Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 Review – A Descent into Madness
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 review - A visually stunning journey into madness with gripping story, but lacks depth in gameplay. Discover more.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 has been one of toughest games I’ve ever had to review. After spending so much time with it, I’m left with a mix of feelings that makes it difficult to decide how to rate it. On one side, there are plenty of reasons to give this game highest possible score, but on the other, there are equally strong arguments for giving it a much lower rating. The main issue that keeps running through my mind is a simple yet crucial question: where’s the actual gameplay?
From a visual and auditory perspective, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is nothing short of extraordinary. The game’s graphics are breathtaking, and the sound design is so immersive that it feels like the first true next-generation experience, even though we’re already more than three years into this new console era. It’s a feast for the eyes and ears, making it a standout title in terms of presentation. However, despite all this, I keep coming back to the same question: where’s the game?
Hellblade II’s story is largely well done. It takes hold of you and won’t let go, dragging you into a world of extreme mental and physical challenges. Emotional journey that narrative takes you on has a profound impact. Plot develops in an interesting fashion and the resolution offers a satisfying conclusion. However, when I think back on the entire experience, I can’t help but feel like something is lacking—namely, the gameplay, which ought to be the main attraction. So, I have to ask again: where’s the game?
To clarify- short six-hour runtime of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I firmly believe in the value of quality over quantity. However, as someone who loved Senua’s first journey, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of disappointment as credits began to roll.
A sequel like this should bring new elements and advancements to its gameplay. Unfortunately, instead of evolving Hellblade II offers simplified combat and puzzles that feel more like interruptions than challenges. While the game looks and sounds stunning, thanks to the power of Unreal Engine 5 and tells a short yet powerful story that lingers with you, I’m left asking once again: where’s the game? Let’s try to find it.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II: The Basics
What is it?
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is a linear third-person action-adventure game set in Viking-era Iceland. It’s designed to immerse players in a story-rich experience.
Who is it for?
This game is perfect for those who love getting lost in a compelling story without the pressure of complex gameplay challenges. If you prefer narrative-driven experiences over intense action Hellblade II might be right up your alley.
What’s the price?
Game is priced as full-title release at $50/£50. However, if you’re subscribed to Xbox Game Pass, you can play it as part of your subscription, offering a more accessible way to experience the game..
What other games has the developer made?
Ninja Theory, studio behind Hellblade II is also known for creating the original Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. They’ve developed other notable titles like DMC: Devil May Cry, Heavenly Sword and unique 4v4 multiplayer game Bleeding Edge.
What games is this similar to?
While it’s challenging to find a game exactly like Hellblade II, there are a few that share a similar vibe. A Plague Tale: Requiem offers a comparable narrative-driven experience. For those who enjoy games that are primarily vehicles for storytelling, What Remains of Edith Finch is another good comparison. In terms of gameplay, Hellblade II presents a much simpler version of what you might find in God of War: Ragnarok. The game’s breathtaking visuals also give it the feel of a tech demo, similar to The Order: 1886.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II delivers a truly unforgettable experience, but it’s not without its flaws. The game is a powerful continuation of Senua’s journey, diving deep into themes of psychosis and inner turmoil. The narrative is gripping, pulling you into a world where the line between reality and imagination blurs, leaving you questioning what’s real and what’s just in your head. The visual and auditory elements are nothing short of extraordinary, creating an atmosphere that feels both haunting and beautiful. However, there are aspects that make the experience feel incomplete, especially when it comes to the gameplay.
A Story Best Left Unspoiled
I won’t give away any story details because Senua’s second journey is best experienced without prior knowledge. What I can say is that this is another intense tale of psychological struggle, and it’s masterfully supported by stunning visuals and immersive sound design. The environments are meticulously crafted, bringing the brutal beauty of Viking-era Iceland to life. The voices in Senua’s head, which surround you with binaural audio, add an unsettling layer to the experience, making you feel as if you’re part of her troubled mind.
The Characters and the Story’s Pace
While the story is compelling, the introduction of additional characters feels somewhat awkward, mainly because there isn’t enough time to fully develop them within the game’s short six-hour runtime. The final third of the game can feel a bit rushed, but the ending is satisfying and raises intriguing questions that lore enthusiasts will enjoy exploring. To fully appreciate the story, make sure to search for all the lore poles (Lorestangir) scattered throughout the game and consider replaying it a few times. The alternative narrators add fascinating new perspectives that deepen the story’s context.
A Technical Marvel
From a technical standpoint, Hellblade II is a masterpiece. Ninja Theory has utilized Unreal Engine 5 and binaural audio to create one of the most visually and aurally stunning games I’ve ever played. Every detail, from the lighting to the textures, is incredibly lifelike, making the game feel more like an interactive film than a traditional video game. Real-time graphics are so advanced that they react dynamically to your actions in photo mode allowing you to fully appreciate intricate detail in every scene. Opening moments of game where you witness Senua’s facial expressions and rugged Icelandic landscape, are particularly breathtaking.
Gameplay Dilemma
Unfortunately, gameplay doesn’t quite measure up to game’s impressive presentation. Combat in Hellblade II feels simplified compared to first game. While there are some satisfying moments like voices in Senua’s head warning you of enemies behind you, the overall combat system lacks variety. Puzzles which involve focusing on elements of environment to unlock new areas are intriguing but quickly become repetitive. First game’s simple but satisfying gameplay has been replaced with something that feels more restrictive and less engaging.
A Step Forward and Two Steps Back
In many ways, Hellblade II feels like it took step forward in terms of its visual presentation but two steps back in its gameplay. Combat while visually impressive is too basic to be truly satisfying. Puzzles though unique to Hellblade series are overly simplified turning what could have been engaging challenges into tedious interruptions in story.
Conclusion: Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is excellent game for anyone with Xbox Game Pass subscription offering a short but unforgettable experience. It’s a technical marvel with captivating story that will likely win several awards for its craft. However, if you’re looking for deep, engaging gameplay, you might be left wanting more. Game excels in storytelling and presentation but after finishing it you might find yourself asking same question I did: where’s the game?
