This wasn't just a game. This was an experience. Those looking for typical hack and slash games can feel free to stay away from this title. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is about story and experiencing that story from Senua's perspective. Always. You'll never get a moment to step outside of her skin and see if what she just went through was real or just another battle in her unhealthy mind. The game is absolutely stunning but its gorgeous graphics are secondary to the AMAZING sound that is pinnacle to the experience and so very well done. When its award season rolls around Ninja Theory will undoubtedly sweep this category. The puzzles are well done, especially in the latter stages. If there is one thing keeping the game from being perfect, its that the same combat that starts the game is the same combat you'll experience at the end of the game. That said, I can't recommend this game enough. I hope many creators follow Ninja Theory's blueprint for "AA" games.
38 Reviews
An amazing 6 hour experience
ceramicdan8 September 2017
Whew, where to start?
I just finished the game, and it clocked in at 6 hours. Now as a game, especially for 29.99, those are not great numbers. However, as a memorable experience that was like nothing I ever played before? Worth it.
You are playing a story, more a passenger than a pilot. The fights are not deep, but they are fun and very tense with hints of permadeath and save wipes cropping up if you suffer too many defeats. The puzzles are cool, not terribly challenging, but enough to give you some good "AHA!" moments.
The main reward comes in the story and the emotional ride. The main character suffers from several forms of mental instability, but since its back in the Celt days, it all becomes swept into a blanket description of "The Darkness."
This is where this game really hit me personally. I live with Bi-Polar Depression, Severe Anxiety, and mild Schizophrenia. I had to take breaks from the game because it really nailed these conditions in the game. Constant whispers, doubt, mania, self hate, and misleading thoughts plague you the majority of the game. People who don't suffer from these types of conditions can gain an light understanding of what people who do go through on a daily basis. It was rough for me in spots, but overall, incredibly rewarding and a one of a kind ride.
I just finished the game, and it clocked in at 6 hours. Now as a game, especially for 29.99, those are not great numbers. However, as a memorable experience that was like nothing I ever played before? Worth it.
You are playing a story, more a passenger than a pilot. The fights are not deep, but they are fun and very tense with hints of permadeath and save wipes cropping up if you suffer too many defeats. The puzzles are cool, not terribly challenging, but enough to give you some good "AHA!" moments.
The main reward comes in the story and the emotional ride. The main character suffers from several forms of mental instability, but since its back in the Celt days, it all becomes swept into a blanket description of "The Darkness."
This is where this game really hit me personally. I live with Bi-Polar Depression, Severe Anxiety, and mild Schizophrenia. I had to take breaks from the game because it really nailed these conditions in the game. Constant whispers, doubt, mania, self hate, and misleading thoughts plague you the majority of the game. People who don't suffer from these types of conditions can gain an light understanding of what people who do go through on a daily basis. It was rough for me in spots, but overall, incredibly rewarding and a one of a kind ride.
A true testament not only to unique, outstanding video games but to portraying psychology in this way which has never been seen before.
angiris4 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The game I've been waiting for as a man of psychology and history.
The combat is excellent, boss fights are awesome. The sound design... is the best I've ever seen. Never thought Witcher 3's sound could be superseded but here we are. The graphics for an indie game are profoundly impressive. The world is beautiful and lust to the same incredible extent as it can swamp in an instant to grim, dark and horrific. The art design is extremely well executed.
The psychological aspect is beautifully portrayed. The constant voices that drive you forwards whilst at the same time scare you, make you paranoid, are furthermore so incredibly GOOD because where as in other games when you usually enter a new zone and reckon that'll be that. These voices comment on EVERYTHING. Every single zone...every single change. Adding feeling, ambiance, atmosphere and symbolic meaning to what you see. These locations have purpose, a background, something good happened...or something really really bad. Awful ,terrible. And you feel this not by looking at the art design alone of bodies on stakes. But by the bodies or lore stones you activate that tell you of Ragnarok or how Death and Draugr came to haunt and slay people. How rot was growing in the water and soon spread merciless death to anyone who was unlucky to touch it.
All these things... are so beautifully expressed on in the constant, immersive and UNIQUE as hell narration.
The game is an absolute masterpiece. You care about Senuas journey, her character, her quest and even her love so much because of how insanely well its been handled by the development team. They didn't leave anything out, weren't lazy with telling us how they feel, how dark their pasts were, how they met, how things fell apart.
