Info about Blasphemous 2:

Official game description:
The second scripture in the Blasphemous series portends the return of The Penitent One, with a story that continues from the free Wounds of Eventide DLC for the original game, where The Heart in the sky heralded the return of The Miracle and foretold the birth of a new miracle child.  
Awakened in a strange new land, and displaced from his final resting place, The Penitent One is thrust back into the endless cycle of life, death, and resurrection, with no other option than to explore this perilous new world and uncover its long-forgotten secrets.  
Hordes of grotesque enemies stand in your way, awaiting final judgement by the brutal hand of the Penitent One, with titanic twisted bosses also lurking in the darkness, waiting for their chance to return you to the grave from whence you came.  
Taking them down won’t be easy, but with Blasphemous 2 offering more chances to customise and improve your skill set, along with several new unique weapons to wield with righteous zeal and unending fury, victory might just be within grasp.  
Ultimately, only one thing is certain… Penance Never Ends  
**Explore a fuller Non-Linear world**  
Having awoken in a strange new land, your journey starts anew in a series of enchantingly grotesque landscapes, oozing Gothic charm and littered with unforgiving traps. How you tackle the labyrinthian world remains at your discretion, there is no wrong turn to be made, only scores to settle  
**Savage Combat**  
The Penitent One shows no mercy, and with a series of new weapons offering new moves, brutal executions, and expanded combos, destruction will rain on any that stand in his way  
**Customize your playthrough your way**  
Blasphemous 2 offers up new ways to play, with the ability to customise and improve your base skillset, alongside several new unique weapons to unleash devastating attacks on enemies  
**Grand Intense Boss Battles**  
Hordes of monstrous foes stand between you and your goal; twisted bosses with unique attack patters and sundering abilities will put your skills to the test as you fight to stand triumphant when the dust settles  
**Explore a deep new world**  
A whole new world awaits, bustling with mysterious new NPCs to interact with, some will offer aid, some will ask for it, and others will send you on death defying missions to obtain long forgotten items. With so much to see and do, the stories and myths you encounter will help you unpick the games myriad of secrets, granting you a deeper understanding of this strange new world

Release date: Aug 24, 2023

Categories: Metroidvania, Soulslike Combat, Action RPG, Exploration, Character Progression, Boss Fights, Precision Platformer, Non-linear Progression

