360°

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 Appears To Have Received A Substantial Visual Upgrade, Comparison Inside

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 has received a substantial visual upgrade, and we've put together a comparison that shows the improvements.

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twistedvoxel.com
Petebloodyonion412d ago

And still no marketing for this :(

Barlos412d ago

Why market something that isn't designed to be sold?

This has GP rental written all over it.

Petebloodyonion411d ago

Why bother showing me X shows streaming on Disney before my YouTube video since it's a rental?
Why bother showing what movies are coming to a theater?
Actually, how come game companies bothered in them past with advertising games since a lot of ppl used to rent them at BlockBuster?

Here is a simple reason: making ppl Interested in this game by making them subscribe to Gamepass, or buying the game on PC/Xbox, or worse giving them a reason to buy an Xbox console.

Noskypeno411d ago

@Pete, speaking of movies, Microsoft should copy that business model and sell the games at $70 for 3 months and then let it hit Gamepass after those 3 months. It gives them time to let the game receive a big profit, so for that big game you've been waiting years for that you don't want spoiled, I don't mind paying the $70 a couple times a year. And for those small niche games that don't require a big budget and big profits to succeed, well Gamepass is perfect for that to see if you enjoy it.

Petebloodyonion411d ago

@Noskypeno
I agree, always said that there are no financial gains in putting established games that will sell on names alone (COD, GEARS, HALO, FORZA, etc), the same way Disney won't give you the next Avenger Day 1 on Disney plus +.
MS could release game some smaller games with some AA game day 1 while making money for a couple of month on big titles.

Tacoboto412d ago

They just posted a 20+ minute video about Psychosis and how the game portrays that through Senua.

Regardless of what Microsoft is doing (retweeting Ninja Theory is about as low effort as it gets, and Dashboard Dynamic Themes should've come months ago), Ninja Theory themselves are at least trying.

It's sad though. That new video was a really good behind-the-scenes too, and it just came at such a bad time.

Terry_B411d ago

who knows..they might be the next developer that gets shut down..6-12 months after Hellblade 2 is released.

Charlieboy333411d ago

"a 20+ minute video about Psychosis and how the game portrays that through Senua".....game sounds like a bundle of fun!

Tankbusta40412d ago

How much marketing do games really need these days? People that play games know when its coming out. I really think the days of the constant tv ad etc are going the way of the Dodo. What scares me more is the lack of "previews" on big video game websites, it only got a few on April 4th and then nothing since.

RNTody411d ago (Edited 411d ago )

Wow Tankbusta40 how out of touch with reality can you be, mate. Do you think companies are insane to spend millions on having giant billboards for big releases and TV adverts and superbowl slots and round the clock PR and interviews? Most of the people who buy games aren't on gaming forums like these knowing the exact release dates!

This isn't being marketed because Microsoft isn't selling the product, it's a Game Pass day one and they don't throw their weight behind games like this.

Chevalier411d ago

"Here is a simple reason: making ppl Interested in this game by making them subscribe to Gamepass, or buying the game on PC/Xbox, or worse giving them a reason to buy an Xbox console."

No one is buying a Xbox for Hellblade 2. Lol. Advertising will not change that. Just considering after all this time Xbox confirmed numbers they were not good for Hellblade 1

"The last numbers we have for Hellblade 1 is that it had 6.3 million players after four years. That’s players, not sales, and that includes launching on Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Switch and it was also on Xbox Game pass starting in 2018."

https://www.forbes.com/site...

Killer2020UK411d ago

Wouldn't be surprised if one of the money men at Microsoft have already earmarked this studio for closure regardless of how well Hellblade 2 does. Hence the lack of marketing spend.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 411d ago
Hugodastrevas411d ago

Wait, this game's actually still being made?

Hugodastrevas411d ago

Clearly, because there's tons of promotion about this game everywhere! /S

ThinkThink411d ago

Under a rock much? This game has been trailered to death already over the past 5 years.

Hedstrom411d ago

Ninja Theory is gonna be MS next cut!

Crows90411d ago

Most likely. Otherwise more people would know about the game....most people don't...it'll drive some in Gamepass but that's probably going to be it.

ThinkThink411d ago

Most people don't know about the first game either. I don't see this driving new members to gamepass though, it's too niche.

Terry_B411d ago

yupp..most likely just a matter of time.

more or less every studio that got bought by them was killed later.

Walalon411d ago

It's sad that Ninja Theory can update graphics, lighting, made a marvelous game but still the sword of Damocles moving up their heads... After Tango Game works every one that works on any studios under the wing of MS are probably having a Plan B looking for another place to go thanks to that stupid idea of even if you create a jewel they can axe you...

DarXyde411d ago

I mean, we'll have to see.