They want us to care, they want us to become her and care about this character, practically scream at the screen when she's been hit and laying on the floor in pain, voices screaming at her to get up !!! And the player is doing the very same. Making the combat experience even more satisfying and relieving once you win because you don't want her to die.
She is such a strong, determined character that manages to grow and overcome her weaknesses at the same time. Shes a badass Celtic warrior in love. Who is constantly being challenged by everything around her. Death, war, loss, fear, despair, deception, lies on top of lies and darkness.
But she persists. And the ending of the game nails that exact impression. I wont spoil it. Play it for yourself. Its well worth the asking price. I would have gladly paid 60 bucks for this. Took me 8 hours to complete. I could have probably done it in about 7. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out the puzzles. Only about 3 times though. Most of them are straight forward but some can be very frustrating.
Luckily it wont affect your 2nd play-through remotely.
I hope we see more of Senua in the future. Or at least games very much alike it. This psychological angle is profoundly well done and so extremely unique. Truly giving us insight into what it actually feels like to hear voices. So many... telling you so many things. making you doubt yourself, making you afraid. Basically every single subconscious emotion with a voice, running rampant. It's as beautiful as it's chaotic. Ninja Theory have done a real service to the school of psychology by execution this premise with such elegance and grace.
Work of art. Well worth your time playing. Its not just entertainment. This is an experience in the world of psychology, mixed with a fantastic story of love and overcoming our worst fears. Mixed with super cool viking lore :)
I've spent years studying psychology and reading about mental illness isn't easy to picture remotely. But having seen the development diaries, seeing how hard Ninja wanted to get it right by talking to psychologists but furthermore people who actually suffered from this having hallucinations and hearing voices it's clear they did their homework well. It shows...
This game is more than just a 3rd person action drama game about love, challenges, puzzles and combating huge vikings and draugr. let alone Hela and the great beast, Garmr.
It's emphasis on telling the story of this woman who's deeply challenged by her scarred mind, mixed with her traumatic memories and troublesome past add so much fidelity to reactions, her behavior as she pushes on. She's a practical rolemodel. Just like this game it a practical frontrunner in execution a psychological premise in video games to such beautiful extent. As someone who loves psychology I cherish this experience and what Ninja has created because these games are important. Allowing people insight into what real people undergo on a daily basis... showing us how terrifying and almost unreal it is to witness all Senua goes through will leave you naught but blown away.
Its a brand new kind of story-telling. With profound meaning and importance not just in the game, but outside of it, letting the player him or herself understand a very real side of life. Of our reality.
A unique experience that takes what we know to the next level and then some. And outside of being impressed by how they executed the psychological premise, they manage to build this solid red line between the story archs, giving us an excellent beginning, middle and end with believable pros and cons, ultimately resulting in a satisfying grand finale.
Very beautiful game. A true, unmatched work of art and it earns a 10 out of 10 in the unique category of portraying psychological trauma, challenges and mental illness in video games alone. Has a few flaws but it deserves a perfect rating.
The combat is excellent, boss fights are awesome. The sound design... is the best I've ever seen. Never thought Witcher 3's sound could be superseded but here we are. The graphics for an indie game are profoundly impressive. The world is beautiful and lust to the same incredible extent as it can swamp in an instant to grim, dark and horrific. The art design is extremely well executed.
The psychological aspect is beautifully portrayed. The constant voices that drive you forwards whilst at the same time scare you, make you paranoid, are furthermore so incredibly GOOD because where as in other games when you usually enter a new zone and reckon that'll be that. These voices comment on EVERYTHING. Every single zone...every single change. Adding feeling, ambiance, atmosphere and symbolic meaning to what you see. These locations have purpose, a background, something good happened...or something really really bad. Awful ,terrible. And you feel this not by looking at the art design alone of bodies on stakes. But by the bodies or lore stones you activate that tell you of Ragnarok or how Death and Draugr came to haunt and slay people. How rot was growing in the water and soon spread merciless death to anyone who was unlucky to touch it.
All these things... are so beautifully expressed on in the constant, immersive and UNIQUE as hell narration.
The game is an absolute masterpiece. You care about Senuas journey, her character, her quest and even her love so much because of how insanely well its been handled by the development team. They didn't leave anything out, weren't lazy with telling us how they feel, how dark their pasts were, how they met, how things fell apart.
