330°

Senua's Saga: Hellblade II - A Saga In The Making

Ninja Theory’s Tameem Antoniades introduces a look into the development of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, the next chapter in Senua’s journey.

Sonic-and-Crash1040d ago

So basically the first cg trailer back in 2019 was just thin air with no actual game behind it ...just a a videoclip with cool music to hype the Xbox players ....... development begins now with probably 2024-2025 release....

ok then(smh)

porkChop1040d ago

No. They've been building up the technology, combat systems, etc., while getting everything ready for the new gen. This isn't just some last gen game that was pushed to the newer systems with prettier graphics.

badz1491040d ago

Building up the tech? What tech? The game is build using UE.

RaidenBlack1040d ago

@badz149
They have their customized UE4 build. It takes time and effort. Check Project Mara.
Many devs do. Ubi Montreal used highly customized UE2.5 for last 2 Splinter Cells and those look better than many UE3 games of 2012/13.
Rocksteady used a highly customized UE3 for Arkham City and still looks good and better than many UE4 games.
MK11 still uses a very heavily customized build of UE3 (yes UE3 in 2019, not UE4)

Babadook71040d ago

I liked the footage. An artistic studio. Wish they hadn’t gone with ms but what can you do.

dumahim1040d ago

@badz149

They've said this will be a UE5 game, and UE5 isn't officially out until 2022.

DJStotty1040d ago

@badz149

Your trying to hard fella, UE5 is not officially launched until early/mid 2022, no one expects gameplay until then.

Name 1 game on any platform that is being built for UE5, that has shown gameplay?

I'll wait...

wolf5811040d ago

OH I SEE this game then will be better than "some last game that was pushed.." or more next gen in graphs and gameplay than halo infinite,forza horizon 5,gow,horizon zero dawn 2...
let me give y a tip this game will score below these games...

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 1040d ago
IRetrouk1040d ago

They are only working on the vertical slice now, whatever way you cut it, the games far off, shown way too early.

jcole971040d ago

It’s like no one can be excited about anything with you people. Did you get excited by the God of War logo?

SPEAKxTHExTRUTH1040d ago

They sure did but let them move the goal post just a bit before answering...

buffig1040d ago

Yeah, but to be fair, God of War is more of a known quantity. The trailer for Senua was noted as being "In engine" and everyone lost their minds, thinking that was how the game would look. If they showed a CGI trailer of GoW, people would be excited, yes, but they'd also be a bit pissed that they got yet another CGI trailer

SPEAKxTHExTRUTH1040d ago

Ok so tell me what you think of the GoW2 symbol trailer...

Sonic-and-Crash1040d ago (Edited 1040d ago )

you comparing the development of GoW 2 the juggernaught Playstation IP (no matter if i dont like GoW at all for personal reasons) with the almost indie development of Hellblade 2 ??

think again what u said

Greg28011040d ago

I mean the God of War Ragnarok teaser trailer had a release window, 2021.
Sure its delayed now, but it would've been released in 2021 if we were not in a pandemic

Hellblade 2 was revealed in 2019... and it's probably going to release somewhere 2024 or later. So they showed it waaay to soon

InUrFoxHole1040d ago

Greg2801
Ok, they showed it early... What's the next complaint?

SPEAKxTHExTRUTH1040d ago

Yeah exactly what I figured you'd do. Evade the question...

Obscure_Observer1040d ago (Edited 1040d ago )

@Sonic-and-Crash

"So basically the first cg trailer back in 2019 was just thin air with no actual game behind it ...just a a videoclip with cool music to hype the Xbox players"

Pretty sure I saw hanging limbs, volcano (probably Hekla in the south of Iceland), Viking Warriors (probably from Senua´s tribe), a giant which may or may be not that giant from the rocks and even what´s seems to be Senua´s village at the top of a hill in this new trailer. All previously showed in Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 official reveal trailer from 2019, which leads me to assume that you´re either clueless or full of s***.

FYI, the "cool music" that you mentioned is "In Maidjan" by Heilung and the band is currently working with Ninja Theory on Hellblade II´s original soundtrack.