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 75; verdict: Predatory DLC Practices; summary: The analysis of user reviews for Blasphemous 2 reveals significant concerns regarding the game's DLC practices. Key issues include the locking of essential content and the true ending behind a paywall, which disrupts the game's pacing and frustrates players. The DLC is frequently criticized for being overpriced and offering limited value, with some players feeling that the content does not justify the cost. Technical issues, particularly with achievements, further detract from the gaming experience. Additionally, the quality of the DLC content is questioned, with some players feeling it lacks the essence and polish of the base game. These factors collectively contribute to a negative perception of the game's monetization strategy.
- Wiki: score 10; verdict: Needs Improvement; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals several key themes impacting the user experience. Navigation and guidance are major issues, with many users finding it necessary to rely on external guides to progress through the game. Boss fights and overall game difficulty also pose significant challenges, often requiring walkthroughs for harder content. Collectibles and achievements are another pain point, with users struggling to complete collections and achieve specific endings without external help. Hidden secrets and exploration provide a mix of satisfaction and frustration, with some users enjoying the discovery process while others resort to guides. Finally, understanding the story and appreciating the game's art style are difficult without additional resources, affecting the overall immersion and enjoyment.
- Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works Well; summary: The game generally runs well on Steam Deck, indicating good compatibility with Proton/Linux. There are minor performance issues reported, such as input lag, but these do not significantly impact the overall positive experience.
- Steam Deck: score 60; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback for the Steam Deck experience reveals several critical issues impacting the overall user experience. Stability issues, such as frequent crashes and inability to launch the game, are significant problems reported by multiple users. Graphical glitches, including black screens and language resets, also disrupt the gaming experience. Control issues, such as input lag and poor control mapping, are particularly impactful in a game that requires precise controls. Additionally, users have noted problems with the user interface and controls, including the color palette and control configuration. These issues collectively contribute to a less than optimal gaming experience on the Steam Deck.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: The game generally performs well on systems with less than 8GB VRAM, though some users report minor glitches.
  - Sample size: 26 (1% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (positive, 16 reports): Mostly fluid and stable performance, with some minor glitches reported.
  - Caveats: 26 of 4374 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $20.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence shows that users generally find the game enjoyable but often mention that the price is too high. Many users suggest that the game is worth buying only when it is on sale or at a discounted price. The general sentiment is that the base game price of around $37.99 is considered too high, and a fair price range would be significantly lower, likely in the range of $10 to $20.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 30.0h
  - Story completion: 15.0h
  - Session length: 2.0h
  - Endgame: 10.0h
  - Reasoning: The evidence suggests that players spend a significant amount of time trying to achieve 100% completion, dealing with locked content, and navigating through the game's linear structure. The mention of spending hours and the game becoming linear after the halfway point helps estimate the playtime metrics.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game initially presents several friction points such as bugs, tedious platforming, and frequent backtracking, but it becomes enjoyable once players overcome these early obstacles and unlock certain game features.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Unlocking efficient movement and fast travel options
  - Time to anchor: 2h 0m
  - Friction: Lack of PC-friendly options; Numerous bugs; Tedious parkour sections; Frequent backtracking; Frustrating platforming
  - Unlock drivers: Fast travel options; Collecting specific prayers; Acquiring new weapons
  - Conditions: Exploring the world in a non-linear manner; Using different weapons for different situations; Overcoming challenging boss battles
- Player Archetypes:
  - Newcomer Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoyment of a well-balanced and accessible game.
    - Playstyle: Exploratory and combat-focused, appreciating the game's improved mechanics and accessibility.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Newcomer; Casual player
    - Reference games: Blasphemous; Hollow Knight; Ori and the Blind Forest
  - Series Veteran (sale)
    - Motivation: Appreciation for the game's improvements and accessibility while enjoying the story and combat mechanics.
    - Playstyle: Story and combat-focused, with a preference for smoother gameplay and improved mechanics.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: Veteran; Story enthusiast
    - Reference games: Blasphemous; Dark Souls; Castlevania
  - Nostalgic Fan (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Nostalgia and appreciation for the first game's unique qualities.
    - Playstyle: Comparative and nostalgic, enjoying the sequel but with a preference for the first game's unique characteristics.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: Fan; Nostalgic player
    - Reference games: Blasphemous; Metroid; Castlevania


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Improvements over the original (weight 0.43): Many players note significant improvements over the original game, including enhanced graphics, gameplay mechanics, and overall user experience. These improvements make the game more enjoyable and user-friendly.
- Outstanding art and design (weight 0.35): The game's art design, aesthetic, and atmosphere are frequently commended. Players find the artistic design impressive, with beautiful visuals and superb art contributing to an immersive experience.
- Enjoyable and engaging gameplay (weight 0.31): Players consistently highlight the enjoyable and engaging nature of the gameplay, including fun mechanics, satisfying combat, and a rewarding gameplay loop.
- Improved combat system (weight 0.24): The combat system is praised for its complexity, precision, and variety. Players appreciate the challenging and fast-paced melee combat, as well as the introduction of new combat mechanics.
- High-quality Metroidvania (weight 0.2): The game is often described as a top-tier Metroidvania, with solid platforming, excellent level design, and a gameplay style that appeals to fans of the genre.
- Enhanced mobility and exploration (weight 0.13): Improved mobility and fluid travel mechanics are noted, making exploration more comfortable and less rigid compared to the first game.
- Detailed pixel art and animations (weight 0.12): The pixel art and animations are praised for their detail and refinement, contributing to the game's visual appeal.
- High-quality voice acting (weight 0.1): The voice acting is noted for its high quality, contributing to the game's story and overall experience.
- Multiple weapon choices (weight 0.1): Players appreciate the variety of melee weapons and different weapon types available, adding depth to the combat system.
- Animated cutscenes (weight 0.1): Players enjoy the animated cutscenes, which add to the game's visual appeal and storytelling.

