Blasphemous 2

Blasphemous 2 is a side-scrolling Metroidvania video game developed by The Game Kitchen and published by Team17. A sequel to Blasphemous (2019), the game will be released for Windows PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S in August 2023. The game received generally positive reviews upon release.

Gameplay
Like its predecessor, Blasphemous 2 is a 2D side-scrolling Metroidvania action-adventure game. Players assume control of the Penitent One, a silent knight who must embark on a new adventure in a new kingdom to prevent the rebirth of a curse named "The Miracle". The story of the game is set after the "Wounds Of Eventide" update of the original game. As with previous games in the series, the world in the game is filled with deadly traps, difficult platform sequences, hostile enemies and boss characters, though players will also encounter other non-playable characters will either offer aid to the player or send them on side quests.

The game introduces several new weapons, with each having their own reach, speed, special abilities and skill tree. The weapons in the game include the War Censer, which deals powerful but slow attacks, Rapier and Dagger, a dual-wielding weapon which deals rapid damages, and the Praying Blade, a versatile weapon that blends the strength of both weapons. These weapons are also useful for traversal, aiding players in discovering new paths and solving puzzles. The abilities of the protagonist can also be customized. Players can equip up to five "rosary beads", which provide passive bonuses to the player, and two active spells (known as prayers) in the game. Players can also collect statues which provide small bonuses by themselves, and more significant buffs when they are placed together in certain combinations.

Development
Spanish developer The Game Kitchen returned to develop the sequel. According to producer David Erosa, an important goal for the team was to make the game "closer to the classic Metroidvania genre". Therefore, the team worked to expand the Pentient One's arsenal of weapons, providing him with more means to combat enemies and traverse the world. The team did not use any of the code from the original game and instead took 18 months to rebuild the code for Blasphemous 2 from the ground up. The team also took time to refine the game's controls after hearing feedback and complaints from players of the original game. Like the original game, the team took inspirations from paintings and local Spanish culture, history and architecture while creating Blasphemous 2.

The Game Kitchen and publisher Team17 officially announced the game in April 2023. The game will be digitally released for Windows PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S on August 24, 2023. The physical version of the game is set to be released on September 15, 2023. A more expensive Digital Deluxe edition, which includes access to a digital artbook and the game's official soundtrack, can also be purchased.