The video game, Blasphemous’ twisted dogma and religious themes–paired with its captivating artwork–are what drew me in first. The entrancing cycle of exploring vastly beautiful landscapes whilst answering never ending questions among enemies through rigorous messages is something to be enthralled by.
The plot is set in a medieval, Catholic world paired with fascinating visuals, as well as intricate and unique, but short spoken, people. They will either assist you on your destined journey, or help further inform the player of the protagonist’s place in every situation. The Character and enemy design which are accompanied by artful presentation, are the two largest standpoints of the game and its Spanish developer team The Game Kitchen. With the team bases itself in Spain, Catholic themes are heavily represented. The largest portrayal of the Catholic religion is shown through the game’s intro with the main character being The Penitent One, hinting towards Semana Santa–Holy Week. I myself even found the art direction reminiscent of Francisco Goya’s Black Paintings, specifically Saturn Devouring His Son.
In Blashphemous, you are given a mission as the sole survivor of a brotherhood to atone for your own guilt and rid of the sinful in the ‘miracle’, what they call their world. You are entrusted with a sword that consumes and rids the guilt of others, to be then set on a path to where I believe is whoever created the horror cesspool. Story wise, this is the extent to what I know with what is left in the cryptic yet interesting lore snippets. With sceneries straight out of the darker side of biblical renaissance paintings, all I could be left with were alluring questions amidst the beauty in the terror.
With all that I have enjoyed and with the many jaw dropping moments I was taken back by, I can only recommend this prepossessing work to people with admiration or a strong will. The many grim and twisted truths are shown in Blasphemous’ world throughout its challenging world, yet radiance and artistry still glistens in the horror.