Sonic-and-Crash1040d ago (Edited 1040d ago )

no matter how you spin it . no matter how many replies you give to me ....no matter how informed your are about that CG trailer.....

the truth is one.... good patience ...you ill play the game not before 2024-25...and MS has no games ...

waverider1040d ago

Its was faked. Thats the problem with cgi trailer. Even in game doesnt mean the game will look close to that, much less cgi...

Teflon021040d ago

No surprise this was essentially the route taken with the first game. MS ain't going to save them from the very long process to make a short but good game lol

Jericho13371040d ago

Ninja Theory is a small studio so they can’t knock out games on a regular basis. I’d rather they take their time with it personally.

Darkborn1040d ago (Edited 1040d ago )

I feel like the actual Microsoft developers that weren't just bought with zenimax did absolutely nothing but listen to speeches from Phil Spencer every day for 3 years and not work on games. They have like nothing to show but zenimax stuff that they just bought.

1039d ago
+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 1039d ago
isarai1040d ago

So you got nothing... ok 👌

roadkillers1040d ago

The preparation for a game is extension. My guess is that the planning takes just as long as the computer development. I have no basis on this, would someone be able to confirm or deny?

isarai1040d ago

They shouldn't have announced it so early that we sit here over a year later with STILL not a single drop of gameplay, not even a screenshot. Yes it takes years, but studios don't usually ride this long on a CGI trailer and a bunch of talk. They should have waited till development was further along to announce this.

roadkillers1040d ago

If you were anticipating a fast launch after debut, I can see the frustration. They never gave a drop date. On the hand, this isn't like GTA6... we know GTA6 is coming even if they haven't announced it. HellBlade 2, no one knew there would be a sequel. It is a horse a piece. The gaming world is a lot different from how it was two decades ago. Game developers were dropping Final Fantasies, Devil May Cry's, Resident Evils, and GTA's like they were nothing. Now we get a new game once every half-decade.

jznrpg1039d ago

The game was announced 2 years ago . It should be half way done

Knushwood Butt1040d ago

No expense spared on this one.

jartoon1040d ago

I don't get it... the first Hellblade wasnt good enough to warrant this much hype and blind faith... Monotonous, damage-sponge battles, cheesy story/dialogue, uninspired, overly linear level design w minimal interaction... It basically felt like a glorified UDK student project... How is this one of the most hyped XB exclusives?

porkChop1040d ago

The first game was almost universally praised while it was exclusive to PS.

King_Noctis1040d ago

I remember N4G fan used to call it their personal GOTY or “underrated” gem back then. However, as soon as the game come to Xbox and MS bought Ninja Theory, the hate start popping up.

Never change N4G. Lmao.

dbcoops1040d ago

And almost universally hated by others until that exclusivity went away.

waverider1039d ago

And was criticized buy xbox gamers...

Gunstar751040d ago

What??? How many awards did it win? It had its faults, but was very well produced and insanely (pun intended) atmospheric.

I really liked the game

FlavorLav011040d ago (Edited 1040d ago )

What looks excellent? They haven’t built anything yet. Officially announced a year ago and all they have are Assets?

dbcoops1040d ago

This just looked like a bunch of hard to distinguish smash cuts and FMV sequences.

Gunstar751040d ago

They showed actual in game assets. They are busy finalising a chunk of the game, then will use that as basis to build the rest of the experience on. Thats what he said.

Show all comments (83)
390°

Why Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2’s Runtime of 9 Hours is Completely Fine

Hellblade 2 is confirmed to be around 9 hours in length, and there's a strong case as to why that relatively short length will likely be one of its strongest suits.

Read Full Story >>
gamingbolt.com
FPSRUSSIA5d ago

It's Good Since it's on Game Pass I wouldn't Pay 50 for it since it's Digital Only

Eonjay5d ago

The first game was a similar length but if I remember correctly it didn't carry the full price of AAA games when the first on launched. If I were them, I would take a note from the pages of some of the most successful games this year and keep it a $39.99. I think the result is they will sell more. It will balance out because at the higher price they will sell less. I think in the end the lower price will wind up generating the most revenue. Of course I am talking about the PC release and then the eventually PS5 release whenever it hits.

