There's a lot about Red Dead Redemption 2 that doesn't work for me. It's missions structure is too on-rails and has very little room for player expression. The honor system is dated and confuses the main thrust of the story — especially in the first couple chapters when you don't have an idea about Arthur's capability for empathy. If the game tells you not to do something and you take that as a challenge, it's rare that comes up to something more than a "Fail Mission" screen. It very much wants you to play the game in a specific way. But once you and the game are speaking the same language, there are few things like it.

Its commitment to realism is astonishing. As someone who doesn't really care about good graphics, I was mesmerized every time I pulled this up. Some of the facial animations aren't quite right, but the world is alive. Not just in its looks, but the people in it. There's so much to do, people to talk to, and discover all of the time. The random encounters rarely repeat and are simply a joy to come across. The simulation elements really help make this feel immersive and they aren't so commanding that you have to worry about it constantly. I really felt like I was part of the world.

What completely blindsided me was the writing. Nothing is embarrassing here like it is in so many video games. The story and characterizations come with nuance and subtext. It takes its time to unfold, but if you see it through, you'll get to know one of the greatest ensemble casts in the medium. Dutch stands out as a charismatic, near cult-like, leader and watching him unravel is riveting. Then there's Arthur Morgan. It's a slow burn, but he became possibly my new favorite protagonist in games. Coming into this, I thought there was no way he could beat out John. But Joh Marston is not my cowboy. Not anymore.

It's bloated, messy, and not really elegant at all. But it's also really special and will hold a place in my heart for years to come.

This is one of the most visually striking 2D games I've ever played. Constantly shocking, beautiful, and metal af. Blasphemous almost makes it on those facets alone. Nearly every enemy design here would be another game's best offering. And, as far as Souls-likes go, Blasphemous isn't all that punishing. It definitely comes with some challenge, and there are at least three bosses that gave me some trouble, but difficulty isn't the main verb here. It kind of functions like a much more modest Symphony of the Night.

It's all very Catholic. You collect Tears when you defeat enemies that you can use to purchase various keys and boons. The theming is all centered around guilt, pain, and suffering. And it's brutal as hell. Most enemies even have an alternate way of killing them called an Execution that mutilates the enemy in glorious fashion (one of my favorites is squishing the enemies under their giant shields). The parry timing is forgiving and feels great every time. It's all rather thrilling as you make your way through the first half of the game.

Unfortunately, as the play improves throughout, and even the basic design, it starts to wear out its welcome. While it's all cool, there's a lack of charm here that makes it kind grueling eventually. This isn't helped by obtuse messaging and how quickly backtracking becomes tedious and how often it expects you to. It made, what at first was a riveting experience, into a joyless grind.

I think they abstracted the story purposefully; they knew that wasn't the draw. But it's not easy to interpret and feels incomplete. The prose is also so purple that I began to check out. Then having me go through challenge sections to only get some random short story that doesn't elucidate anything kind of felt like a bummer.

There are some really fantastic moments here, though, and I'm glad I played it. I love Souls and metroidvanias. If you do too, then there's stuff to like here. But it's not gonna make you a fan of the genre and could make you less of one — especially if you're a completionist.

The visual language of this is stunning. I was absolutely enraptured by the art, general atmosphere, and ambient music. It's a home run with all of those elements. It's also a joy to play. Being locked into challenge areas was always chaotic and satisfying to complete. And every boss here is a winner. Very cool designs, not too difficult, but a suitable challenge.

Hacking and slashing with a sword is a joy and having to come in close for a shotgun blast creates these awesome moments of tension that I would crave for. It's a steadily ramping challenge throughout. It can get a bit hectic and hard to see everything when you're in the middle of a fight, but the upgrades (like a multi-dash) give you the upper hand.

Where it falls apart is in its wordless storytelling. I can very easily be taken in by abstract stories, but this gives you so little context and the environmental storytelling isn't enough to give you a sense of urgency or any real grasp on what's going on. You need the things. You're gonna get the things. You don't feel well, but that's not super relevant. Some things are in your way. Kill them.

I just found myself wishing there was more under the hood than there is. That doesn't stop it from being a wonderful piece and, while you may be left wanting for more, it's a great journey to go on.