They want us to care, they want us to become her and care about this character, practically scream at the screen when she's been hit and laying on the floor in pain, voices screaming at her to get up !!! And the player is doing the very same. Making the combat experience even more satisfying and relieving once you win because you don't want her to die.
She is such a strong, determined character that manages to grow and overcome her weaknesses at the same time. Shes a badass Celtic warrior in love. Who is constantly being challenged by everything around her. Death, war, loss, fear, despair, deception, lies on top of lies and darkness.
But she persists. And the ending of the game nails that exact impression. I wont spoil it. Play it for yourself. Its well worth the asking price. I would have gladly paid 60 bucks for this. Took me 8 hours to complete. I could have probably done it in about 7. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out the puzzles. Only about 3 times though. Most of them are straight forward but some can be very frustrating.
Luckily it wont affect your 2nd play-through remotely.
I hope we see more of Senua in the future. Or at least games very much alike it. This psychological angle is profoundly well done and so extremely unique. Truly giving us insight into what it actually feels like to hear voices. So many... telling you so many things. making you doubt yourself, making you afraid. Basically every single subconscious emotion with a voice, running rampant. It's as beautiful as it's chaotic. Ninja Theory have done a real service to the school of psychology by execution this premise with such elegance and grace.
Work of art. Well worth your time playing. Its not just entertainment. This is an experience in the world of psychology, mixed with a fantastic story of love and overcoming our worst fears. Mixed with super cool viking lore :)
I've spent years studying psychology and reading about mental illness isn't easy to picture remotely. But having seen the development diaries, seeing how hard Ninja wanted to get it right by talking to psychologists but furthermore people who actually suffered from this having hallucinations and hearing voices it's clear they did their homework well. It shows...
This game is more than just a 3rd person action drama game about love, challenges, puzzles and combating huge vikings and draugr. let alone Hela and the great beast, Garmr.
It's emphasis on telling the story of this woman who's deeply challenged by her scarred mind, mixed with her traumatic memories and troublesome past add so much fidelity to reactions, her behavior as she pushes on. She's a practical rolemodel. Just like this game it a practical frontrunner in execution a psychological premise in video games to such beautiful extent. As someone who loves psychology I cherish this experience and what Ninja has created because these games are important. Allowing people insight into what real people undergo on a daily basis... showing us how terrifying and almost unreal it is to witness all Senua goes through will leave you naught but blown away.
Its a brand new kind of story-telling. With profound meaning and importance not just in the game, but outside of it, letting the player him or herself understand a very real side of life. Of our reality.
A unique experience that takes what we know to the next level and then some. And outside of being impressed by how they executed the psychological premise, they manage to build this solid red line between the story archs, giving us an excellent beginning, middle and end with believable pros and cons, ultimately resulting in a satisfying grand finale.
Very beautiful game. A true, unmatched work of art and it earns a 10 out of 10 in the unique category of portraying psychological trauma, challenges and mental illness in video games alone. Has a few flaws but it deserves a perfect rating.
A Masterpiece Out of Ten
crymetime12318 April 2018
Congratulations Ninja Theory, this is absolutely incredible. Hellblade is one of the greatest games I have ever played, I hope you all have given this game a chance. One of the most compelling stories set in a stunningly beautiful world. With a backdrop of Norse mythology, you'll follow Senua as she seeks to find something she once lost. This harrowing game will test you in ways you'll never think possible. I give Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice a masterpiece/10. Do give this wonderful game a shot, you will not be disappointed.
Interesting, a bit disturbing & kind of beautiful
johohannes16 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
From the reviews before this one I gather that this might be one of those games you either love or hate. I lean more towards love. It is not a game in general, it is a part hallucinated journey where you don't really know what is real and what is Senua's mind playing tricks with her and after a while playing the game with headphones you really start to feel immersed in the voices and visions. The different voices with their different character, some discouraging, some more friendly, do an impressive job bombarding you with vague and confusing messages that can be pretty annoying, even though you get used to them a bit after a while. Some of the comments in the negative reviews seem to be based on great misunderstandings, like, of course she can't die from the hallucinations, but everything in the game isn't hallucinations. Senua battles real opponents even though her mind makes them more ghastly than they really are, but you never quite know where the reality ends and the psychotic experiences start. That's part of what makes it so special.
Absolute masterpiece
malembenign14 June 2018
It's true digital art.
kamilk-911257 September 2018
One of the best single player game I've ever played!
Beautiful graphics, great story, and very inspiring quotes.
