Senua's Saga: Hellblade II

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!

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.

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.

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...

"Senua's Saga: Hellblade II" is a game that attempts to marry breathtaking visuals with a deep, narrative-driven experience.

Unquestionably, this game is a visual marvel. The graphics are some of the best in the industry, with every scene painted with such detail that you might pause just to admire the scenery. The atmospheric depiction of Senua's psychosis through binaural audio is both innovative and immersive, making you feel as though you're inside her mind.

The narrative continues to explore Senua's journey through her mental health struggles, set against a backdrop of Norse mythology. The storytelling is profound and symbolic, offering layers for those who dive deep into its psychological themes. However, the story's pacing and the game's short length might leave you wanting more or feeling the experience was somewhat rushed.

Here lies the crux of the controversy. "Hellblade 2" has been labeled by many as a "walking simulator." The gameplay mechanics are minimal, with combat feeling more like a choreographed dance than a test of skill. Puzzles are present but not particularly challenging or varied. If you're looking for action-packed gameplay or intricate mechanics, this game falls short, serving more as an interactive movie than a traditional video game.

At about 5 hours, the game is relatively short for its price tag. It's an experience that feels more suited to those who appreciate art and narrative in gaming rather than gameplay depth. If you've watched a full playthrough online, you've essentially experienced the game, which speaks volumes about its replay value.

The voice work and sound design are top-notch, contributing significantly to the game's eerie yet captivating atmosphere. The use of voices in stereo to simulate Senua's auditory hallucinations is particularly effective.

"Hellblade 2" is a polarizing game. It's not for everyone due to its focus on story and visuals over gameplay. If you enjoyed the first game for its art and narrative, you'll likely find this sequel even more compelling, albeit brief. However, if you're expecting a robust gaming experience, you might find yourself disappointed.

For those who appreciate a game as an artistic medium, this is a masterpiece. For gamers looking for engaging mechanics, consider this more of a cinematic experience.