Ninja Theory’s Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, now available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, plunges players back into Senua’s harrowing journey. The content warnings (graphic violence, burning, terror) prepare players for an intense experience, and while the game delivers a powerful narrative and stunning audio-visual presentation, certain aspects fall short of the high bar set by its predecessors.
Studio head Dom Matthews describes Hellblade 2 as a “genuine passion project,” and this sentiment resonates throughout the gameplay. Ninja Theory aimed for “cinematic immersion,” and while not achieving perfection, they’ve undoubtedly crafted one of the most immersive gaming experiences to date. The team’s passion is palpable, making Hellblade 2 a truly captivating journey.
The game’s most striking achievement is its sound design, a masterpiece deserving of accolades. Playing with high-quality headphones is essential for the full experience. The binaural audio places voices within the game world, surrounding the player and mimicking Senua’s psychosis. Whispers feel intimately close, while harsher voices resonate with visceral intensity. The realistic environmental sounds, from crashing waves to rumbling thunder, blur the lines between game and reality.
This commitment to realism extends to the visuals. Scanned costumes, actors, and locations create breathtakingly lifelike environments. The Icelandic landscapes, from crashing waves to serene reflections, are visually stunning. The game’s photo mode allows players to capture these breathtaking vistas.
The realism extends to the characters, brought to life through advanced performance capture. Even the smallest movements are meticulously rendered, enhancing characterization and emotional depth. The writing and design of each character demonstrate Ninja Theory’s care and attention to detail.
Hellblade 2’s narrative is a powerful exploration of Senua’s continuing journey. The story delves into complex themes like psychosis, grief, survivor’s guilt, and childhood trauma with depth and nuance. The game’s relatively short playtime (10-15 hours) belies the richness of its storytelling. Ninja Theory consulted with Professor Paul Fletcher at the University of Cambridge and individuals with lived experience of psychosis to ensure a respectful and informed portrayal of mental illness.
The game also boasts improved accessibility features, including customizable text size and UI color schemes, making the experience more inclusive.
However, the combat and puzzles, while visually impressive, feel somewhat repetitive and lacking in difficulty. The combat, despite 69 days of performance capture, doesn’t quite match the intensity and depth of the narrative. The puzzles, while visually engaging, don’t offer a significant challenge.
Despite these shortcomings, Hellblade 2 is a compelling experience that deserves to be played. The immersive audio-visual presentation and powerful narrative create a truly unforgettable journey. I look forward to replaying the game without interruption, fully immersing myself in Senua’s world.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is available now on Xbox Series X|S and PC. A PC review code was provided by Xbox.