Common complaints:
- Cutscenes lack pixel art (weight 0.31): Players were disappointed with the change in cutscene animation style, which moved away from pixel art to a less consistent and less appealing style.
- DLC criticisms (weight 0.3): Players criticized the DLC for being expensive, requiring additional payment for full completion, and not offering enough value for the price.
- Presence of bugs (weight 0.26): Several players encountered bugs, some of which were frustrating and game-breaking, affecting progression and achievements.
- Boss design criticized (weight 0.26): Many players found the boss designs to be mediocre, uninteresting, and less memorable compared to the first game. Bosses were also considered too easy and lacking in character.
- Story lacks depth (weight 0.11): The story was found to be weak, disjointed, and lacking in depth and meaning, making it less engaging for players.
- Excessive backtracking (weight 0.09): Players found the amount of backtracking required to be excessive and annoying, detracting from the overall gameplay experience.
- Annoying jump puzzles (weight 0.09): The game was criticized for having too many annoying and repetitive jump puzzles, which frustrated players.
- Lack of unique executions (weight 0.07): Players noted a lack of variety and uniqueness in execution animations, making them less interesting and engaging.

Gameplay feedback:
- Weapon variety and customization (weight 0.25): The game offers a variety of weapons, each with unique uses and upgrade trees. Players can customize their playstyle with different weapon configurations and choices.
- Level design and exploration (weight 0.23): The game features a Metroidvania-style level design that emphasizes exploration and discovery of new areas. Players find the level design intricate but sometimes confusing, especially with screen transitions.
- Boss design and combat (weight 0.23): Boss fights are challenging and require learning patterns and timing attacks. The game features unique and diverse boss battles with multiple phases and progressing soundtracks.
- Metroidvania and Soulslike elements (weight 0.21): The game combines traditional Metroidvania exploration with Soulslike combat mechanics. This blend creates a unique gameplay experience that challenges players with complex combat and exploration.
- Game mechanics and combat (weight 0.2): The game introduces new gameplay mechanics and improvements to combat systems. Players note the complexity and diversity of the gameplay mechanics, which enhance the overall experience.
- Story and narrative structure (weight 0.14): The story is integrated through gameplay and cutscenes, with a fragmented narrative structure. Players experience the storyline and setting as they progress through the game.
- Art style and atmosphere (weight 0.11): The game features a distinctive art style and aesthetic, contributing to its unique atmosphere. The anime-style graphics and music enhance the exploration and overall experience.
- Game completion and backtracking (weight 0.11): The game encourages exploration and backtracking to find missed items and advance. Players note the importance of backtracking for 100% completion and progression.
- Platforming mechanics (weight 0.1): Platforming is a significant aspect of the game, with mechanics that are improved and easier to handle. Players appreciate the platforming puzzles and the overall refinement of these mechanics.
- Quests and characters (weight 0.1): The game includes well-designed quests and interesting characters. Side quests and subquests add depth to the gameplay and provide a more engaging experience.
- New mechanics and abilities (weight 0.06): The game introduces new mechanics of exploration and weapons, along with movement abilities. These additions enhance the gameplay experience and provide more options for players.
- Adjustable gameplay styles (weight 0.06): Players can customize their gameplay mechanics and styles, allowing for a more personalized experience. This feature adds flexibility and replayability to the game.

