Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice Review - IGN

Ninja Theory has created a thoughtful, masterful marriage of mechanics and story that breath life into a world steeped in darkness.

[XiNatsuDragnel]

Support this over shadow of war please

[Dario_DC]

That's what I'm doing! Games like these deserve our support.

[nveenio]

I'm skeptical of this score but happy if this dev finally has another golden product on their hands. They had a rough patch they didn't deserve!

[Genuine-User]

Nah I'm cool. I'll support both studios.

[morganfell]

@Genuine-User,

Agreed. Purchased Hellblade and preordered Shadows of War Mithril Edition already.

[UCForce]

This game focus mental illness which terrifying to be honest. It's remind me of Spec Op The Line which also focus psychological and morality. Spec Op The Line haunted me because the loading screen quote : "This is all your fault" and the music sound terrifying. Hellblade will push Senua psychology to the test.

[Obscure_Observer]

@UCForce

Yeah, it´s really interesting. The voices in her head curse her and bless her at the same time. Terrifying paradox and a heavy plot.

[Rimeskeem]

What's up with Shadow of War?

[XiNatsuDragnel]

MTs in SP game = no thanks

Btw MT = Microtransactions

[deafdani]

Microtransactions and always online despite being single player.

[vallencer]

@deafdani

It's not always online. They've explained that it was a misunderstanding. Still has MTs though. However I'll just buy both. I'm looking forward to shadow of war.

[UnHoly_One]

It's not "always online" for Christ's sake.

You have to be online if you want to use the completely optional microtransactions that you hate so much.

So essentially, none of what you are saying will affect you if you play the game.

I do not get the hate for something that you can totally ignore. You people just grab your damn pitchforks and go nuts over just hearing a word that you don't like. "Omg they said always online, burn it with fire!" ("of course I have an internet connection that is always plugged into my console and hasn't gone out once in the last 7 years, but still, I hate it")

It's ridiculous. If you have to rally against something to feel important, find something more impactful to protest than a feature in a game that doesn't affect you in any way whatsoever.

[DaGR8JIBRALTAR]

Microtransactions out the wazoo....ive had enuff!

[bluefox755]

Totally agree. The last thing we need is publishers thinking it's cool to put microtransactions in single player games. We have more than enough in multiplayer games already.

[DARK_WOLF]

Why? Shadow of war looks great and they are two completely different games...

Uncharted 4 has MT should everyone have shunned that too??

[l3w1s]

Does Uncharted 4 have microtransactions in single-player campaign that allow you to skip gameplay mechanics and/or open the possibilities for devs to artificially increase difficulty and/or the amount of required "materials" to make people want to buy those microtransactions?

As far as I remember - no.

[GTgamer]

MT wasn't in uncharted single player tho

[UCForce]

Only Uncharted 4 Multiplayer have microtransaction which I don't like but one thing I appreciate the treasure chest doesn't have variations and doesn't have duplicate items. The Daily challenge earn you about 400 or 500 relic by completing it. You can earn those items just a day. Don't believe me, I earn those weapon and almost all cosmetics by using relic only in a days. And again, no duplicates items in Uncharted 4 MP. Uncharted 4 SP doesn't have Microtransaction.

[imtiyaz6]

Many gamers value pure/unbastardised single-player experiences the most and this could set a dangerous precedent. I enjoyed shadow of mordor a lot but I won't be buying the sequel.

[rainslacker]

Does Shadow of War artificially increase the difficulty to promote the purchase of MT?

While I wouldn't put it past WB to actually do that, because they suck IMO, there is no evidence of this being the case right now, so it's just speculation that that's the case.

[Amyellevivv]

I agree games like this need our support, honestly im in love with this game.

[Obscure_Observer]

@XiNatsuDragnel

Lol. Nobody is gonna miss a great game over another great game. The microtransactions are indeed disappointment but it is not a deal breaker since you can earn all the game has to offer if you want.

