5/5 ★ – Kromatoz's review of Blasphemous.

Blasphemous — A Litany of Blood and Redemption. In a genre rich with masterpieces, Blasphemous stands tall—bloody, brutal, and breathtaking. Developed by The Game Kitchen, this Spanish indie title is more than just a Metroidvania. It’s a harrowing descent into a gorgeously grotesque world inspired by Catholic iconography, Spanish religious art, and dark myth. And through its precision gameplay, haunting atmosphere, and unique visual identity, Blasphemous earns its place as the best Metroidvania ever made. A World Unlike Any Other:- Set in the cursed land of Cvstodia, Blasphemous wastes no time immersing you in its nightmarish religious dystopia. Every crumbling cathedral, corpse-strewn valley, and bloodstained reliquary oozes dread and awe. It’s not just about platforming from one room to the next—it’s about uncovering a world stitched together with penance, faith, and suffering. The art direction is astonishing. Pixel art has rarely—if ever—been this evocative. The sheer detail, from the grotesque enemy designs to the mournful NPCs, makes Cvstodia feel sacred and profane all at once. It’s not just atmospheric—it’s unforgettable. Combat That Demands Respect:- The Penitent One, your silent protagonist, doesn't fight with flair—he fights with purpose. Every swing of your sword, Mea Culpa, feels weighty and deliberate. Enemies punish recklessness, encouraging careful timing, pattern recognition, and spatial awareness. Blasphemous leans into its Soulslike influences, but never loses its Metroidvania DNA. Bosses are the highlight: towering abominations steeped in lore, each one designed to challenge your reflexes and your understanding of the world. They’re brutal, but fair—and when you finally defeat them, it feels like an exorcism. Exploration Rooted in Mystery:- Like the best Metroidvanias, Blasphemous doesn’t tell you where to go—it trusts you to find your own path. Hidden rooms, obscure lore, cryptic side quests, and interconnected shortcuts make every return to a previous area feel like an evolution of knowledge. Upgrades aren’t just mechanical—they’re spiritual. Collecting relics, rosary beads, and prayers not only enhances your abilities, but deepens your connection to Cvstodia’s tragic mythos. Every item feels earned, and every discovery matters. Lore That’s Meant to Be Unearthed:- Where many Metroidvanias offer only surface-level worldbuilding, Blasphemous is dense with history. NPC dialogue is cryptic, item descriptions are poetic, and cutscenes are rare but powerful. The narrative is more felt than told—structured like a religious text: fragmented, symbolic, and often disturbing. Yet if you dig—if you pay attention—it reveals a story of guilt, redemption, and divine punishment unlike anything else in gaming. Few titles so seamlessly blend lore with tone. A Soundtrack That Echoes Through the Soul:- Carlos Viola’s soundtrack is a mournful, sacred dirge. Whether it’s a whispering hymn in a quiet crypt or a thunderous choir backing a boss battle, the music elevates every moment. It’s a score that lingers with you, long after you put the controller down. Conclusion: A Dark Masterpiece:- Blasphemous is the rare game that understands every inch of its genre and reshapes it with vision and voice. It’s as mechanically tight as Hollow Knight, as thematically rich as Castlevania, and as visually striking as anything in modern 2D gaming. It doesn't just stand alongside the greats of the Metroidvania genre—it surpasses them through sheer identity, atmosphere, and design cohesion. Cvstodia is a place you survive, suffer, and ultimately sanctify—and the journey is nothing short of divine. ⭐ Rating: 10/10 — The most haunting, holy, and masterful Metroidvania ever made.