It is a complete travesty that Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga has essentially been put out to die by Xbox. This is a vital tale of epic battles fought on barren battlefields and within a barren soul. It isn’t afraid to delve into the depraved, forcing the player to face the gruesome reality of the world of Hellblade 2. This is a journey of spirit and will, not meant to be enjoyed or relished. It is a battle of the mind just as much as it is a physical one.
Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga is available now on PC and Xbox consoles.
Despite previously accepting that the voices in her head as a part of her, Senua is still a troubled soul. There are more people present in her journey this time around, although the intentions of those accompanying her aren’t always clear. The inhabitants of this world are complex people, coming with a layered nuance that brings an undeniable feeling of unpredictability.
The utterly haunting beauty of Hellblade 2 cannot be understated. On her journey, Senua will encounter unspeakable acts of brutality that are displayed without compromise and at times, without any apparent reason. Gruesome behemoths stalk the land, having broken into Midgard from Jotunheim. These giants are terrifying in both stature and design, moving across the environment in an uncanny scurry.
The imagery on display in Hellblade 2 is awe-inspiring, with staggering sights of otherworldly decay, to metaphorical displays of Senua’s inner conflict. Frankly, Hellblade 2 provides one of the most visually impressive adventures that I have ever undertaken within the realm of gaming, carrying the cinematic presence of an A24 picture helmed by a visionary.
The sounds of Hellblade 2 are just as important as the sights. Once again, binaural audio has been utilized by Ninja Theory to immerse players to the fullest extent. There are times that the player can almost feel the dirt under Senua’s fingernails, and feel the sharp whip of the eerie wind that blows across the desolate landscape before them.
This World Is Tragic and Unforgiving
The cruel nature of Hellblade 2 means that combat is bloody and fierce. Whether she is taking on one solitary enemy, or fighting off an entire group of attackers, Senua swings her sword with the viciousness of a battle-hardened warrior. Although the Gods may not be present this time around, that doesn’t mean that several grueling battles don’t await Senua, with numerous formidable foes baying for her blood.
Again, Senua must use the environment to her advantage if she wants to make progress on her journey. Ancient runes can be accrued to clear away ethereal barriers working to prevent her advancement. Bridges can be rebuilt with the mind, doorways hidden in darkness can be revealed by the light, Senua’s determination triumphs over these adversities every time.
The sad truth is that with any progress made comes more death and more suffering, Senua’s garments becoming more sodden with mud and coated with dried blood as she becomes more exhausted and troubled by the atrocities she is witnessing. Graphic, fire and brimstone violence is unrelentingly on show around every corner and beyond every mound, creating an oppressive feeling of hopelessness that permeates the land.
Still Senua continues, despite the unravelling tale feeling less personal to her than it did the last time around. Hellblade 2 tells a mercifully brief story, not because it is lacking in narrative prowess, but because spending too long in this disturbing world would drive any sane person to the brink of insanity.
Senua Always Deserved Better
Despite its punishing nature and harsh level of intensity, Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga represents an important facet of the creative gaming landscape that is extremely valuable, this makes it extremely sad to see Xbox barely supporting the game. To completely fail at delivering on marketing this work of creative originality in a year of uncertainty is baffling and depressing.
Sadly, in the eyes of Xbox, it doesn’t really seem to matter how well Hellblade 2 is received, or even how well it sells. This experience feels like the end of an era, and to someone who has always championed bold storytelling in gaming, this is tremendously upsetting. Challenging stories like Hellblade 2 deserve to exist and when they are as well told as this, they also deserve to be celebrated.
If this is indeed Ninja Theory’s last go around before being shut down, then at least the team went out on a high. This is an obituary to be proud of and although both the first game and Hellblade 2 may not be for everyone, they are both experiences that I am extremely glad to have had.
Hellblade 2 – 9/10