Terry_B4d ago

It was not. The first game had a length of about 4-5 hours.

I bet the new game is similar long.

neutralgamer19924d ago

I think MS can take that chances of a 9 hour game because of GP. Vast majority of Xbox gamers play games using GP(no doubt excellent value)

Personally I bought the first game when it was under $20 and I would have done the same if I didn’t have GP. I rather have 9 hours of quality content than 50 hours of fetch quests. As I grow and have less time for gaming I honestly don’t mind medium size games because there are way too many open world games

Obscure_Observer5d ago

9 hours is totally fine. Especially for Senua's fans who beat the first game.

Eonjay5d ago

This. In fact I think the original was only 8 hours so this is right in line with expectations.

Barlos5d ago ShowReplies(10)
Crows904d ago ShowReplies(4)
TheCaptainKuchiki4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Okay but they didn't have MS' money for the first game. Now they do so 9 hour is unacceptable.

S2Killinit4d ago ShowReplies(1)
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jznrpg5d ago

Strongest suits ? I don’t buy very short games until they are very cheap.

Redgrave5d ago

Let us see if it truly does somehow improve the game after the time spent waiting, or if this will be cited in the downsides of reviews.

Sonic18815d ago (Edited 5d ago )

It took me 7 hours to beat the first game. But since it's on gamepass on PC and Xbox who cares about the length

DRambo4d ago ShowReplies(2)
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80°

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 – Everything You Need to Know

Here's everything you should know about Ninja Theory's long-awaited sequel.

Read Full Story >>
gamingbolt.com
jznrpg6d ago

I know I don’t buy short games until they are very cheap. Yeah yeah I know what the rest will say but I don’t rent games either

InUrFoxHole6d ago

What's the proper length of a game for you?

250°

Why Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 Looks Set to be One of the Most Notable Xbox Games of This Generation

Even though it’s a Microsoft exclusive coming to Xbox Series X|S, PC, Cloud, and Game Pass day one, the next chapter in Senua’s Saga is set to be one of the biggest games of the year after it releases on May 21st.

Read Full Story >>
gamingbolt.com
Obscure_Observer13d ago

it will be such an unique experience blended with unparalleled realism, visuals and art.

May 21st can´t come soon enough.

BehindTheRows13d ago

Unique in what way? “Unparalleled realism” in what way?

GamerRN13d ago

You kinda gotta play the game to understand it. Videos don't do this game justice.

Obscure_Observer13d ago

"Unique in what way? “Unparalleled realism” in what way?"

If you don´t played the first game you can´t possible understand.

Barlos13d ago (Edited 13d ago )

Have we never had realism, visuals and art in games before?

How exactly will this be a 'unique experience', and why do you always have to sound like a salesman?

dveio13d ago (Edited 13d ago )

"it will be such an unique experience"

I agreed here.

"blended with unparalleled realism, visuals and art."

Ah come on, bro.

You can't tell me you're not laughing your ass off when typing such PR babble. You've got to be kidding me if you say otherwise.

Why ... do you do that? What's inside you causing this awkward type of overacting?

I really, really wish you and plenty other die-hard Xbox and Hellblade 2 enthusiasts that this game won't go down as a 65 scored metacritic/opencritic Xbox first party title.

Otherwise hell freezes over then I guess.

GamerRN13d ago

It will arguably be the best looking game so far this gen

mkis00712d ago (Edited 12d ago )

Gamer
No arguments there; that is the focus of the game so far: PResentation. Kind of like a Ryse situation so far.

BehindTheRows13d ago

@GamerRN

I own the original. Unless it is drastically different from that, I don’t see what so unique. Visuals look fantastic, yes, but not a blowout if the best of the best currently out there. And, it’s doing far less.

BehindTheRows12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

I own and have beaten the first game. Yes, the mental health aspects (particularly with headphones) was cool. Outside of that however, I don’t see anything new and unique from it (though I’m sure once it’s out, we’ll have a better idea).