I´m a hardcore gamer and finished the original Shadow of Mordor with 100% completion so this MT BS don´t bother me much.

[TejasTV]

Agreed. Shadow of War is going to be more of the first game. I hate modern gaming. It's so boring and I'm on my way out but games like this will keep me around another day.

[Thunder_G0d_Bane]

Hurry up and just leave gaming. We don’t need your kind. It’s obviously not a passionate activity for you.

[Thunder_G0d_Bane]

Shadow of war looks a million times better than this game.

[notachance]

looks?

if we're talking about looks this game is literally better than shadow of war...

[UCForce]

So you support Microtransaction, right ?

[Chexs1990]

"Hurry up and just leave gaming. We don’t need your kind. It’s obviously not a passionate activity for you."

[rainslacker]

I disagree.

Look as in terms of graphics, I actually think Hellblade looks much better. but SOW is more open world and not as focused as HB is.

In terms of story, can't say really, but HB has a unique story premise, and is said to be extremely atmospheric and moving in this regard. SOW seems like a bastardization of middle earth, with story aspect which defy the actual lore that was put in place by Tolkein, and seems more like a cash in on the LOTR IP than any attempt at making something connected to the work of tolkein himself.

Game play wise, hard to say. They're too different to really be able to compare them.

[Why o why]

It won't allow me to purchase it yet. Says 'this content cannot be selected at this time' . . . Arhh well

[SixFragz]

Support this over shadow of microtransaction please

[KickSpinFilter]

Just did but prob buying Shadow also

[UnHoly_One]

I'm not going to support a game that looks awful over a game I know that I will love, just because YOU don't like the fact that it has optional microtransactions that won't cost me anything or have any effect on my enjoyment of the game.

As if they were even the same type of game that could be compared. This review said the game was six hours long and mostly puzzles, whereas Shadow of Mordor gave me something like 80 hours of playtime and was all about combat.

Just stop, really.

[UCForce]

The thing is Shadow of War is Single Player. Microtransaction shouldn't have been in it. The grind will be very slow and hollow for a lot of reasons. This is where we gamers will confront WB and Molinith for their greed. Horizon Zero Dawn is also open world where it doesn't have Microtransaction and the grind feel reward and balance. You need to think twice about this.

[UnHoly_One]

You have no way of knowing if there will be a "grind" and if it will be needlessly slow. You're just guessing.

As someone who has spent a couple hundred hours playing through the first game multiple times, I think I know what I'm getting into buying this game. I had so much fun hunting, threatening, killing, and capturing orcs in the first game I can't imagine it is going to be some boring affair that I'm sick of doing after an hour.

You people just fly off the handle and lose all sense of reason at the mere mention of one of your trigger words.

God forbid they make a little money by selling shortcuts to players that don't affect me in any way whatsoever.

If it's fun, I won't care how long it takes, and I can't imagine it won't be fun.

[Trez1234]

Looks awful to you.

[UCForce]

Oh really ? It's not fun. It's jealousy and it's also make you impatient not in a good way. Here the thing, if someone in Shadow of War looks fancier than you, you will get jealous and will buy the loot chest right immediately by using real money to look fancier than them. But even that, it's like gambling system which I find is toxic in SP and MP. So yeah, I completely hate microtransaction from get go. Don't try to convince me about microtransaction.

[UnHoly_One]

I'm not trying to convince you of anything, I'm just saying you aren't going to convince me to skip a game based on some phony moral system that I don't believe in.

And nobody is going to "look fancier" than me and that's going to make me buy a loot crate. lol

The game doesn't have a multiplayer mode that will even let you see other players, so who cares what they look like?

And here is the kicker. If I decide I want to buy a loot crate......... So what?

Guess who that hurts?

NOBODY, that's right.

I don't get all the self righteous bullmess I'm reading in this thread, some of you people are insane.

[Segata]

Not going to support either. Can't stand Ninja Theory as much as I dislike MT's.

