Six years have passed since Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, which immersed players in a dark, allegorical journey through Helheim with the tormented protagonist, Senua. In the sequel, Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga, developed by the Microsoft-owned British studio Ninja Theory, we rejoin Senua’s world aboard a slave ship navigating an impending storm. The ship is wrecked, Senua is cast ashore, and a new, potentially even more harrowing journey commences.
The original Hellblade garnered significant acclaim on PS4 and Xbox One, standing out as one of the most visually impressive titles of that generation. Ninja Theory now leverages the power of the Xbox Series X, resulting in a gaming experience that is both visually and aurally stunning.
However, questions remain regarding the game mechanics and overall balance, aspects that presented challenges in the first installment.
Veterans of the first game will find familiar elements in the sequel. Players control Senua from a third-person perspective, navigating a largely predetermined path that offers limited freedom of movement compared to true open-world titles. While similar design choices are present in games like God of War and Uncharted, they are more pronounced in Senua’s Saga. Battles occur more frequently, and the refined controls enhance engagement. Players still have access to quick and powerful attacks, but improved parrying and dodging mechanics contribute to more satisfying and intense combat encounters. Puzzle-solving remains somewhat cumbersome, often requiring precise angles to trigger interactions. Although functional, it is less compelling, and thankfully, it is less central than exploration and combat.
In terms of gameplay, Senua’s Saga represents a notable improvement over its predecessor, offering a more polished experience overall. However, the game’s primary strength remains its presentation and depiction of both internal and external struggles. The visuals are exceptional, with incredibly detailed and realistic character models. The sound design warrants special mention, contributing significantly to the immersive atmosphere. Advancements in the handling of dark environments and Dynamic HDR, coupled with the capabilities of modern displays like the Panasonic MZ2000, highlight the importance of TV manufacturers’ investment in gaming technologies. As established from the outset, the Senua games delve into themes of mental illness, encompassing a spectrum of conditions from common disorders like depression and anxiety to more severe illnesses like psychosis and schizophrenia. The game’s sound design leans heavily towards the latter, making the use of high-quality gaming headphones highly recommended. Senua’s auditory hallucinations manifest as three distinct voices – two female and a resonant male voice, reminiscent of Mephisto in Diablo, symbolizing her absent father. The game can be deeply unsettling, and while its impressive quality is undeniable, it raises a pertinent question:
The intention to shed light on mental illness is commendable and relevant (as seen in recent games like Dustborn and The Gap). However, those who have experienced mental illness firsthand understand that it is often a difficult and unpleasant experience. Senua’s Saga authentically portrays this, both aurally and visually. The developers emphasize their efforts to realistically recreate psychosis. While this approach is impressive and contributes to a greater understanding of the lived experiences of some individuals, it begs the question of whether it is an enjoyable experience for extended gaming sessions intended for relaxation.
Ultimately, the answer is subjective. We found Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II to be compelling, but it is perhaps best experienced in moderation and may not be ideal for pre-bedtime play. While not overtly frightening, its intensity can be overwhelming. The narrative is engaging, the combat visceral, and the graphics and sound are exceptional. However, the extent to which “reality” is desired in a fantasy-Viking-action game remains a matter of personal preference. Xbox and PC users with Game Pass access should consider downloading and experiencing the game firsthand. Regardless of individual opinions on the gameplay, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II offers a uniquely distinctive experience.
Microsoft provided a review code for this evaluation. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial assessments.
