Senua's Saga: Hellblade II

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!

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.

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.

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" 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.