[_-EDMIX-_]

How could you? Neither are coming to Switch so.....thats that.

[_-EDMIX-_]

or....or...buy both.

I don't buy games for "support", I buy based on fun.

Please leave the agenda BS out of this please.

[Segata]

I don't own a switch. I have a PS4. http://www.rfgeneration.com...

[Segata]

I've also said on various websites including this one in the past. PS3 is my fave system last gen. I've said on my twitter and on a big name forum. PS4 is my 4th favorite console of all time. The other 3 are Dreamcast at 1. SNES at 2. Saturn at 3. PS4 at 4. Favorite handhelds are PSP and PSVita. I even have a PocketStation next to me right this very moment to change it's battery. I also have 2 PlayStation 1 systems, PS1 & a PSOne. lol on this site I have been called a Sony fanboy and a Nintendo fanboy. Which is it? Only one I know of is classic SEGA fanboy but overall just love gaming period. I play on all systems.

[_-EDMIX-_]

@Seg- thats nice

[rainslacker]

Shadow of war issue to make people upset(requiring a connection) was refuted by the publisher a couple days ago, so see no reason to not support SOW if you're interested in it.

I'd say one should support hellblade also though. It's a cheap game, and all the previews, developer diaries, and now reviews indicate that it's a great game and something rather unique.

I brought the game, but might be a while before I get around to playing it.

[thorstein]

And at that price!?! Of course I will.

Never was going to get Shadow of War though.

[PhoenixUp]

Another quality Ninja Theory game

[affrogamer]

Issa hit!

[-Foxtrot]

Except for dmc...lets just scrub that one away

[Sam Fisher]

It was a pretty good dmc, dmc4 and 2 were the worst

[DevilDanteX]

Sam fisher DmC was bad... DMC4 was good just needed more dev time.

[Mikefizzled]

As someone who never played Devil May Cry, DmC oozed style and confidence. Think if Ninja Theory were given a second chance that it would one of the most visually appealing games this gen.

[rainslacker]

DMC was a good game overall. The hate it receieved was because of the deviation from the originals.

[ziggurcat]

The amount of hatred that game got over hair colour was mind-boggling.

[DigitalRaptor]

Well this confirms my support.

Congrats NT on believing that making an independent AAA game could work, and thanks for sharing the journey.

[talocaca]

Sold.

I've always liked Ninja Theory's games (specially Enslaved and Heavenly Sword).

I was waiting for reviews....they are all either pretty good or great...and $30 is surprisingly cheap.

Well done NT!

[Rude-ro]

Enslaved was the most underrated game last gen. Soooo good.

[Segata]

Meh, I had it on 360. I heard all the hype how great it was. It was pretty meh. Played a few hours. It sat on my shelf for a few years until I traded it for Street Fighter Alpha 2 on SS.

[BlackTar187]

Lol SS

Well played sir

[Rude-ro]

@Segate
That was the hard part.. the first couple of hours. The game plays like it had 4 different developing teams on it. It just progressed into a truly great game with a lot of hours of gameplay.
But I actually agree with you, if you only stuck with the first couple of hours... you were greeted with an ok game and I could see how a lot of people lost interest.

[ziggurcat]

Enslaved was fantastic.

[lellkay]

I'm holding out in hope for a physical

[Yui_Suzumiya]

Maybe Sony will see how good it's doing and offer to publish it in retail

[coolbeans]

Considering it's PS4/PC (with a potential-yet-noncommittal to other platforms), you're more than likely looking at someone like 505 Games psy. release publishing rights.

[Psychotica]

Well call your doctor..

[The_Sage]

Lol

[MrWonderful]

I was just thinking that starting a publishing company for things like this. I hate digital only games 😭

[Segata]

I get the joke but LRG and Play Asia do it. LRG has however confirmed this game isn't happening.

[rainslacker]

Limited Run games maybe. But some other publisher may pick up the call.

