The wait is almost over for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Ninja Theory’s critically-acclaimed Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. Set to arrive in less than 3 weeks, it promises a mind-bending experience that combines history with protagonist Senua’s psychosis.
The first Hellblade gripped players with its portrayal of Senua, a Celtic warrior afflicted with psychosis. The game’s narrative and world-building drew inspiration from Celtic and Norse mythology, set against the backdrop of the late 8th century. While comparisons with recent God of War titles can be drawn, the sequel takes things in a much more distinctive direction.
How Ninja Theory Balanced Real History With Senua’s Story
Hellblade 2 doesn’t shy away from historical grounding. Ninja Theory consulted experts to ensure a realistic portrayal of the era, from the cultures and landscapes to the events of the late 8th century. However, they also take informed artistic liberties. Senua’s psychosis filters her perception of the world, creating a surreal blend of the real and fantastical.
During the January Xbox Developer_Direct, Ninja Theory scriptwriter and performance capture director Lara Derham explained the studio’s goal for the story:
In the story we’re trying to be as faithful to history as we can up to a point…establishing a solid framework and then building more surreal elements on top.
Twisting history a bit for the sake of the game isn’t something new, as Ubisoft went this route with Assassin’s Creed Mirage as well, but Hellblade 2 does things differently. Senua’s story takes core elements from Celtic and Norse myths, but they are presented through the lens of her mental state.
Hellblade 2 Takes The Series To Iceland For Senua’s Revenge
For Hellblade 2‘s setting, Ninja Theory captured the beautiful topography of Iceland. Here, Senua will embark on a quest for revenge against the Vikings who attacked her village. Players will encounter not only human enemies, but also fantastical creatures like draugr and Giants, inspired by Norse mythology.
These mythical beings co-exist with actual historical elements, creating a world that feels equal parts grounded and surreal. The gameplay trailer revealed at 2021’s Game Awards showed Senua and her tribe facing off against an enormous Giant.
The intriguing mix of historical accuracy and surrealism is a hallmark of the Hellblade series. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 promises to push the boundaries of this concept even further, taking players on a journey that’s historically evocative, deeply personal, and staggeringly accurate for mental health representation.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 releases 21 May 2024 for Xbox Series X/S and PC. Subscribers of Xbox Game Pass can play the game on day one at no additional cost.
