special to them in form of resurrecting dead corpses and making their suffering even more prolonged.

What is Blasphemous?

It’s another, and again successful, attempt at metroidvania game. After games such as La Mulana, Dead Cells or Axiom Verge – the trend stabilize itself and many game creators decides to give it a try. Blasphemous is 2D platformer with the elements of Hack’n’Slash and RPG. We are free to explore our non-linear map and many times we will have to back to certain locations after fulfilling previously requirements – certain level, item or special ability.
We have different skill trees represented by rosary beads and special attacks all connected to the main theme – in this case in form of powerful prayers. There are many collectibles and upgrades – such as bones of the Saints or special relics.
Game implements similar system known from Souls Games – death penalty. In Blasphemous we loose the capacity of our special move bar. Don’t worry – you can revive it by visiting your grave – called the “Statue of Guilt”   
All mechanics of the game are named either in Latin or Spanish language to make it even more real and religiously correct.  

Why Blasphemous could be considered as a piece of art?

Well mostly because of its graphic design and style. Last years blessed us with the return of the pixel graphics and more and more game developers decided to use it. Not only it allows games to be played on slightly weaker PCs but what’s most important it creates a specific aura of nostalgy – connected to the games from bygone eras such as 80s or 90s.
Blasphemous took it to the next level and the pixel graphic is just absurdly good. The attention to the details and the level of it is outstanding. Each of our enemies has their own unique and special animations – corresponding to the whole Christian setting- which are super smooth making the whole experience even better, especially while hitting them with our weapons. The locations are well-designed and very varying, the background is visible and memorable but not really distracting.  The whole atmosphere of religious conflict just pours out of areas and our opponents. The boss fights are also unforgettable, mostly thanks to their design and not the battle itself.
The sense of hopelessness, grim and bloody streets of cities, dark and dangerous forest roads, stinking, deadly sewers, cold and bitter mountain tops – all of them waiting to be explored and admired in this case.

You will fall in love in the graphic style of Blasphemous and its execution nonetheless. Great mix of beloved platformer games with a great chunk of challenge – all set in unique and fascinating setting.