User reviews

If you didn't like the first one, you won't like that one. It's an experience more than anything.

Senua is now one of my favorite characters ever.

The storytelling is incredible. The audio is exceptional. BEST GRAPHICS TO DATE OMG! The combat is even simpler in principle to the 1st one but it's really brutal as they intended and I liked it but would've been better if there was little less of them (I know it's weird to say). The puzzles are alright, in the first they didn't bother me but this time they made my eyes roll abit by the end.

I can't wait to the sequel for my favorite walking sim.

Hellblade 2 is a bit of a strange animal in the sense that it's a very cinematic-heavy game, almost to the point where I would hesitate to call it a fully-fledged video game and instead would argue that it borders closer on interactive cutscene for the majority of its run time. This isn't necessarily a flaw, as the original Hellblade was very cinematic in its presentation as well, but I feel that in case of Hellblade 2, a few decent gameplay mechanics were sacrificed or simplified to amp up the visual experience. As a result, 2 feels looks and sounds amazing but noticeably minimizes player participation compared to its predecessor.

Combat suffers the most in this regard. In the original, the player is often confronted with multiple enemies and is forced to manage space and positioning to keep from getting surrounded and overwhelmed. 2 completely does away with this mechanic, allowing for only one enemy combatant at a time and throws the player through mini in-game cutscenes that stitch together individual fights. Again, this isn't necessarily flawed, but fans of the original will likely feel that a great deal of their agency in combat has been completed eliminated. Not only that, but attack types have also been reduced from three to two different options, further limiting variety in gameplay. As a result, the fights in 2 come off as far more staged and far less engaging.

Thankfully, world exploration remains fantastic in 2, and in many ways feels improved. Optical illusions and clever puzzles litter the gorgeous environments, and more hidden collectibles are scattered throughout the areas. The vast majority of the game spends its time utilizing these mechanics, and it does so very much to its benefit. The music and sound design also contribute immensely to the look and feel of the world, and paired with headphones, make for incredibly realistic and palpable environments.

Ultimately, what Hellblade 2 chooses to build upon, it improves, but it is painfully evident that delivering the cinematic experience of the game took priority over combat mechanics. Fans of the first will probably be satisfied with the sequel, but it sadly feels like a watered-down follow-up rather than a strong successor. Still, I'd recommend a play through.

If you are undecided about this game go to Ninja Theory's youtube channel and watch the dev diaries.

They consulted actual psychiatrists and people struggling with psychosis to get the feel of the game and Senua's psychosis right. One of the consultants with psychosis literally said, ya this game captures what I go through. THIS GAME IS A TRIP.

Play with headphones in the dark, the audio design is where the feel of psychosis really shines.

The combat is really fun in this game and improved over the last.

The story is bigger snd better, new characters to learn about with interesting stories.

The voice acting absolutely rocks and so does the mo-cap.

Graphically this is the first game that has made me feel like we are in the next generation. It destroys games like horizon forbidden west or forza motorcycles in the fidelity department.

Such a masterpiece!

This is an amazing game! There are several aspects to talk about. In addition, to the wonderful narrative and graphics, this game has something more. All the games have a sound design job that continues the great work made in the first franchise game (that's also wonderful). The technology used in the sound makes this game unique. Who likes to complete the game and acquire all the trophies, the game doesn't put boring barriers to this, all collectibles add a new layer of impressiveness to the gameplay. There are so many incentives to replay the game more than two times at the minimum. This is proof that big games don't need have thousands of hours to make your money worth. A great game must have a good narrative and well-developed characters. The performance of the game on PC is very good, despite ssd being required, I played using an HD in the performance was very well.

So I just finished the game, have a playtime of 8.4 hours and 72% of trophies, meaning I missed some things/ran past them. The walking was a big part of it which could've been shortened but the fights were so great that it made up for it. The graphics made it feel so real that I was constantly shocked and could not believe my eyes and that I am actually in control of the scene. Cutscenes were dope, voice acting on point, gestures and character animation in general so extremely well done. It was absolutely worth it and I will DEFINITELY go right back into it again and play through the whole story a second time! Just do yourself a favor and play this one with some decent headphones and volume up, makes it all so much better!

