Senua's Saga: Hellblade II Review - The Shadows of Our Past

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We often hear debates about whether a video game can be considered art. And in those talks, I often wonder, isn’t art subjective? How can we define some as art and leave others outside that category? Do they need to be stunning in every way? Do they have to evoke feelings? If the answer is yes to both questions, then Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is a work of art through and through. It never shies away from evoking some dark and enthralling emotions. Even if the journey was short, I’ll never forget this harrowing yet beautiful sequel.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Review

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is a direct continuation of Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. So, yes, it is recommended that you play the first game. However, as someone who played the first entry a long time ago and forgot most of it, I enjoyed it despite forgetting certain aspects of the original. Watching the summary of the first game in the extra section will help because, let me tell you something: you’re in for one of the most eerie, confusing, symbolic, and jaw-dropping journeys you have experienced.

Story: A Symbolic Journey

We’re once again thrust into the gruesome, bloody, and dark lands of 10th-century Iceland and assume the role of Senua. Without delving into the prequel’s entire plot, we see her in a new place now. She’s come to terms with certain events from her past. Now, she aims to eradicate the “plague” that ravaged her lands in the first game. However, it’s all easier said than done. If you played Hellblade: Senua’s Saga, you know Senua’s journeys are never a walk in the park.

Trust me, I’d love to give you the juicy plot details. I’m dying to explain the symbolism in this 7-hour adventure to someone. But I can’t; it would ruin the surprise. Instead, let me give you some peace of mind: it is fantastic. Ninja Theory has always delved into certain conditions that affect the human psyche. Sometimes, we’re unaware of them. But through Senua, we see how she sees the world and how her inner thoughts, fears, joys, and doubts are translated into the narrative, and gameplay is nothing short of a masterful work.

Each and every aspect of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II‘s narrative is carefully crafted to make sense. Even the puzzles that pop out of nowhere and no one sees except for Senua are justified. The enemies she faces, the giants she encounters, and the zones she visits all exist for a reason. And the fact that they blend perfectly into these Nordic lands by using mythos we’ve heard in other games makes the plot easier to digest, even if the symbolism takes a while to sink in.

With that in mind, let me warn you: it is not for everyone. It isn’t a story that will make you feel comfortable, at least not for a while. It will make your stomach churn at times. The storytelling is so immersive that when Senua gasped for air or heard voices calling her out, I felt that, too. Nowadays, that sort of immersion is something that few studios can achieve. For that reason, I believe Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is something everyone should play at least once in their lives.

Gameplay: Simple Yet Effective

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II‘s moment-to-moment gameplay isn’t groundbreaking. However, it doesn’t mean it lacks excitement. What it lacks in mechanics, it makes up for in its visual presentation and tenacity. Hellblade II takes the blueprint from its prequel. You have your puzzles where Senua creates a path in certain levels by identifying patterns. You can spot hidden elements in the landscape if you have a keen eye. The combat requires an intense focus on dodges and well-timed blocks, but it won’t be confused for a deep action romp anytime soon.

This sequel puts its narrative front and center; it’s what matters most. However, I feel it is a double-edged sword. I often felt the story was so captivating that puzzles broke the pacing completely. While I loved the beauty of certain perspective challenges, I wish Hellblade II had a more cinematic approach to its story. Even if these brainteaser activities are justified due to Senua’s interpretation of her world, a few dragged longer than I would’ve liked.

On the other hand, while the combat is extremely simple, it feels so realistic. The weight behind every blow and the sparks flying after swords clash all add to the immersion. Furthermore, the dynamic difficulty setting ensures you never feel one fight is too challenging or easy. And if that wasn’t enough, the lack of a modern UI with HP or counter indicators made it all feel like a film. I encountered one visual bug during combat, where an enemy’s body disappeared, and I fought a flying sword, but that was the only issue I faced, and it didn’t repeat when I reloaded my save.

Graphics & Audio: Gruesome, Eerie, and Beautiful

If we picked a GOTY solely by its graphics, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II would win, hands down. I don’t think I’ve seen a better-looking game than this. Trust me, it is hard to distinguish if you’re playing a video game or watching a movie. I played this on a Series S, which still blew me away visually. Hellblade II is a visual delight from start to finish. The lighting effects, the particles, the textures, and the fantastic job Ninja Theory did in its motion capture are mindblowing.

Beyond that, the audio doesn’t fall behind and is an equal winner. Hellblade II tells you to play this with headphones for the 3D audio, and if you don’t, you’ll miss its most important aspect. As soon as you begin, you hear many voices in Senua’s head, but the audio design is so realistic that you feel they are talking to you. The music is worthy of a chef’s kiss. The Norse chants, the hauntingly beautiful melodies, and the percussion adding tension to every scene are out of this world. The audio/visual presentation raises the bar higher than anything I’ve seen in this current generation of consoles.

Conclusion: Worth The Wait

Many people might feel the price tag and playtime aren’t worth the long wait for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, but I don’t think that’s right. It will be one of the most immersive and memorable experiences we’ve had in years. Whether it is because of its narrative, the message it wants to relay, or its visuals, its footprint is so big that I feel other studios should take some of Hellblade II‘s elements as a new standard moving forward.

While it might need to make its gameplay more engaging, I found it hard to put my controller down. Even after finishing it, I stood there watching the credits roll and the main menu. “Should I play it again?” Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II gives you enough in such a short time that you need to digest it. Even now, as I try to process everything I experienced, I find it hard to stop thinking about it. Why? Well, because in this day and age, we rarely get adventures as memorable as this one.

Review copy given by Publisher.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade II (Xbox Series S Reviewed)

9 Superb!

Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is a journey like no other. It is an immersive story-driven adventure that captivates you throughout its playtime, and even after, you can't stop thinking about it.