[Fishy Fingers]

Looks like I'll be getting it sooner rather than later.

[DOOMZ]

I was going to get this game until I found out that if you die it delets your save game, no thanks!

[UCForce]

The game does warn you, doesn't it ? You don't die one, but if you die too many times, it will. Again, the game does warn you.

[Silly Mammo]

I think that's his point. He read that if you die a lot, your save get erased. He doesn't like that and isn't going to buy the game.

[UnHoly_One]

I don't think that makes it ok.

"Hey, I'm about to piss you off and make you hate me forever!"

"Ok sounds good, thanks for warning me."

[UCForce]

@UnHoly_One Get used to it.

[Spike20XX]

someone died 12 times and it didnt erased his game.
I died once on hard difficulty.
It's not too bad.

[slappy508]

The voice in my head says I must buy this

[Obscure_Observer]

Lol. Well said, sir!

[Razzer]

So many kick ass games this year!

[Zerii]

Gotta buy this, i was almost forgetting =/ Glad it's doing great !!!

[MadLad]

I'll grab this one on Steam once I clear up my backlog a bit more.
I've never played a Ninja Theory game I didn't enjoy.

[Relientk77]

This looks badass I hope PS4 gets a physical copy

[Veneno]

Tell limited run games that you want physical copy.

[Segata]

LRG will tell you it's confirmed not going to happen on gaf.

[2cents]

Looks like Ninja Theory have done it again! I will be picking this up to show my support.

[Psychotica]

Looks fun, but it will delete your save file if you die too many times? LOL..that's a bitch. Can't wait to play it..

[King_Lothric]

I pre ordered before even knowing the reviews. I know Ninja Theory's work and I knew this was a must buy for me. I still remember how much I enjoyed Heavenly Sword back then.

[yeahokwhatever]

I want Heavenly Sword on the PS4 so bad!

[Yui_Suzumiya]

Heavenly Sword 2 .. one can dream!

[DaGreatOne]

After reading ninja theory's gameinformer article, I decided to go all in with this game. The amount of work they put in while limiting their budget is insane. Not to mention the decision on the price was the icing on the cake. Glad to see this game is getting decent reviews and actual ps4 pro support.

[Ceaser9857361]

This game needs to be played with your headphones on ... The sound designing is AMAZING....

[MLGecko]

Pre-ordered and downloaded it this morning. Looking forward to diving in

[narsaku]

9/10?... Are these ppl insane?????

IGN the 9/10 joke of the industry. I thought they were supposed to be professionals?

[Razzer]

What score would you give? I mean.....obviously you have already finished the game.....right????

[opinionated]

Lol@the people droning on about shadows of war. "People can pay to build their army in SP boohoo". It has nothing to do with my game but I'm gonna cry anyway lol.

OT: wow this is getting much more praise than I expected. I wonder if it's actually good or if it's a "gone home syndrome" where it's praised because it tackles some activist affliction.

I trust the people here over reviews, what do you guys think? Excluding the people crying about shadows of war..

[Platformgamer]

I think it's a 5/10 game

[UCForce]

The point is that Shafow of War microtransaction which it shouldn't belong in it. Hellblade remind me a lot of Spec Op The Line which is good thing. More importantly, the main character Senua has lost her husband and she come here to forget the past.

[opinionated]

The point is asinine. People are pretending that they are turning it into a pay to win single player game but that's false. Are you mad about people paying 20 dollars to unlock everything in the crypt in MK? That's a single player microtransaction. It literally affects you in zero ways. Is it kind of dumb and defeats the purpose of playing? Yeah sure but to cry about how it shouldn't even be an option is stupid. It's crying over nothing. Some people will pay that obviously or else they wouldn't have created the option.

That's all story stuff. How is the game? lol.... does it play good is what I'm asking?

