Blasphemous 2 introduces several features that help distinguish it, giving it a wonderful branching-off point for where a sequel could take those implementations. Now that its platforming has become genuinely intertwined with other mechanics and made much more fluid, there’s no telling what a sequel could achieve with an even greater arsenal of traversal-based weapons. But something equally intriguing that Blasphemous 2 debuts is an assortment of figure carvings that players can equip and have overarching effects on gameplay and the narrative.

Figures can be slotted at any Prie Dieu, but they’ll most often be slotted at the sculptor in the City of the Blessed Name since they are also whom players can trade Marks of Martyrdom with to unlock more altarpiece slots. There is an engaging questline to follow through the sculptor Montanes and unlocking all altarpiece slots is truly rewarding since it allows players to equip more attribute buffs and gameplay enhancements, making them a more exciting take on Bloodborne’s Caryll runes.

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Blasphemous 2’s Figures Help Tailor a Playstyle

It may take some time to acquire and slot more figures, but doing so is worthwhile. Tailoring assorted figures to different slots in the altarpiece, players can choose particular figures that complement the kind of playstyle they prefer. Players who are thoroughly enjoying the range and damage output of Blasphemous 2’s Veredicto, for example, would benefit greatly by equipping The Scribe, which increases the amount of fervour generated by attacks by five percent, and The Anointed One, which increases the weapon’s damage by 15 percent.

Figures are also terrific to have in Blasphemous 2 because it may take quite some time for players to locate the NPC who can unlock new rosary bead knot slots in exchange for individual knots. Beads are essential when it comes to resistances with stackable percentages, but in the meantime, figures can help round out the Penitent One’s abilities if they are fashioned together with a playstyle or build in mind.

Bloodborne’s Runes Can Be Largely Forgettable

Meanwhile, Bloodborne’s runes are similar in that they offer passive buffs to certain stats, but none are more substantial than the weapon buffs that players assign themselves with uniquely shaped gems. Moreover, unlike Blasphemous 2’s altarpiece figures, runes can be complicated to find in a cold Bloodborne playthrough or are locked behind questlines and bosses, making them more valuable in New Game Plus playthroughs instead.

Blasphemous 2 doesn’t currently have a New Game Plus mode, which relegates all completion progress and ambitions to single playthroughs. So, it makes sense why a game like Bloodborne and its multiple playthroughs would take advantage of having so much content to go through. Still, Oath runes function independently as they are connected to Covenants in Bloodborne, aligning players with a faction and giving them their buffs or adaptations in summoning/co-op.

Blasphemous 2 has figures that appear as a different item at first but can be sculpted into a proper figure in the city. This behaves as a fun reward for some quests and has players need to take it in to get it sculpted before it can be properly equipped, which becomes incredibly important if players are hoping to achieve the non-default ending to the sequel's narrative. Blasphemous 2 requires players to equip four specific figures in certain spots for Ending A, and they are therefore paramount for the story to have its secret ending.

Blasphemous 2 is out now for Nintendo Switch, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

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