Performance notes:
- Boss fight bugs (weight 0.1): Several bugs related to boss fights have been reported, including game-breaking bugs and issues preventing damage to bosses.
- Sound and music issues (weight 0.08): There are multiple reports of sound and music not playing correctly, including issues during boss fights.
- General bugs and glitches (weight 0.06): Players have encountered various minor bugs, errors, and glitches throughout the game.
- Low system requirements (weight 0.06): The game is reported to run easily on low-end systems, including cheap laptops and integrated graphics.
- Game crashes and freezes (weight 0.05): Players have reported instances of the game crashing and freezing during gameplay.
- Bugs affecting gameplay mechanics (weight 0.05): Bugs affecting gameplay speed, movement, and camera have been reported by players.
- Optimization and performance issues (weight 0.04): There are reports of optimization issues and memory leaks affecting the game's performance.
- Softlock bug (weight 0.03): A softlock bug has been reported, which can make the game unplayable under certain conditions.
- Invincibility bug (weight 0.03): A specific bug making players invincible has been reported.
- Poor quality cutscenes (weight 0.03): The cutscenes have been criticized for looking poorly animated, as if made by college students.
- Clunky animations (weight 0.03): Player animations are described as clunky and slow, affecting the overall gameplay experience.
- Corrupted save files (weight 0.03): Some players have experienced issues with corrupted save files.
- Minimal critical bugs (weight 0.02): Some players have reported that there are almost no critical bugs affecting the gameplay.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended game (weight 0.17): Many players highly recommend the game for its overall quality and enjoyable gameplay experience.
- Worth playing if enjoyed the first (weight 0.17): If you loved the first game, you are likely to enjoy the second one as well. It is worth playing for fans of the first game.
- Better with prior game experience (weight 0.14): Players who have experienced the first game are likely to enjoy the second game more, as it builds on the story and combat mechanics introduced in the first game.
- Recommended for Metroidvania fans (weight 0.13): The game is highly recommended for fans of the Metroidvania genre, as well as those who enjoy adventure games and Spanish music.
- Worth buying, especially on sale (weight 0.12): The game is considered worthwhile to purchase, particularly when it is available at a discounted price.
- Recommended for fans of challenging games (weight 0.05): The game is recommended for those who enjoy challenging gameplay and are looking for a difficult experience.
- Unique and atmospheric experience (weight 0.04): The game offers a unique and interesting atmosphere, making it worth buying for its distinct qualities.
- Play for fun and enjoyment (weight 0.04): The game is recommended for those looking to have fun and enjoy a well-designed Metroidvania experience.
- Recommended for fans of 2D Souls-like games (weight 0.03): The game is recommended for fans of 2D Souls-like games due to its challenging gameplay and dark fantasy setting.
- Use guides for achievements (weight 0.02): Players are advised to use guides to help with achieving all the accomplishments in the game.
- Watch story on Bilibili (weight 0.02): Some players suggest watching the story on Bilibili instead of playing the game.

Other player notes:
No miscpoints

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.23): Players are frustrated primarily due to a variety of bugs and game-breaking issues that hinder progression and achievement completion. Additionally, the difficulty and design of boss fights, along with control and navigation problems, contribute significantly to this frustration.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.18): Players express satisfaction with the numerous improvements in gameplay mechanics, art, and music. The introduction of new weapons, movement abilities, and the overall polished experience compared to the first game are highly praised.
- Disappointment (weight 0.17): Disappointment stems from changes in art style and cutscenes, which many feel do not match the atmosphere of the first game. Additionally, the perceived lack of significant improvements and the need to purchase DLC for full completion contribute to this sentiment.
- Excitement (weight 0.09): Excitement is generated by the improvements and new features introduced in the game, such as new weapons, movement mechanics, and challenging boss fights. Players are also excited about the overall polished experience and the potential for future sequels.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.08): Players enjoy the game's atmosphere, combat mechanics, and the variety of weapons. The improved gameplay, satisfying combat, and engaging exploration contribute to a fun and enjoyable experience.
- Admiration (weight 0.04): Admiration is directed towards the game's unique art style, level design, and overall aesthetic. The game's music, atmosphere, and improvements over the first game are also highly praised.
- Joy (weight 0.03): Joy comes from the engaging gameplay, beautiful locations, and the enjoyable combat system. The positive feedback on aesthetic and music, along with the engaging storyline, contribute to a joyful experience.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.03): Nostalgia is evoked through comparisons to the first game, with players reminiscing about the atmosphere and essence of the prequel. The game's ability to remind players of their experiences with the first installment contributes to this feeling.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm is driven by the positive experiences with the game's lore, music, and gameplay. The refined combat, unique visual style, and high replay value generate a strong sense of enthusiasm among players.
- Frustrated (weight 0.01): Players are frustrated with specific bugs and gameplay mechanics, such as the death penalty, difficulties in boss fights, and issues with the upgrade system. These problems significantly impact the overall gaming experience.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love for the game is expressed through appreciation for its exploration, music, art, and gameplay. The game's setting, lore, and overall quality contribute to a deep sense of love and admiration.
- Excited (weight 0.01): Excitement is generated by the new features and improvements in the game, such as the double jump feature, combat, and exploration. The variety of weapons and the challenging gameplay also contribute to this excitement.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger is primarily caused by game-breaking bugs and the loss of progress. Issues such as lazy development, unclear guidance, and poor gameplay mechanics further exacerbate this frustration.
- Hope (weight 0): Hope is expressed for future improvements and the potential for better future games. Players are hopeful that the next installment, Blasphemous 3, will address current issues and enhance the overall experience.
- Pride (weight 0): Pride is felt due to the game's Spanish origins and its positive representation of cultural elements. Players appreciate the cultural richness and unique identity of the game.}