Its very first game ever to show how psychotic illness affects people and it's done in a very wise and creative way.
Now I just waiting for the sequel!
Eerily Beautiful. Emotionally Captivating.
MyNameIsWarren14 March 2018
Combat mechanics can at times feel a step behind what the player is intending but other than that, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a beautifully crafted story-driven title. The mature subject matter requires an open mind and allowing ones self to become immersed in the world that Sunua is experiencing.
Upon completion of the game I encourage players to watch the mini-documentary (can be accessed from the main menu) as it details the developers inspiration and motivations for tackling a subject that to this day is still not totally understood.
Upon completion of the game I encourage players to watch the mini-documentary (can be accessed from the main menu) as it details the developers inspiration and motivations for tackling a subject that to this day is still not totally understood.
Wow, what a trip. What an amazing story.
christopherwolbert5 January 2019
Blown away
micah-397396 January 2019
I am blown away by this game. I cant fully put it into words of how well this game was made and thought through.
I am not usually into sword fighting games but this came up on Xbox One as a free download with my gamer pass. I'm glad I gave it a chance because it is amazing. The story and voice actors did such a good job. The voices didn't sound like they were reading a script. It was like I was watching real people in a real movie. I have experienced so many games with bad stories and bad acting, so this was a breath of fresh air. Also the characters and scenery in it are super creepy at times! Which I love. Great job. I will be looking to see what other games they have done after I post this.
I am not usually into sword fighting games but this came up on Xbox One as a free download with my gamer pass. I'm glad I gave it a chance because it is amazing. The story and voice actors did such a good job. The voices didn't sound like they were reading a script. It was like I was watching real people in a real movie. I have experienced so many games with bad stories and bad acting, so this was a breath of fresh air. Also the characters and scenery in it are super creepy at times! Which I love. Great job. I will be looking to see what other games they have done after I post this.
Atmospheric but boring
watchm-4429023 February 2022
I really liked the game "Enslaved: Odyssey to the West" from this studio. But "Hellblade" I was able to pass. I started it twice and both times I quit playing after a couple of hours. The game didn't pull me in.
Pros: visually attractive, atmospheric.
Cons: very monotonous, not interesting gameplay.
The story did not hook me and, probably, that's why there was no incentive to play further. And the gameplay is really, really boring.
Pros: visually attractive, atmospheric.
Cons: very monotonous, not interesting gameplay.
The story did not hook me and, probably, that's why there was no incentive to play further. And the gameplay is really, really boring.
Should've been a movie not a game
manojmagecha27 March 2019
Honestly there is not enough gameplay to make this a game, too many cut scenes, basic moves list and the game itself is clutching on to it's storyline to make it arguably a great game. As mentioned in the title, should've been a movie. The puzzles are way too easy for a 18 rated game. Resident evil biohazard, another 18+ game had puzzles that literally took forever to figure out, but when you did you felt satisfied. The puzzles in this are pointless and have no real substantial meaning to any parts of the story line. Senua's sacrifice? More like senua's desperate need for the love of dillion.
Harrowing and beautiful
bogdanbalostin8 August 2019
It's a harrowing experience. And proof that video games are more than entertainment, more than hours upon hours of mindless gameplay.
From a replayability perspective, this game is short and nothing changes if you want to replay it. You just do it for the story. So I want to put this warning here about what this game is what is not. It got me thinking about gaming in general and why gaming is not only a way to waste to time but to experience something else the other medium are not as good for.
Back to the game. The mental struggle and the reality of Senua is superbly represented here. I've read people saying it doesn't make any sense and they were bored. And I think you have to start with the right expectations.
The graphics, the lighting especially, the sounds, the gameplay, all amazing.
The graphics and motion captures are the best at this moment in a game. It bring the character as close to you as possible, while avoiding the uncanny valley.
The sounds. I never thought I would say this about simple sounds in a game. They are such a big part of this experience. The game would not be the same without the auditory experience. The first hour of the game was full of atmosphere and extremely disturbing. I had to quit after one hour because the voices are so real and so exhaustive. I struggled with anxiety so I recognize the symptoms, though I didn't hear exactly voices, everyone is talking to the self more or less during the day. In extreme cases, it is very tiring. The game manages that in just one hour, while keeping the experience real, not annoying but draining.
The gameplay. The claustrophobia of fights, And how hard is to fight more than one opponent. And at the same time, it's fun. You can sense the force that goes into each blow, the struggle to stay alive with every breath. The fight is simple but it feels right.