Potentially the best looking game to release? Yep.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 12d ago
glenn197913d ago

Can't wait , I dint care if its 30 or 120fps if its llay good Im all in

Sonic188113d ago (Edited 13d ago )

I'm keeping my expectations low on this one because I thought the first game was mediocre at best with good-looking graphics. The gameplay had no depth in the first game and I remember doing more walking than fighting in the first game. It has the potential to win graphics of the year though.

13d ago Replies(3)
Crows9013d ago

Good idea. MS has been doing a banger job at hyping up their games...they don't typically deliver.

It's probably going to be a solid 3/5 game..maybe a 4

13d ago Replies(4)
13d ago
Nerdmaster13d ago

I guess we all liked different aspects of the game. I actually wanted a little less fighting so I could concentrate on Senua's psyche.
My fear is exactly that they'll "mainstream" the game and make it more hack'n slash, in detriment of the deep dive into Senua's mind that the first game had.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 13d ago
Sgt_Slaughter13d ago (Edited 13d ago )

That headline is the most unfortunate setup for a dig at Xbox, given the lack of games that have warranted even purchasing an Xbox (and that can date back to 2013). It's almost a notable Xbox game by default.

13d ago
Sgt_Slaughter13d ago

Sales and review scores don't lie, and those support my take.

Chevalier13d ago

"No they don't"

Really name a 1st party Xbox exclusive that was GotY for Xbox in the last decade? Or that sold 10+ million? So yeah sales and reviews definitely do back it up

Sciurus_vulgaris13d ago

I can’t wait to play. I’m also very eager to watch Digital Foundry’s technical analysis of Hellblade 2.

Obscure_Observer13d ago (Edited 13d ago )

"I can’t wait to play. I’m also very eager to watch Digital Foundry’s technical analysis of Hellblade 2."

Don´t pay some serious attention to that jealous PC fanboy Alex Battaglia, though.

He was caught lying about the original Hellblade in the last video. Lol!

He said he couldn´t understand the combat mechanics and or how it works, if players can dodge, if players can block, he couldn´t tell by the footage that he saw.

Clearly perplexed, Richard had him Interrupted and asked him:

"Sorry, you don´t have a sense of the combat mechanics is that right?"

Which Alex replied:

"I still don´t have a sense of it, no. Because when I look at it a see a number of finishing animations at times... uh... I see what looks like slashing animations which could be from like tapping X or A... I don´t really know... um... which... I just don´t have really good sense of like what the beats and what you´re avoiding and like... are there invulnerability frames or can´t you block? There´s like a lot of things that I just exactly know about the combat yet "

A few minutes later, when a confused John asked: "Have you played most of the original, Alex?"

Alex gagged and responded: "Yeah, I´ve, I´ve beaten it."

John: "Wow! Okay..."

Lmao! MF lied through his teeth!

He couldn´t make a sense of how the entire game works, and yet, he had the balls to claim he´d beat the first game.

What a sad liar! Smdh.

That clown got both Richard and John clearly embarrassed by his clueless comments. Lmao!

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

13d ago
Eonjay13d ago

Are you sure it's that and not his comment about the game looking really soft? I know it wasn't just me but the game looks really soft on some videos. They alluded to the YouTube compression but I am interested to see a proper comparison. How does it look on PC and what can we expect from UE5 on consoles for the rest of the Gen.

I suspect, looking at Immortals of Avian and Remnant 2 and their incredibly low native resolutions that this may be impacting Hellblade 2. However let's hold off judgement until Immortals gets the FSR 3/framegen treatment. I feel like these techs would boost Hellblade up nicely.

canoffanta13d ago

Alex Battaglia is a graphics purist. The console currently on the market and the ps5 Pro coming to market simply cannot come anywhere near what PC's are doing right now. Graphics are his passion and he is an enthusiast. Saying he is jealous, what exactly is he jealous of?

tronyx1213d ago

His critique is valid. The game is cinematic to a level kinda not seen before in an action game. I'm also very skeptical there will be any meaningfull engaging gameplay at alll. He's digging at the fact the game literally feels like a cutscene. Not like Last of Us or Metal Gear which have a lot of cutscene, the whole games feel like a one-shot cutscene.

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Cockney4d ago

I'm more interested in seeing some gameplay

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