Absolute cinematic experience and a visual showcase of technical prowess the gaming industry has achieved. They truly took the visual gameplay mechanics to the next level with this one. If you liked Hellblade 1 then you will definitely LOVE this one. The combat was similar to the first game, but the seemless transitions between killing enemies, the stunning finishers, and the next level audio immersion are really what make the combat special.

Senua's psychosis plays a huge role in this game (just like the first) with the return of the conflicting voices in her head that offer aid one minute and doubt the next, adding to Senua's struggle of ups and downs as well as the overall tone of the game.

After I woke up today I sat down and finished the game in one sitting. Gave myself a few hours to think about it and let this review brew. Lets start with the obvious good stuff.

The audio team absolutely carried the project on their back. The music and the sound is superb, immersive and spectacular at every point. My sincerest congratulations to everyone involved.

The graphics are top notch, they're obviously trying to showcase what Unreal 5 is capable of and they're delivering on that front.

The camera work is also great, and the story is decent, altough nowhere near as captivating as the first entry, and it gets sluggish at times. Especially considering how much the gameplay breaks the already slower pacing. And this is where the problems begin.

For a 5-6 hour game, feeling tired of the gameplay at hour 2 is a terrible sign. You repeat the same 3 things over and over again throughout the game, forced into a super slow running and climbing animation. I don't know why they decided this would be the best direction. Maybe we're forced to slow down to show us how amazing Unreal 5 can look but... a rock is just a rock the 1st and the 600th time as well.

I would've been so much more satisfied if it was just an audiovisual experience. Sit in your couch, put on a headset and enjoy the show.

But having to hold down the left stick for 5 hours to move forward in the slowest possible animation, drizzled in with the same puzzle again and again is just frustrating. (And again, you can only solve them super slow because you move at the pace of a snail.)

Overall, the atmosphere is great. Every aspect of that is utilizing every latest technology, and it shows how much care was put into this project. But you don't HAVE to make a game out of it...

Or well... maybe you do if you're owned by Xbox...

Hellblade II: A beautiful, dark, and twisted fantasy

In the realm of video gaming, it's a rare occurrence when a title comes along that not only captivates the player with its narrative but also pushes the boundaries of technological prowess and emotional storytelling. Hellblade II is one such game that has managed to leave an indelible mark on the gaming community, setting a new benchmark for what is possible in interactive entertainment.

At its core, Hellblade II is a masterclass in storytelling. The narrative is woven with threads of Norse mythology, yet it stands out by addressing the profound and often misunderstood subject of mental illness. The protagonist, Senua, embarks on a journey that is as much about battling external foes as it is about confronting internal demons. The game's portrayal of mental illness is not just a backdrop for the story; it is an integral part of the character's identity and the challenges she faces. This pragmatic approach to mental health is both refreshing and necessary, providing a narrative depth that is seldom seen in the medium.

The dialogue in Hellblade II is a testament to the game's commitment to authenticity and immersion. The voices that guide, and at times, misguide Senua are not the clichéd representations of good and evil. Instead, they are nuanced and multifaceted, reflecting the complex nature of our internal dialogues. These voices offer different perspectives, challenging the player to consider multiple facets of a situation, much like the real-life process of introspection and decision-making.

The sound design in Hellblade II is nothing short of revolutionary. Every whisper, echo, and clash of swords is rendered with such clarity and precision that it feels as though the soundscape is a living, breathing entity. The use of binaural audio creates an incredibly immersive experience, enveloping the player in a world that is as audibly rich as it is visually stunning.

Speaking of visuals, the game's HD+ graphics and cinematics are a marvel to behold. The attention to detail is evident in every frame, from the intricacies of Senua's face to the grandeur of mythical landscapes. The lighting effects, particle physics, and environmental textures combine seamlessly to create an otherworldly aesthetic that draws players deeper into the game's universe. Whether it's the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights or the eerie mist that shrouds ancient ruins, Hellblade II transports players to a realm where reality and myth converge.