There are puzzles here that make sense, not in your world, but in Senua's world. These are not puzzles just to proceed further, they are puzzles that delve into Senua's mind and after a while, you'll try to think logically about them. And that is amazing, because really they should not make sense. It made you feel Senua's reality is real. And it is. That's the whole point of the game.
Also, beautiful story, not only about mental illness, but about grief, love, stigma (more damaging than the simple mental illness), death, self-love, and how hard is to fight with your own mind. As hard as fighting dozens of murderous vikings and barely surviving.
"The hardest battles are fought in the mind."
From a replayability perspective, this game is short and nothing changes if you want to replay it. You just do it for the story. So I want to put this warning here about what this game is what is not. It got me thinking about gaming in general and why gaming is not only a way to waste to time but to experience something else the other medium are not as good for.
Back to the game. The mental struggle and the reality of Senua is superbly represented here. I've read people saying it doesn't make any sense and they were bored. And I think you have to start with the right expectations.
The graphics, the lighting especially, the sounds, the gameplay, all amazing.
The graphics and motion captures are the best at this moment in a game. It bring the character as close to you as possible, while avoiding the uncanny valley.
The sounds. I never thought I would say this about simple sounds in a game. They are such a big part of this experience. The game would not be the same without the auditory experience. The first hour of the game was full of atmosphere and extremely disturbing. I had to quit after one hour because the voices are so real and so exhaustive. I struggled with anxiety so I recognize the symptoms, though I didn't hear exactly voices, everyone is talking to the self more or less during the day. In extreme cases, it is very tiring. The game manages that in just one hour, while keeping the experience real, not annoying but draining.
The gameplay. The claustrophobia of fights, And how hard is to fight more than one opponent. And at the same time, it's fun. You can sense the force that goes into each blow, the struggle to stay alive with every breath. The fight is simple but it feels right.
There are puzzles here that make sense, not in your world, but in Senua's world. These are not puzzles just to proceed further, they are puzzles that delve into Senua's mind and after a while, you'll try to think logically about them. And that is amazing, because really they should not make sense. It made you feel Senua's reality is real. And it is. That's the whole point of the game.
Also, beautiful story, not only about mental illness, but about grief, love, stigma (more damaging than the simple mental illness), death, self-love, and how hard is to fight with your own mind. As hard as fighting dozens of murderous vikings and barely surviving.
"The hardest battles are fought in the mind."
One of the most immersive games of all time.
Pjtaylor-96-13804415 April 2020
'Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice (2017)' is a phenomenal game. It's incredibly immersive, putting you squarely inside the head of its schizophrenic protagonist and keeping you there throughout. Every aspect of the game works to put you in her head-space; it really is remarkable. The piece's excellent sound design conveys the hallucinations, delusions and intrusive thoughts that plague its hero, making them an integral part of the experience. The gameplay does this, too, as the voices will often warn you of danger or give you a hint. This is a great way of conveying both sides of the equation, portraying mental illness as something far more nuanced than the 'monster' it is so often reduced to. The game sees the lead character embark on a quest to bring back her dead lover, alternating between combat and puzzles as it tells its amazing tale. Whether or not Senua's journey is entirely physical is irrelevant; it's totally real. It feels real, too. The battles, while not overly complex, are often gruelling and ominous, a feeling that is bolstered by the affair's potential 'perma-death' (the validity of which doesn't really matter). The whole experience can be described as gruelling and ominous, actually. It's amazingly atmospheric and surprisingly emotionally resonant. Ultimately, it's utterly captivating, a triumph in every aspect. It may only be short, around seven hours in total, but it's certainly worth your time. 9/10
Awasome, a master piece
jinyo-305408 September 2019
A must play!
jace-rynearson23 July 2019
I absolutely loved this game in just about every way. Everything about this game is amazing, the characters, the story, the graphics, the voice acting, and (in my opinion) the gameplay.
I'm a victim of depression myself and I loved this game for it's depiction of mental illness. A lot of society nowadays sees a psycho when they see someone with a mental illness it love to make jokes about it. Well, that can't be found in this game. Instead, Tameem Antoniades and the mental health advisor take mental illness very seriously and try to show it for how it actually is rather than what people think it is. But they also show how horrible it really is and what people who have them face in a metaphorical way. They face rejection, abuse from their peers, and the dark side of their condition. I love how for once, there's a video game that takes mental illness seriously.
