Ninja Theory has recently launched Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, the latest installment in a highly anticipated story, now accessible on Xbox Series X|S and PC. Upon starting the game, I was immediately drawn in by the content warnings regarding graphic violence, burning, and terror, eager to see how Senua’s narrative would progress. While I am generally satisfied with Hellblade 2, there are certain aspects that did not quite meet the standards set by other elements such as graphics, settings, sound, and storyline.
Upon receiving the review key for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, a note from Ninja Theory studio head Dom Matthews accompanied it, expressing that “Senua’s Saga has been a genuine passion project.” What I enjoyed most about this gaming experience is that you can truly sense – from start to finish – the passion that has gone into Hellblade 2, as described by Matthews. With the developers aiming for “cinematic immersion,” I believe Ninja Theory has successfully delivered on their goal. While not flawless, two undeniable truths about Hellblade 2 are the evident passion of the development team and the game’s incredible immersion, making it one of the most captivating gaming experiences to date.
My favorite aspect of the game is the sound design. Hellblade 2 serves as a testament to the years of effort put in by the sound team, setting it up for potential award nominations in the upcoming 2024 gaming awards season. I highly recommend using a good pair of headphones to fully experience Hellblade 2 as intended – the difference in immersion is remarkable when switching from speakers to headphones.
The binaural voices in Hellblade 2 create a surround sound effect, placing the player in the world of Senua and her experiences with psychosis. The environmental sounds are equally realistic and believable, adding to the overall immersion of the game. The visuals in Hellblade 2 are also impressive, with every frame being meticulously detailed and lifelike, bringing the mythical elements to life in a grounded and tangible way.
The game’s stunning visuals and believability extend to its locations and scenery, with each setting offering a visual feast for the eyes. From crashing waves to reflective skies, the beauty of Iceland, where the game is set, is faithfully recreated on screen. The combination of visuals and sound in Hellblade 2 creates an experience so close to reality that it becomes easy to forget you’re not actually there.
Narratively, Hellblade 2 is a powerhouse that continues Senua’s story with depth and complexity, exploring themes of mental illness, grief, trauma, and more. The game handles these sensitive topics with care and respect, thanks to the collaboration with experts and individuals with lived experiences of psychosis.
Ninja Theory has made significant improvements to the accessibility of Hellblade 2, with various features included to make the game more inclusive and enjoyable for all players. However, the combat and puzzle elements of the game were lacking for me, feeling repetitive and not particularly challenging.
Overall, I am eager to replay this relatively short game (about 10-15 hours) without the need to pause for review notes, in order to fully immerse myself in the experience that Ninja Theory has crafted.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is now available on Xbox Series X|S and PC. A PC review code was provided by Xbox.