[Why o why]

So far so good. Im only on the first god trial or whatever but won't grade it until I've completed it. For 24 quid uk its looking like a solid deal

The combat is better than i thought it would be

[UCForce]

Shadow of War is 60$. Microtransaction shouldn't belong in it. Let's me tell you this, if the game like Shadow of War has microtransaction, I will keep criticizing on that flawed system. Microtransaction is not optional for AAA production, it's abuse.

[opinionated]

Flawed how? Do you even know what the microtransactions are? You can get the same things just by playing single player offline. It's for people that don't want to sink the time in. You're entitled to your opinion but it makes zero sense to me. It's like ultra-hipster hating something just to hate something.

[XiNatsuDragnel]

Nope dude your a sheep who buys into anything

[opinionated]

What does that even mean? Care to clarify what I'm buying into? Do you even know what you're talking about or do you just throw around buzzwords?

[XiNatsuDragnel]

Microtransaction and allowing to slip into SIngle player content.

[opinionated]

I'm not going to buy any of the microtransactions though.. I actually play my games. You're the sheep, a hipster blind following the hate wagon without even knowing what the MT are...

BTW, are you UCForce under a new name? You have the same speech patterns lol..

[Platformgamer]

Heavenly sword is a 20/10 then

[DevilDanteX]

6 hour worth 60$ lol.

[UCForce]

Hellblade is 30$.

[DevilDanteX]

UCforce Heavenly sword was 60$... because that I what I commented on...

[gbsrnctaln]

HDR please

[Eonjay]

Already confirmed post launch update.

[gbsrnctaln]

Nice! Thx! Just learned that I can enable HDR on my 2016 Samsung, all it took was the HDMI 2.0 cable and whammo...HDR. HZD looks amazing with it enabled and I want more lol

[MilkMan]

I'll get it eventually, Maye during a sale. I'm just not into "artsy games"
And the whole Dark Souls kind of design ethic just doesn't resonate with me.
THings like no huds, no tutorial, walking around looking for paths and puzzles, That's not my cup of tea.
This was one of the reasons I didn't like Zelda Breath of the Wild.
I have a limited amount of time to play video games, not spend 100 hours wandering and looking at scenery.
good effort though, hope it sells and gets these guys back on the map.

[Eonjay]

I think all games are art. It just depends on the type you are used to. I recommend exposing yourself to as much as possible. I helteach you about yourself even if you only learn what you don't like.

[Spike20XX]

it's an 8 hour game tho. I finished it at 9 hours taking my time.
Nothing like BOTW (Which took me around 40 hours give or take to complete)

[ClayRules2012]

Ninja Theory ( as it seems ) has created something really great with Hellblade. That genuinely makes me happy for them, and gamers as well. For such a small team to touch on the subject of Mental Illness, in a video game, for the main character had to have been a huge undertaking, but one that was worth tackling.

I hope everyone who plays this can tske something from this!

[StormLegend]

Going to buy it now!!!

[S2Killinit]

Nice. I was expecting this to be a dark horse.

[Blu3_Berry]

What I'm liking most about this game is the immersion. There is no HUD system at all. No guide or button prompts to tell you what to do. Doesn't tell you how to play the combat or anything. And I love that. It forces you to go in blind without knowing anything and figuring things out for yourself. This game is a very special treat I think.

[Mroc13]

Did the reviewer say it's only 6 hours long? Is it $60?

[gbsrnctaln]

Think its $30

[roadkillers]

Well Heavenly Sword was decent, Enslaved was alright.

[BadElf]

The game looks so iffy though.
Interesting....interesting.

[plmkoh]

I'm just laughing at all the haters back in 2015 who could apparently judge the game based on 1-2 secs of cutscene and the game having a close camera to the character.

Who could guess that maybe reserving judgement until more concrete info would be such a hard thing to do.

[Anomander]

Been enjoying this and the 21:9 support it has from the beginning. Some of the best use of Atmospheric sounds in a game and spatial audio.

[theshredded]

Another game added to the list