But the story is where the strength of this game lies. I even prefer it above God of War 2018, because this story feels more grounded and endearing by comparison to me (not to say GOW isn't endearing, but that's beside the point). In this story, you might fight gods and monsters too, but it feels quite a bit more intense because you're an actual human who's fighting a battle against their own personal darkness, there's no reason to fight a plethora of gods or destroy entire realms, and that really helps the story. Senua as a character is extremely relatable, not just to people with mental illness, but to anyone at all metaphorically. And I like how the Viking setting doesn't feel superfluous, but interesting instead, and it does something innovative with the "go to hell to save someone" plot unlike Agony or Dante's Inferno. Now this time, the character's sympathetic, vulnerable, and they don't try too hard to make it seem messed up, instead trying to make it feel genuinely frightening.
There have been a few complaints about the gameplay, but I didn't mind. Sure, it might be easy even on hard mode, but considering it's permadeath feature, it wouldn't be fair to make out difficult and that would really kill the immersion that's been built up so well. The mechanics themselves are very good in my opinion, fights feel incredibly intense, and boss fights even more so.
The graphics are also some of the best (if not THE best) I've ever seen in video games. Each environment is brimming with life and detail and really makes you feel like you're actually there.
And the ending to this game is one of the best I've seen not just in a recent video game, but one of the best I've ever seen in any video game.
I definitely recommend this game. It's good moments easily outweigh the bad by a long shot, and it's a game that more people especially today need to play.
I'm a victim of depression myself and I loved this game for it's depiction of mental illness. A lot of society nowadays sees a psycho when they see someone with a mental illness it love to make jokes about it. Well, that can't be found in this game. Instead, Tameem Antoniades and the mental health advisor take mental illness very seriously and try to show it for how it actually is rather than what people think it is. But they also show how horrible it really is and what people who have them face in a metaphorical way. They face rejection, abuse from their peers, and the dark side of their condition. I love how for once, there's a video game that takes mental illness seriously.
But the story is where the strength of this game lies. I even prefer it above God of War 2018, because this story feels more grounded and endearing by comparison to me (not to say GOW isn't endearing, but that's beside the point). In this story, you might fight gods and monsters too, but it feels quite a bit more intense because you're an actual human who's fighting a battle against their own personal darkness, there's no reason to fight a plethora of gods or destroy entire realms, and that really helps the story. Senua as a character is extremely relatable, not just to people with mental illness, but to anyone at all metaphorically. And I like how the Viking setting doesn't feel superfluous, but interesting instead, and it does something innovative with the "go to hell to save someone" plot unlike Agony or Dante's Inferno. Now this time, the character's sympathetic, vulnerable, and they don't try too hard to make it seem messed up, instead trying to make it feel genuinely frightening.
There have been a few complaints about the gameplay, but I didn't mind. Sure, it might be easy even on hard mode, but considering it's permadeath feature, it wouldn't be fair to make out difficult and that would really kill the immersion that's been built up so well. The mechanics themselves are very good in my opinion, fights feel incredibly intense, and boss fights even more so.
The graphics are also some of the best (if not THE best) I've ever seen in video games. Each environment is brimming with life and detail and really makes you feel like you're actually there.
And the ending to this game is one of the best I've seen not just in a recent video game, but one of the best I've ever seen in any video game.
I definitely recommend this game. It's good moments easily outweigh the bad by a long shot, and it's a game that more people especially today need to play.
A struggle between the past & the future.
Collvpsy16 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Senua's journey to find and rescue her lover is sure full of surprises and interesting facts that appears as the story goes on. Her struggle with her father and her curse that's taking her live, and her war with the gods for her lover which is where the game takes most of the place all that puts senua in a desperate missed up shape for most of the game affecting even you the player and making you feel some kind of sympathy for her. The gameplay on the other hand is incredibly fundamental and has some replay value in it, the combat especially was very well implemented considering the animations it made a perfect combination with the rest of the game's settings and the puzzle's were fun and how they work in each level helped in not making them feel repetitive which made me enjoy them till the end of the game. If nothing else If you miss god of war vibes this is a must play for you.
Great game!
Eugenia12334520 July 2019
I absolutely LOVE this game! Finally something that doesn't demonize mental illnesses(Especially Psychosis/Schizophrenia type mental illnesses)! More people should take note with this game. Also the game is so beautiful!
