# Punishing Gothic Action Games Blasphemous 2 Takes Notes from 'Dark Souls' and 'Castlevania' By Colin Smith | Published 2023-04-20 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blasphemous-2 References: [store.steampowered](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2114740/Blasphemous_2/)  Blasphemous 2 is an upcoming action platformer game that is the sequel to the critically acclaimed Blasphemous. The game is developed by [The Game Kitchen](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ninja-gaiden-ragebound) and published by [Team17](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-knight-witch), and is set to launch in late summer 2023 for PC and consoles. The game continues the story of The Penitent One, a lone warrior who must face the horrors of The Miracle, a twisted force that shapes the world according to the sins of its inhabitants. The game features a non-linear world filled with secrets, traps, and enemies, as well as a [brutal combat system](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/humbling-soulslikes) that allows the player to customize their skills and weapons. Blasphemous 2 promises to offer more content, more customization, and more challenge than the original game, as well as new locations, new enemies, and new bosses. The game also features a stunning pixel art style that creates a dark and atmospheric world inspired by Spanish folklore and religious imagery. Image Credit: The Game Kitchen, Team 17 ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 15% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Bizarre](https://www.trendhunter.com/bizarre) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Dark and Atmospheric Gaming:** Developing dark and atmospheric worlds and narratives within gaming, inspired by specific cultural and religious iconography from around the world. - **Non-linear Gameplay:** Offering non-linear gameplay that allows players to explore and experiment with different strategies and customization options. - **Customizable Combat Systems:** Integrating customizable combat systems that allow players to tailor their skills and weapons to individual preferences and gameplay styles. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Video Game Development:** Exploring cultural and religious imagery as a source of inspiration for new game development narratives and themes. - **Technology and Software Development:** Applying non-linear algorithms to generate new gameplay experiences with customized development and design. - **Graphic Design and Digital Art:** Offering stunning visual arts in dark and atmospheric designs to create a surreal, immersive world for players. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Punishing Gotchic Role-Playing Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-duskbloods.md) - [Punishing Open World Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phantom-blade-zero.md) - [Skill-Rewarding Action Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blades-of-fire.md) - [Horror-Themed Action Shooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remnant-ii.md) - [Retro-Inspired Platforming Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ninja-gaiden-ragebound.md) - [Console Exclusive Roguelike Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hades-ii-switch.md) - [Cyberpunk Combat Game Sequels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ghostrunner-2.md) - [Artistic Sidescroller RPGs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teslagrad-2.md) - [Immersive Survival RPGs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/greedfall-2-the-dying-world.md)