Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 Review - Hell And High Water | Gamespot

Hellblade 2 is perhaps the most visually remarkable Xbox title to date, but is ultimately undermined by its emphasis on fidelity over story and gameplay.

[lukasmain]

Fidelity over story and gameplay? “Extremely minimal gameplay with simple puzzles and flat combat.” - Wow that's pretty damning. I'm still going to check it out though. It will be an experience

[LoveSpuds]

I did fear it would be found wanting in the gameplay department, I felt that the first game got very repetitive quite quickly as the combat and puzzles never really progressed or developed.

It sounds to me like it will be a good game, one I'll enjoy at some point, but it is far from the blockbuster MS need right now. I do fear for the studio now given the lukewarm reception of a game.

[Cacabunga]

LOL Paper Mario scored way better than this thing
LMAO

[itsmebryan]

It's funny that comments are mostly on the low reviews and not 8 and above reviews. I thought the first game was odd . Not, sure if I will give this one a try.

[babadivad]

Welcome to N4G

[OtterX]

Sounds like something I'd rather watch someone stream, while I do some work.

[solideagle]

someone wrote: "IGN 8 but Gamespot 6, so it is 7" lol

[Jingsing]

Forbes gave it a 7 which is a 5 knowing their biases.

[outsider1624]

I haven't read any of the reviews. Whats the common con here? I mean it looks amazing. Also at this point, i really feel bad for Ms..and Obscure.

[solideagle]

I think common is that gameplay takes a backseat over fidelity/graphics.

[Baza]

Confirms what we already knew.

[Terry_B]

As I said monthy..even years ago. It was a clear sign that they showed almost zero gameplay during the last 4 years, since its first trailer. Its more like a beautiful tech demo than anything else I bet.

[neutralgamer1992]

Sadly that’s what it ended up being with so little gameplay. I mean these studios are now failing and it’s on them. I don’t blame MS at all. They are giving these studios support and resources now it’s up to the studios to manage. If this is what NT can deliver than would any of us be surprised if they are shut down next? End of the day it’s a business and those that make money stay in business and those who squandered opportunities don’t.

I will see comments saying MS are to blame but IMO they aren’t. NT use to struggle for financial stability now that they have it they haven’t done anything but waste away the opportunity

[Einhander1972]

The funny thing is if your playing on console you're not even seeing these screenshot graphics that they are showing playing on $1000+ PC GPU's.

Show the series s screenshots...

[purple101]

https://www.youtube.com/wat...

yeh bit blurry mate, just checked. suppose we all suspected it would be,. still looks good though

[-Foxtrot]

Feels we’re split between two camps with these reviews

Those giving it perfect or almost near perfect scores only really talk about the graphics with how impressive it is. It’s the main core topic discussed.

The other talks about everything else while not getting sucked into how pretty it is.

Feels like it’s early 2010s where graphics were everything

[Flawlessmic]

Repost from my comment in the ign review.

Haven't played the first before but so far, the game is very pretty on PC anyway, not sure what cuts or downgrades had to be made for the xbox version but this look great on pc at 4k Max settings.

Firstly I'll say it's great to see ms make a game a like this to diversify there offerings, butttttt, if listening to xbox fans for years on end complain about cinematic games and supposed walking simulators I would be gobsmacked if all of a sudden they love that now, especially considering this takes both cinematic and walking simulator to new levels.

It's basically just an on rails cinematic movie, and considering the games length fair to say what I've played is indicative of the whole game.

I mean I love a good cinematic game as much as anyone, but this is pushing that boundary a bit to much.

Not a fan of them having blacked out top and bottom of my tv like movies do either, but i understand its a cinematic choice that suits what there going for.

Can't see this game appealing to xbox players really but if your into a very very cinematic interactive story and pretty visuals this is for you.

Can't comment on the story for now, so I'll wait till I'm done for that.

[purple101]

ahh it has black bars, interesting, that massively reduces the amount of pixels rendered, so frees up resources obviously to push those stunning graphics.

I see now.

also Id comment on your comment "Firstly I'll say it's great to see ms make a game a like this to diversify there offerings," with, you know sony sunded the first game,

I personally wouldn't put it past ms to buy ninja theory just to keep it of playstation, however I suppose now it seems they may end top releasing it on ps anyway, I assume,

excuse my rambling,

[Jingsing]

One of the camps wants it to be a win for Microsoft and well those camps are fairly transparent at this point. The game is mediocre like the first one.

[victorMaje]

I'm expecting Phil's next spin to go something like: "We've thrived to deliver to you the best graphical story in gaming..." then of course "...something gamepass..."
Shame for Ninja Theory though, I hope they don't get affected due to low scores.

[Petebloodyonion]

What I find funny is the majority talk about how the game is a walking sim, tedious puzzle, and simple combats when it's exactly how the first one plays!
Yet the majority had no problem at the time.

[peppeaccardo]

This is a priced tech demo for UE metahumans, we all knew it. They laid the first stepping stone on what will be possible to accomplish in the future with this technology. Too bad XBOX fans were expecting a more beefy experience.

[Jingsing]

Yeah, when you look at it that way the Matrix Awakens demo was better value lol

[Cockney]

I'd forgotten about the matrix demo, that had tons of gameplay and looked amazing
Hellblade 2 is so cinematic it should have shipped on vhs

[Hugodastrevas]

Ninja Theory's whole future is riding on this game making it.

[jwillj2k4]

Well they gone then.

[DRambo]

Another studio shut.

[TheKingKratos]

Ouch, 7 years for this ?!

