Summary
2019’sBlasphemousand its numbered sequel (released in 2023) are some of the most striking 2D indie Metroidvanias of the last couple of years. Developer The Game Kitchen pulled from the genre’s core principles and games of the past and fused them with recognizable Soulslike sensibilities and memorable visual aesthetics. BothBlasphemousgames feel refined and fresh, and the franchise has established itself as one that’s delivered two topnotch entries with potentially more to come.
Recently, FromSoftware itself released its latest project,Elden Ring Nightreign. Though it has a single-player element,Elden Ring Nightreignis built mainly for three-player co-oparound a roguelike version of the base title. Players are sent to slay a slew of new, old, and reimagined bosses within its apocalyptic dark fantasy world. AndBlasphemousalso contains many components in place for it to create a similar framework and equally engaging loop.
Blasphemous is Begging for an ‘Elden Ring Nightreign’ of its Own
Blasphemous Already Shares Much of its DNA With Elden Ring and FromSoftware
From the momentBlasphemousbegins, any fans familiar withFromSoftware titleswill likely be able to point out numerous similarities. The protagonist, the Penitent One, awakens atop a pile of gruesome corpses in a ruined Gothic cathedral. He then steps out into the distorted light of a devastated world in pursuit of a strange god-like entity, the Miracle, witnessing the bizarre and unusually cruel “blessings” it has bestowed upon the various characters and citizens of Cvstodia.
On the quest to confront the Miracle, players must navigate the Penitent One throughBlasphemous' gorgeouslygrotesque fantasy worlds. Both entries feature incredibly detailed retro pixel art depicting warped visions of Spanish Inquisition-era history and iconography. LikeElden Ring, it’s a somber take on once-beautiful lands previously ruled over by enigmatic and deadly figures, some of which have begun to stir again.
Blasphemous' gameplay also demands the Soulslike staples of measured precision and learning the patterns of enemy attacks, all while working toward unlocking and upgrading equipment and abilities to push further through unforgiving levels. The equivalent of flasks and bonfires are also present. Last, but certainly not least,Blasphemouscontains imposing anddisturbing bosses, each often having a dark and tragic lore attached to them.
How Blasphemous Could Channel Elden Ring Nightreign for an Adjacent Experience
Over the course of two games,Blasphemoushas given fans some of the most stylish andunique art designin its carefully crafted regions and the figures who wait to be vanquished or redeemed at the end of them. ABlasphemousroguelike could make excellent use of its atmospheric and well-designed levels through remixed and randomly assembled versions for each run.
As mentioned,Blasphemous' boss design is noteworthy, and many can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of FromSofts' offerings regarding spectacle and challenge rolled into one intense encounter. Runs might then be capped off with a selection of fights, possibly adding more unnerving ones or giving previous ones a few new tricks to keep players on their toes.
This would also provide a perfect chance for the studio to experiment further withBlasphemous 2’s weapon system. It could even serve as a test run of sorts for expanding these mechanics in a potential third entry. Narratively, the setup could be explained through something akin toElden Ring Nightreign’s story of an alternate universe or dream-like version of events within the greater world.
The series received the substantial Wounds of Eventide andMea Culpa DLCs. The Game Kitchen could thus release a roguelike project in the same way, or even more ambitiously, as its own standalone likeNightreign. Either way, there are already so many elements in place that would fitNightreign’s design well inBlasphemousthat it would be exceptional to see the idea realized.