The battle system in Hellblade II strikes a delicate balance between accessibility and depth. While combat mechanics are straightforward, they remain engaging due to the game's emphasis on timing, positioning, and strategy. Senua's swordplay feels weighty and deliberate, and the inclusion of parrying and dodging adds layers of skill-based gameplay. The challenge level, as perceived by players, falls within a medium range, allowing both newcomers and seasoned gamers to find their footing without frustration. Importantly, the game avoids punishing players excessively for dying, ensuring that progression remains fluid and enjoyable.

The auto-save system in Hellblade II is thoughtfully implemented. It triggers at key points in the story, preventing players from losing significant progress. This design choice respects the player's time and investment, allowing them to focus on the narrative and exploration rather than manual save management.

As a player, I found myself emotionally invested in Senua's journey. Her vulnerability, determination, and inner turmoil resonated deeply. The game's ability to evoke empathy is a testament to its writing, voice acting, and character development. Senua's struggle becomes our own, and her triumphs feel hard-earned.

In terms of impact, Hellblade II has set the bar high for future game development. It demonstrates that storytelling can be both powerful and educational, shedding light on mental health issues while delivering an unforgettable gaming experience. As we move forward, I hope more titles follow in its footsteps, pushing the boundaries of what games can achieve beyond mere entertainment.

In summary, Hellblade II is subjectively one of the best games of 2024, leaving an indelible mark on players and setting new standards for narrative-driven gaming. Its breathtaking visuals, immersive sound design, and thoughtful gameplay make it a must-play for anyone seeking a profound and emotionally resonant experience in the gaming world.

Lets be honest, IMDB isn't a game review site. Hellblade 2 isn't your usual game and it's doing it an injustice to treat it as such. Granted, it's not particularly long (still longer than a COD campaign) but it took me 3 evenings to play through, the equivalent of binge watching a mini series or watching a trilogy of films. And what an experience it is!

The story was phenomenal, the visuals awe inspiring, up there with big budget movies, not like a computer game. To think Melina Juergens wasn't even an actress before she appeared as Senua is unbelievable, she deserves awards. The subject matter is heavy, but it's so well done and respectfully handled.

Do yourself a favour and wear headphones when playing this, the audio quality is up there with the rest of the presentation. The transitions in the gameplay, especially in the fight sequences is so cinematic, I really hope other studios see this and we see more of it because it was so immersive. And I especially want to call out the middle part of the game, it was so terrifying and atmospheric.

I admit, my thumb started to hurt from pushing forward on the controller, I found hunting for the collectables immersion breaking and the puzzles were a bit boring. Because of this I would rate the gameplay 3/5. But I'm writing this on IMDb and I want this work of art and everyone that worked on it to get the recognition it deserves. Visuals 10/10, audio 10/10, acting 10/10, story 10/10 and presentation 10/10 - we need more entertainment media like this, telling an interactive story with this depth and care, and less shallow copy and paste games.

Hellblade 2: Senua's Saga is an absolutely gorgeous jaunt that scintillates the senses and challenges the mind. Sound design and atmosphere are near peerless and a powerfully tragic protagonist anchors the experience in a bloody and brutal reality that begs to be explored...

...only to rob that opportunity from you.

Saga prioritises its art too much, stripping back its gameplay and player control while favouring failure to force its animations on you. Basic traversal is a slog, combat is crunchy but painful, and repetitive puzzles aren't enough to break the short but padded playtime.

Saga fails to capture the intensely delicate balance of its predecessor and finds itself in a chaotic struggle with the player to play the game for them, wrestling and clawing control while forgetting that its visual and audio highs aren't enough to balance the mechanical lows.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade II