I feel sorry for Ninja Theory ... They are next to get axed which is a damn shame

[Jingsing]

Problem for Microsoft is they are now trying to copy Sony 10 years later and Sony are moving on to the next thing.

[anast]

Excellent point

[S2Killinit]

Hmmmmm expected. But not all reviews are this bad.

[jwillj2k4]

“Yet Hellblade 2 reached points where it felt more like I was watching a slightly interactive movie. The majority of my time felt spent crawling through caves or walking along beaches, and infrequent puzzles and simplistic combat kept me from feeling any sense of relief, connection, or satisfaction with the game.”

“ Combat in Hellblade 2 feels not just like an afterthought, but virtually non-existent. In fact, I'd argue that the end result feels similar to a quick-time event, yet more tedious.”

I want upvotes for every slap u fools gave me. I told you it was a decade in the making walkathon snoozefest controller use optional. Your oracle has spoken yet again. You’re welcome.

[WelkinCole]

Can't say I am surpise. Its MS as always sucking at first party. Sad though because if one game I was hoping it would be good its this game.

From the same devlloper that game me HS. This is just sad.

[Elda]

I started the game at 4:30 am due to the game releasing on the east coast at 4am. I have to say the first beginning was slow & boring right up until I got a weapon which is about the first 30 mins. It's pretty much the same as the first game with improved graphics on the XBSX. I will try the game for another half hour or so to see if it gets more interesting otherwise I won't be finishing it. My experience with most games that I'm interested in playing... the first half hour is fun & interesting, so far I can't say that about Hellblade 2. So far I can see the game getting a 6.

[RupeeHoarder]

Absolutely pathetic. Years of development for yet another mediocre game. Xbox is a cesspool that can’t get out of its own way. Sony coming in with a showcase now to put the final nail in the coffin.

[JunonZanon]

*Grabs popcorn*

[Sonic1881]

I hope you have extra

[anast]

I brought mine to the party.

[DarXyde]

I could be wrong, but isn't this their first sequel? That's always rough.

I'm not really keen on Ninja Theory games, but they've always been excellent storytellers and masters of squeezing power out of the hardware they work with. It's really tough to follow up on a game like Hell Blade, given how unique it was. I didn't like the gameplay, but it really tackled mental illness in a fascinating way.

All being said, Gamespot is pretty consistent with my takes. It seems that this game has missed its opportunity. If this launched with the Series, it would have been a much better situation. But to be years after that and launch to mixed reception and a very shortlived experience, I'm actually concerned about the team here. They're a very talented lot and I'm really not happy to see this happening.

[P_Bomb]

81% metacritic = lower than I was expecting for Xbox’s biggest game of the year. It might finish lower than the first. 🤔

[monkey602]

That 81 is held onto by a number of 10 out of 10s from Xbox sites though. I think some tinted goggles are keeping the metric up.
I'm dissapointed but I was half expecting it. Going to play it myself over the weekend either way. The time investment isn't a lot and I adored the 1st game.

[CrimsonWing69]

I really liked the first game, albeit it was a “one n’ done” for me. I’ll probably enjoy this, but again, as I’ve stated in many comments for as long as they’ve been working on this the game length and barely any new additions (if any) to the game is a major disappointment.

It’s a damn shame, honestly. I have Gamepass though, so I’ll go ahead and “rent” it for a weekend and finish it. It’s hard to see this doing well and for how long this one took to get 5 hours of gameplay isn’t reassuring for a third installment.

[GamingSinceForever]

If you liked the first one then you’ll like this one. Nothing more than that.

[helicoptergirl]

First game was good. Solid 7.5

[Kakashi Hatake]

I thought Xbots didn't like "one and done" s

[anast]

Walking sims are all about the story and it looks like they dropped the ball. I'm sure Phil and Lady Phil are looking at this closely.

[Aloymetal]

According to some, this game was supposed to be another game of the century for xbox just like Starfield, I guess they were wrong about both. It's a shame because NT are a talented bunch, MS should sell them to Sony for a fair price.

[ChasterMies]

Divisive reviews are good for the gaming review industry. Scoring every game, including this one, between 8/10 and 10/10 is ridiculous.The first Hellblade was a showpiece with bland, nigh frustrating combat. I’d expect nothing less from the sequel

[blacktiger]

And the layoff begins.

[ironmonkey]

Aww damn better hope sales makes this back.

[StormSnooper]

To be honest the reviews that gave a lower score seem more legit.

[monkey602]

I hate to say I agree. A lot of the negative factors are quite consistent. Even reading IGNs review I fully expected a lower score than what they gave it. But I still want to try it

[Doomeduk]

Phil's just posted a well done to NT and also a reminder that the last one out of the studio to turn the lights off and let the cat out

[Fonsecap]

It's another game that either you like or you don't... No middle term here. Imo

[Hereandthere]

I have played it for 3 hours, its a very linear walking simulator, lots qte's. The best comparison for me is Temu heavy rain gameplay wise.

[purple101]

temp heavy rain heheheh

aliexpress Detroit: Become human

[RhinoGamer88]

Enough bleak and distressing gameplay for me. I get that in the news and streaming shows now. Also, another case of marketing showing distressed eyes closeup for the key art...seriously?

[Father__Merrin]

Is it true this is a 3 hour game

[8bitAssassin]

The Stopit: Battle for Mid-dle earf.

[RiseNShine]

2024 is not looking too good for Xbox tbh, many average reviews for one of those games that was supposed to be a great exclusive.

[AsunaYuukiTheFlash]

Another shovelware from Microsoft. /smh

[IceCreamSandwich5]

Just port it to PS5 already. Recoup your losses, M$!

[Npugz7]

Not surprised