Weird and wonderful
krissarabadu2 April 2020
A delightful piece of game making. It's more of an interactive cinematic experience which draws you into a deep storyline. There's no life bar, training section, specific levels or traditional videogame trappings. It really pulls you through a naturalistic process and feels very rewarding. At times it can be rather tough but in these modern days of infinite lives and do overs it's nice to have the panicked feeling of 'if I lose again I have to go back to the beginning'.
A must play!
rubinosamuelsr14 June 2021
I really liked the setting! Grafics and gameplay are AMAZING!
The nordic lore integrated in the game helped me to get the feeling for the game.
The fighting mechanism was fantastic, Simple but very immersive!
I wished there were more boss fights, especially at the end, and less runesearching.
The nordic lore integrated in the game helped me to get the feeling for the game.
The fighting mechanism was fantastic, Simple but very immersive!
I wished there were more boss fights, especially at the end, and less runesearching.
Atmospheric with mediocre gameplay
heath-jeffrey15 November 2021
Summary
Play the intro to experience the cool psychosis effect and atmosphere. Then stop before the repetitive gameplay, poor script writing, and simple puzzles bore you to death.
Story/Plot I can't say much because after roughly three 'levels', I was too bored to keep playing. The broader story *seemed* like it could have potential, and if it was a movie, I might have kept watching just to see how it panned out.
Script The most frustrating element, because it's pretty bad, yet makes up by far the majority of the game. It seems like something written by community theatre actors, rather than professional storytellers or scriptwriters. It tries so hard to be meaningful, but in ways that are either obvious or sound like those self-help books filled with ultimately hollow sayings.
Acting Pretty good considering the script seems hard to work with.
Atmosphere Absolutely amazing. This is clearly what gets it high ratings in many cases. The visual design is high quality. The setting is gritty and dark, with just enough nature and sunlight for contrast. And different 'levels' have their own themes.
Most of all, the psychosis effect is superbly managed in both visuals and audio: you really feel like you've lost your mind at times. (Except when the script of the 'voices' is a bit lame and pulls you out of the story). And it is integrated into the game - hints and warnings and distractions and hallucinations affecting puzzles and battles.
Gameplay Boring, repetitive, and treated like filler for the script. Many puzzles are just opportunities for the voice actors to talk the script over what you're doing, followed by long walks to let the script finish. The puzzles are simple and only take time because they involve hunting or guessing what the authors wanted you to find (mostly shapes or pathways hidden in the scenery).
The battle is a simplified version of the usual block/counter-if-timed-correctly, dodge, quick hit, heavy hit of most action games. And ultimately, it just doesn't feel like it belongs in a game like this. It's like 90% adventure/puzzle, 10% Dark Souls style hack and slash. I can't imagine many people who like the former will appreciate the latter.
Story/Plot I can't say much because after roughly three 'levels', I was too bored to keep playing. The broader story *seemed* like it could have potential, and if it was a movie, I might have kept watching just to see how it panned out.
Script The most frustrating element, because it's pretty bad, yet makes up by far the majority of the game. It seems like something written by community theatre actors, rather than professional storytellers or scriptwriters. It tries so hard to be meaningful, but in ways that are either obvious or sound like those self-help books filled with ultimately hollow sayings.
Acting Pretty good considering the script seems hard to work with.
Atmosphere Absolutely amazing. This is clearly what gets it high ratings in many cases. The visual design is high quality. The setting is gritty and dark, with just enough nature and sunlight for contrast. And different 'levels' have their own themes.
Most of all, the psychosis effect is superbly managed in both visuals and audio: you really feel like you've lost your mind at times. (Except when the script of the 'voices' is a bit lame and pulls you out of the story). And it is integrated into the game - hints and warnings and distractions and hallucinations affecting puzzles and battles.
Gameplay Boring, repetitive, and treated like filler for the script. Many puzzles are just opportunities for the voice actors to talk the script over what you're doing, followed by long walks to let the script finish. The puzzles are simple and only take time because they involve hunting or guessing what the authors wanted you to find (mostly shapes or pathways hidden in the scenery).
The battle is a simplified version of the usual block/counter-if-timed-correctly, dodge, quick hit, heavy hit of most action games. And ultimately, it just doesn't feel like it belongs in a game like this. It's like 90% adventure/puzzle, 10% Dark Souls style hack and slash. I can't imagine many people who like the former will appreciate the latter.
Overrated and But Slightly Interesting.