What I find problematic was Bond really saying that each case for success metrics with different studios is different. However, the studios recently closed seemed surprised when it happened so... Is Microsoft not telling the studios what their expectations are?

It's entirely feasible, but I suspect Starfield didn't really move the needle and Bethesda is safe... But Tango, who made a game that was very well received with a smaller budget gets closed?

We really don't understand what they want. It doesn't help that they shadow dropped HFR with no marketing and I would say outperformed any expectations for it. But somehow, that wasn't enough?

In truth, we don't really know what the criteria for closure is. Specific engagement metrics? Mean play time? Some internally developed index to assess some engagement-to-budget ratio?

We don't know. I think the concern for Ninja Theory is valid, but sink or swim at MGS seems to be a moving target.

MrBaskerville411d ago

The most concerning thing about Senua is that it's a farily niche title that MS for some reason spent a fortune on. Makes you think about what their expectations are. If they are hoping for God Of War money I would expect another closure.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 411d ago
Nacho_Z411d ago

The new pics look more orange but that's about it.

glenn1979411d ago (Edited 411d ago )

aha just like death stranding

Skuletor411d ago

It's been over 4 years since that game released. I wonder if Ninja Theory will even be around 4 years from now, maybe not even 4 months, lol.

Flewid638395d ago

Less game than Death Stranding. Better graphics tho

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190°

Senua's Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced - Release Date Trailer | PS5 Games

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II arrives August 12th optimized for PlayStation 5, and PS5 Pro Enhanced, with added features, performance mode and immersive haptic feedback for new ways to experience the award-winning and critically acclaimed next chapter of Senua’s story.

Jingsing2d ago

Another Xbox game not released on disc.

Terry_B2d ago

We don't have 2020.

Just a few years and discs for consoles are not a thing anymore.

Just like on PC already since 10+ years.

I_am_Batman2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Yeah it's 2025, which is why it's surprising to me that the actual issue still has to be explained considering these kind of discussions have been happening for a good decade at this point.

It's not about the disc. Maybe it is for collectors, but for most people it's about ownership. Discs just happen to be the only way to get offline decentralized DRM management on console. Unless there is a digital alternative that doesn't use expiring licenses that require periodic online connectivity to be refreshed, discs are not going to be obsolete for this specific reason.

PC doesn't have the same problem as it's an open platform with ways around these issues. Ways that don't require a system level jailbreak. There even are stores that sell DRM free digital games like GoG for example. None of that exists on console, because it's a walled garden, hence discs are still a thing.

Tacoboto2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

"...for most people it's about ownership"

Sure it is, as they play on a slim PS5 where the disc drive requires online activation, or a PS5 Pro where the disc drive is a totally separate purchase (and still requires that online check).

I_am_Batman2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

@Tacoboto: You do realize that there is a large overlap between the people complaining about the issue you're mentioning and the one I'm talking about?

Of course at some point if there is no other option, most people won't stop gaming and just take what they can get, such as in the case of the optional disc drive for example, but just because people are forced to relunctantly accept a one time online activation of a disc drive, doesn't mean they should accept always online single player games or online DRM when alternatives still exist.

Personally I won't stop gaming either, even if we go all in on online DRM, but my willingness to spend money will severely go do. I will never buy a digital only release for full price or anywhere near full price (unless I can get it DRM free like on GoG for example).

Profchaos1d 21h ago (Edited 1d 21h ago )

Pretty much the core reason I borrowed doom tda from a mate but have a gears reloaded pre order in.

Ive also skipped a few other games over the last 12 months to like star wars outlaws because again it wasn't on the disc it also turned out horrible so I dodged a bullet there.

I skipped buying any game keycard releases on switch 2 also

Its pretty much exclusively about ownership i dont want to spend a large amount of money on a new game inly to own it for 5 years and a publisher come to take it away.

It'd be like back in the day yamonochi from Nintendo breaking into their customers houses to steal their super mario bros carts after the all stars collection came out.

Tacoboto1d 20h ago (Edited 1d 20h ago )

@Batman

"I will never buy a digital only release for full price"

Yeah, I too remember how no one on here, clutching their disc drives, bought Baldur's Gate 3 on release day. Biggest flop in history. No one also bought Hogwarts Legacy, because that disc is just a paper weight. Didn't break ANY sales records either, nope not at all.

Because gamers on the internet - they stay true to what they preach. It's why Xbox Live Arcade never became a thing back in the Xbox 360 days, because ewww digital games who would even.

badz1491d 19h ago

@Tacobot

"...as they play on a slim PS5..."

He said "most" and you do know that the best selling SKU is the disc version, right? And the disc drive attachment is selling like hotcakes? This shows that many console gamers still appreciate physical.

