The vast majority of boss battles in the game are against mages, and only by beating a new type of mage can you unlock new equipment to craft. Something the game does to encourage this full exploration of its optional challenges is link the upgrade system to the bosses you fell.
Having to change up your combat style because a boss uses instant-death moves or turns invisible keeps you on your toes, and getting to the inevitable duo boss only to beat them on your first attempt highlights how well the game trains you. It helps that the vast majority of boss battles are interesting and unique in their own right. Sometimes those challenges are marred by wonky hitboxes and overpowered attacks, but with conveniently placed checkpoints and few penalties for dying, it never gets frustrating enough to put the game down. Sacrifice has challenges that feel like mountains to climb, not sprints to dash through. I can’t begin to explain how accomplished I felt when I finally slew Ekriks, the Precipice of Chaos and The Tireless Exalted - you get those lightbulb moments that make you feel like a shonen protagonist finally spotting the weak spot after an episode and a half of buildup. It’s safe to say that the game can be damn unforgiving in some parts, but I think that works to its credit. Yes, the item descriptions can be vague as heck, and you’re bombarded with enough proper nouns within the first hour to make Blasphemous blush, but the puzzle pieces are put together easily enough - the game doesn’t obfuscate its lore. There’s a treasure trove for those who love to delve into item descriptions, but you’ll get the gist of it just by playing normally - a breath of fresh air from a game that wears its Soulslike inspirations proudly on its sleeve. You’re free to engage with the game’s plot to whatever extent you like. It’s a simple hook that gets right to the point. The follow-up to Salt and Sanctuary has you taking on the role of a Marked Inquisitor - a criminal whose sentence is a life of combat, condemned to spend the rest of their days killing the mages who threaten society. One more secret to find before the region is complete. One more piece of armour to complete the set. You’ll tell yourself, “I’ll just kill one more mage, then I’ll go to bed,” and three hours later, you find yourself atop a mountain of pyromancer corpses with a shiny new set of armour to show for it. Salt and Sacrifice is a game that will dig its claws into you and not let go.
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