Blighted hands-off preview — Using the memories of the past to help the present!

Blighted was extremely popular at Summer Game Fest with a wait-list that was longer than there were hours in the day. That said, I asked if I could squeeze in for about five minutes to watch the developers play the game to show me what it can truly do. They offered to let me play it myself, but I chose that, with the time limit, I would rather watch someone play well than watch me struggle for the time. 

In that time I got to watch one normal battle and two boss fights with abilities and ways to defeat the bosses. This gave me a quick but intense look at the mechanics of Blighted. 

You’re playing as the last remnant of your people as the Blight continues to cover your home and destroy your history. The trees of your home town are meant to hold the memories of the past to help those who connect with them. This psychedelic western nightmare is just that though, a nightmare. As you fight through dead-spider-horse bosses, skeleton-blights, and more; there’s something horrific around every corner I saw the developers play through. 

As you destroy bosses, you gain abilities and those abilities can really up your game. I got to see the dead-spider-horse ability which does a big stomp around you doing damage to anyone in the path of it. 

The movement seemed extremely fluid watching someone who’s played the game before, however, you can tell there will be an adjustment period for those newer to the style of gameplay. There’s a lot of dodging and movement to just make sure you’re not taking damage, but there’s a psychedelic aspect to the art style that just takes the weird to another level. I found myself getting caught up in new areas just looking around seeing all the cool effects such as the water and plants. 

While your home might be at risk, it’s time for you to put these enemies on notice, they’re at risk the more powerful you become. If you’re a fan of Metroidvania Action-RPG, keep an eye out for Blighted. Coming to PC and consoles in 2026.