Recent reviews by Skuna Tuna [VF4-A]

What a beautiful game. From the graphics to the setting to the story and down to the last detail- this game is absolutely wonderful. But it's not worth anything less than $10. It's too short and despite how much I enjoyed playing until the end, there isn't much of a reason to replay the game outside of achievements (for what ever that is worth).

9/10, should have been longer but I can't say I didn't enjoy the experience.

After an entire day worth of playing this game, fully completing it to 100%- I can say with certainty that this game is one of the best platformers ever made. In the same vein of Hollow Knight, it's a metroidvania that features a large map that you can explore (albeit in a more linear fashion), which has so many secrets that you would be amazed how stupid a hidden room can be when you accidentally discover one after visiting the same area 4+ times.

Speaking of Hollow Knight, Blasphemous borrows heavily not only from that but from another gem of similar standing- Dark Souls. I'm sorry, I cannot help but compare the two; Blasphemous and Dark Souls stand next to each other as being twins with the obvious that one is 3D and the other is Blasphemous.

I can summarize the rest with a simple Pro/Con:

PROS:
Graphics- (10/10) STUNNING visuals. I'm a sucker for pixel-art, and this not only is reminiscent of the classic 90s era, but just enough to be classified as it's own unique style.

Style- (10/10) Speaking of, I believe this warrants it's own category. It's very obvious that this is inspired by both Dark Souls and ESPECIALLY Catholicism. Moreso the latter, the developers borrowed heavily from Catholic mythology, with a bit of a darker twist to it and it is amazing how much detail they

Gameplay- (8.5/10) The combat is a mix between methodical and fast-paced. The Penitent One's primary attack works very well, there are however times when it feels like the swing of the sword could be a tad more fine-tuned. Platforming is also a bit rough, not terrible in the slightest but there are definitely times where I feel the game cheated me out of a jump in favor of INSTANT KILL SPIKES OF DEATH. Not a big deal, just minor things that didn't happen all too often (just enough, though).

Collectibles/Replayability- (9.5/10) There's a ton to find, unlock, collect and explore. There aren't many quests but the ones that are here are great. The amount of items in the game fall on the line of "just enough" to where it's not too much or too little.

If I had to pick one thing that isn't required for 100%, but still is if you are achievement hunting, corpses. Corpses offer nothing outside of lore fragments that are sparse at best. You could go through the whole not knowing you could listen to the dead's last words and still get the same experience at the end of the game.

Story- (???/10) Can't score this one. Going back earlier in the review where I said this shared similarities with Dark Souls is the story. I'm not going to do a lore dump, a synopsis or anything of the sort, instead I will put it simply- it's a vague allegorical tale that will cause you to lose track if you are not paying attention. I personally did love the story, but that's because I like the idea of piecing together your own narrative through the experience rather than having it explained to you from beginning to end. I would rate the story but really, you should experience it yourself and draw your own conclusion.

(It's pretty brilliant though. I can't lie)

GRAY SPOTS/NEUTRAL OPINION:

Difficulty- It's not a cakewalk. I never had any problems with the bosses in the game mind you, I had to restart most fights once or twice. Really, it's the environment that's the difficult part. The game doesn't hold your hand and personally I like that, but if you don't want to deal with games that punish bad decision making, this is probably not going to be fun for you.

The Map- Maybe I just want more of the game, but it feels like the map is missing one or two areas. I love almost every place of the game (except Jondo, ♥♥♥♥ Jondo), I just think the map needs to be slightly bigger.

CONS:

Hit Detection- Sometimes this game really likes to pretend you're not fast enough when you try to parry enemy attacks. It's not a game breaking issue but oh my god I've died so many times because the odd particle here and there.

Bugs- Speaking of odd particles, the bugs in this game aren't all over the place but WOW the ones that are here can really frustrate you sometimes. They did patch the game recently where your "soul" no longer drops right on the spot where there are untouchable INSTANT KILL SPIKES on the ground, which thank GOD because that happened more than it had any right to for me.

Instant Kill Spikes- I need to specify that I understand why they are instant kill spikes. They are an environmental hazard. They add difficult to the game. I get it, I really do. But these things are the most annoying obstacle I've ever come across in a video game, they are the bane of my existence. At a point in the game you get an item that lets you survive any fall into a bottomless pit, which is a great item- why the actual HELL can't you get the same for spikes? I REALLY UNDERSTAND THAT THEY ARE A BALANCING OBSTACLE, SERIOUSLY, I DO!! They are just SO ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ ANNOYING!

I may have elongated the length of this review. I apologize. However, I love this game. From the beginning to the very end, it has provided me with an experience that makes me want to shower it with praise. It has flaws, but everything does. I consider this game to be art.

Final Score: 9.5/10

P.S: Please delete instant kill spikes in future installments, Game Kitchen.

Keep in mind this only a demo- it is very short but if this is any indication to what the full game is going to be, I am beyond excited.

The graphics are gorgeous, the story has already gripped me and I love the art style. This demo is a 10/10 and I can't wait for more.

It's important to realize that you can't jack off to Mark Hamil's voice and play the game at the same time, unfortunately.

Free to play, pay to have style.

I went into a bathroom to hide from an enemy, and I looked into a toilet and saw a very disturbing thing- but it turned out to be a potato. I then ate said potato. I don't know what to feel now.