Just quit it with the "buh buh buh...pc this, pc that..." if these gamers really want to go pc that much, they would already have! We are talking consoles here and physical has and should always be what sets it apart from pc!

What are you? Some corporate shills who are against gamers having choices?

I_am_Batman1d 6h ago (Edited 1d 5h ago )

Tacoboto, one of the dumbest arguments people like yourself are constantly making on the internet is arbitrarily grouping people together and treat them like an individual to call out some supposed hyporcrisy. How do you take a quote from my comment that specifically points to a standard I've set for myself, and then try to counter it by pointing at something that has nothing to do with me at all? I'm responsible for my own actions, not for the actions of others.

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thesoftware7302d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Fantastic game! I will play it again when ths launches...I love this franchise and hope we get more of it.

I bet it will make top-selling list on PSN in August...despite all the hate on N4G for this game.

Eonjay2d ago

Well considering how poorly it sold on PC and Xbox, you better believe that Microsoft is hoping for a strong debut on PS5 as well.

Obscure_Observer2d ago

Does it really matter?

Senua´s fans on Playstation will get the opportunity to play this fantastic game, that´s all that matters.

Given the like/deslike ratio of this video on Youtube, you can really tell how some Playstation gamers opinions on NG4 in contrast with Playstation gamers out there is really night and day.

This game is hated on N4G for some reason. But it´s apparently loved out there.

thesoftware7302d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Ummm, I'm 100% sure they are hoping that it sells well on PS5, I agree withy you.

They can use that $$ to fund a 3rd game in the series!

Everybody wins!!

Eonjay2d ago

I think we are all in agreement. And yes Obscure it does matter.

P_Bomb1d 23h ago (Edited 1d 23h ago )

“This game is hated on N4G for some reason.”

It’s boring and overrated imho. I couldn’t finish it, and I finish like 95% of everything I play (outside of Game Pass).

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Sonic18812d ago

This game was just awful. The first game was a lot better

Terry_B2d ago

I fear the tech demo with great visuals might take a PS+ Slot sooner or later.

A damn shame the focus of the devs went so hard for the visuals and storytelling instead of gameplay.

anast2d ago

Slow burn walking sim...maybe in 2005, but now not so much.

Terry_B2d ago

..were there even any walking sims in 2005? ;)

2d ago
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140°

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 receives most nominations at this year's BAFTA Games Awards

Ninja Theory's Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is the most-nominated game at this year's BAFTA Games Awards, with 11 nominations.

However, the Cambridge-based studio's action-adventure game has missed out on a Best Game nomination; instead the nominees are Black Myth: Wukong, Helldivers 2, Thank Goodness You're Here!, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Astro Bot, and Balatro.

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eurogamer.net
Cacabunga114d ago

….. for the world’s most boring game

1Victor113d ago

And we would’ve getaway with it if it wasn’t for those pesky kids games.
Congrats to NT on their 11 nominations I wish them good luck 👍👍

thesoftware730114d ago

Beautiful game, love the series, and the character!

Well crafter and well done.

Toecutter00114d ago

Good. The game is unique, heartfelt, and beautiful. Yes, the mechanics are rather simplistic. But the teams dedication to storytelling is on full display. It's definitely not for everyone, but it won't disappoint those who appreciate video games that push the boundaries of the medium.

Alos88113d ago

More like pushes the boundary of how short a game can be while still charging fifty quid

InUrFoxHole114d ago

Love the game. Beautiful looking, game play was solid and it didn't over stay it's welcome.

PrinceOfAnger114d ago

Good game with the best graphics and animation I've seen this gen. They need to focus more on the gameplay though if there is HB3.

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60°

Best Lead Performance of 2024

VGChartz's Lee Mehr: "As game scripts expand in size and the technology to capture performances improves, blockbuster game companies are under tremendous pressure to get the right fit for a leading role. In some cases, said actor essentially becomes the face of that franchise; their mug may be digitally altered or cropped in select ways, but they're – more or less – in the same spot as a film actor at this point. As a result, there's also a keener interest in how those performers sound if they're replacing somebody else.

Perhaps the most glaring example of that was Bloober Team's Silent Hill 2 remake. Alongside a bevy of other gameplay & story alterations, Luke Roberts replacing Guy Cihi's original James Sunderland was a major point of distress for long-time fans before release. Sure, Cihi wasn't a trained actor at the time (and it shows), but he carried a type of unique charm that meshed perfectly with the game's strange world. A similar situation was Troy Baker assuming the mantle of Indiana Jones. How similar could he actually sound to a younger Harrison Ford? Judging by the collective staff & community acclaim, both of them fared quite well, and so too did the others who made up our final five."

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vgchartz.com