HotHamlet17 August 2022
This game i believe is overrated. It's a game that people believe to be either great or just ok, i'm different however. I think this game is a poor experience and not worth full price. That being said because it's old it can be found cheaper and it's on the Xbox Game Pass (which is how i played it).
The gameplay is pretty crappy. Not much to do and the boss fights aren't amazing. They're easy and whilst easy isn't always bad it is pretty poor here. You will only really block and dodge then attack. Imagine Elden Ring combat with only the moves you begin the game with. It's not abysmal, but it's not very interesting and isn't particularly enjoyable.
The world design is fine. Nothing great but there where certain parts of the game (all in the day) that i thought looked great and i loved the aesthetic. But besides these certain particular points, the game looks good and the design is fine (simply put).
The story that appears before you in the game is a little confusing but is the strongest part of the game. It isn't amazing or even great, however it is the strongest part as it leaves you thinking what it's all about and there are a few interpretations that people come to and not one that everyone agrees on. Whether you like this or not is up to you, I shall say without spoiling the game that even if i tried to spoil it i'd struggle as there are things up for interpretation and parts i didn't really understand without Youtube help.
The characters are whatever really. It's cool how the main character has something akin to Schizophrenia, as this is unique. However, it's nothing that makes the game go up a rating. You hear many a inside voice throughout the game but it can get a little annoying and doesn't make the game much (if at all better). I know people say it's realistic to an actual person suffering from Psychosis, but this doesn't make the episodes in the game any less repetitive. I assume that's what they're going for but i personally don't find it good in this game.
Gameplay - 2.5/10
Story - 4/10
Characters - 2/10
Visuals - 3/10
Overall a game i wouldn't recommend as i believe it to be bad but it's not unplayable.
I give Hellblade a 3/10.
The gameplay is pretty crappy. Not much to do and the boss fights aren't amazing. They're easy and whilst easy isn't always bad it is pretty poor here. You will only really block and dodge then attack. Imagine Elden Ring combat with only the moves you begin the game with. It's not abysmal, but it's not very interesting and isn't particularly enjoyable.
The world design is fine. Nothing great but there where certain parts of the game (all in the day) that i thought looked great and i loved the aesthetic. But besides these certain particular points, the game looks good and the design is fine (simply put).
The story that appears before you in the game is a little confusing but is the strongest part of the game. It isn't amazing or even great, however it is the strongest part as it leaves you thinking what it's all about and there are a few interpretations that people come to and not one that everyone agrees on. Whether you like this or not is up to you, I shall say without spoiling the game that even if i tried to spoil it i'd struggle as there are things up for interpretation and parts i didn't really understand without Youtube help.
The characters are whatever really. It's cool how the main character has something akin to Schizophrenia, as this is unique. However, it's nothing that makes the game go up a rating. You hear many a inside voice throughout the game but it can get a little annoying and doesn't make the game much (if at all better). I know people say it's realistic to an actual person suffering from Psychosis, but this doesn't make the episodes in the game any less repetitive. I assume that's what they're going for but i personally don't find it good in this game.
Gameplay - 2.5/10
Story - 4/10
Characters - 2/10
Visuals - 3/10
Overall a game i wouldn't recommend as i believe it to be bad but it's not unplayable.
I give Hellblade a 3/10.
A journey through darkness.
nickcarriker-255284 October 2020
Headphones.... use them!!
juangapardo-985572 August 2022
Seriously... Don't play this game if you won't be using headphones ("On ear" are better). An important part of the experience is to isolate yourself from the real world and entering this game and it's ambience.
This won't be your game if you are looking for an open world, npc's or grinding. This is a personal story, a struggling one, you become part of Senua in her journey, never knowing if what ou see is real or a construction of her mind.
Excelent work by the developers. Can't wait to live the next experience.
This won't be your game if you are looking for an open world, npc's or grinding. This is a personal story, a struggling one, you become part of Senua in her journey, never knowing if what ou see is real or a construction of her mind.
Excelent work by the developers. Can't wait to live the next experience.
Wow. Just simply wow!
jenson_c-2614024 April 2022
I cannot believe this is a 2017 game. It's beyond amazing in so many ways. I can understand that it can be depressing for some people and it might touch certain delicate strings on mental illness but this was beautifully done - from the shots, performances - all the way to the grainy filter look for that cinematic feel. From start to finish this was a terrific experience unlike any game I've ever played before.
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