8.5/10

Outside of its severely short length, clocking in at a little over 6 hours (even with going after all the collectibles) I really enjoyed this sequel. It didn't have the shock value the first game had as it is pretty just more of the same which is fine, but it managed to captivate all the same nevertheless. While the first game's story revolved around Senua fighting for the soul of her lost love, the sequel focuses more on Senua freeing slaves tied to her homeland that has her facing off against all kinds of Viking hellish creatures from giants to demons alike. Senua also gets a handful of unlikely companions along the way too which at first I wasn't sure how I felt about but by the time I reached the end of the game understood their presence more and felt like it was a good choice by the developer to include others for Senua to converse with outside of the lovely voices within her head. The only part I felt in the game's story that was a bit weird was the lost forest maze section in the final chapter of the game. I thought it was a bit estranged and really didn't feel like it had much meaning other than to be filler and perhaps solidify one of Senua's companions story arcs. The audio once again was incredible and is an absolute must to play and experience with headphones. I had a pair of Turtle Beach wireless headphones that did the job quite well. And I must say I was a bit concerned with the game running at a native 30fps on console but it was so well implemented and to my knowledge never broke that 30fps mark or stuttered at all on me and played smooth from start to finish. The thing I guess about a game like Hellblade is that because of its intentionally slow pace and nature it benefits more from lower framerate which is fine. The game's slow churn and burn is what the series is known for too and doesn't disappoint in allowing you to slow things down to take in the gorgeously breathtaking vistas and let's you soak in the incredible graphical fidelity of the Norse landscape in the ancient Norse lands. And the combat I enjoyed better this time around than the fire game as they slowed it down even more so than usual focusing on one on one fights opposed to multiple enemies at once. The sword play is very much gratuitously gratifying as it is brutal to pull off those counters and finishers. Every combat scenario ends differently too that paces itself well with the story. The puzzles this time around I felt were a bit too simplistic but I get it. This is a more heavily narrative driven tale but the puzzles in the first game were a bit more complex than the sequel here. Overall if you're a fan of the first game or just want a creepy atmospheric thrill ride that kind of fits in with an October spooky setting quite well give Senua's Saga a spin.

I loved the first episode. But this?

• Fights are frustrating and has nothing to offer
• Puzzles feels like time wasters and not fun at all
• Pacing of the story is painfully boring at times
• The environment is dull and boring to look at, (not diverse at all
• The black borders on the screen can NOT be disabled and it is really annoying to play with those 2 massive black lines on.

• Locked at 30 fps on console and doesn't have performance option
• Visuals are really blurry, noisy and the graphics are above average sure, but nowhere near as great as most people say. Not even in the top 10. (Played on Series X)

• Story is less than 5 hours long (and most of them will be very slow walking segments).

Funny thing is, even though it was only 5 hours, it still felt like eternity.

We waited 7 years for this? Massively disappointed in this game. The first one was better in every aspect.

Paying full price for this game definitely not worth it, but I wouldn't even pay the subscription fee of Game Pass to play this because it's not even worth that much.

Don't waste your time.

Hellblade 1 was one of the best game ive ever played. And everything i loved about it has gone on Hellblade 2. It's a walking simulator with way less gameplay even tho the combat has a well done mechanic+art. The puzzles are way less than previous. And unfortunately they are incredibly braindead unlike the first one which were super fun to solve.

THE STORY is incredibly empty and meaningless unlike H1. The characters have absolutely nothing deep/special to care. Bosses/enemies are terrible and dont even worth to mention. The voices in her head, this time around, are nothing but annoying. They serve absolutely nothing and dont tick any feel on player.

THE GRAPHICS, except the prologue, are actually a mess. The sea/water is PS2 level. There are too much noise on the screen and i'm not talking about the cinematic noise. The Cave episode was WAY too long and incredibly boring. The sparkle effects were also bad. It's 2024 and this game is the only game to have bad sparkle fx. There are no boss fights if you wonder. You just walk, run and kill a few minions with incredibly easy fashion. Level designs, unlike the first game, WERE BLAND af. Ninja Theory had A. Taini if you care for the graphic design. I wonder if he was part of this game cause it looked not.

The ONLY GOOD PART about this game was the score. PERFECT SOUND DESIGN. From music to voice acting to enviroment sounds, IT WAS PERFECTION! Overall.... What a disappointment! 4/10 (first game was 8/10)

Graphics looks really good....sure. But the gameplay is incredibly boring. If you only like walking around all game then this game is for you. Also the characters don't look as good when they're in the world around you. Most of the good graphics are cut scenes and stuff. The game is also 2 hour???? LOL what a joke. Don't waste your money on this please. It's nothing special and extremely overhyped and overrated. Buy like any other story game with better gameplay...extremely disappointing for a game that was supposed to be this hyped yknow? I don't see why they didn't add more content and gameplay. Oh well.