In the world of gaming, console wars have always been a source of heated debates, with fans passionately defending their chosen platform. The latest battleground involves Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga, an anticipated title exclusively available on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Recently, the game has come under fire from some PlayStation 5 fans, sparking outrage among the gaming community who accuse these detractors of hypocrisy. Xbox fans are also voicing their concerns and saying if this was a PlayStation game the controversy would be something else.
The Double Standard Debate
The controversy centers around the high expectations set by the original Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, which was praised for its groundbreaking approach to storytelling and mental health representation. Hellblade 2 continues this legacy with impressive visuals and an immersive storyline, as demonstrated after its release.
Fans argue that this backlash is unfounded and driven by envy. They point out that if Hellblade 2 were a PS5 exclusive, it would likely receive widespread acclaim from the same individuals currently criticizing it. This double standard has led to a broader discussion about the nature of console exclusivity and fan loyalty in the gaming industry.
I don’t understand for the life of me why Hellblade 2 is getting so much hate…. If this was a PlayStation game, it will be a whole different story. Smh why can’t we just play a game and just be happy regardless of what platform it’s on. The game is literally a masterpiece 💯 pic.twitter.com/zs0nC4HrAj
— Marlon Gaming Nation (@GamesAndWario) May 21, 2024
Just started playing and it’s awesome. I don’t understand the hate for it either, it’s short, the fighting feels great, and it looks amazing with zero bugs.
— 🤖 (@coerr_) May 21, 2024
People are hating because of Xbox… duh? Its so obvious its crazy.
— Jelly (@JJellyGames) May 21, 2024
Couldn’t agree more! I’m freakin’ loving this game!
— Zech Keenan (@zetchkeenan) May 22, 2024
People just have different opinions bro it look good but it’s not better then the first one
— Terrance J (@Youknowme_tdj) May 21, 2024
Fans have been expressing their sentiments online, suggesting that if Hellblade 2 was a PlayStation exclusive, the narrative would be drastically different. They believe that the criticism directed at the game is less about the game’s quality and more about console loyalty. Even after showcasing better graphic quality.
The Legacy of Hellblade series
The Hellblade series, developed by Ninja Theory and published by Xbox Game Studios, is known for its psychological horror action-adventure games. The first game, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (2017), follows Senua, a Pict warrior, as she battles her own psychosis. The game was praised by the players for its engaging yet horrifying story with very good graphics. The sequel, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, continues her journey and delves into a deeper exploration of mental health themes.
Fans and industry analysts alike have noted that such biased critiques do a disservice to the gaming community, fostering division rather than celebrating the achievements of game developers. The focus, they argue, should be on the innovation and artistry that Hellblade 2 brings to the table, regardless of the platform.
In the end, the uproar surrounding Hellblade 2 highlights the persistent and often irrational nature of console wars. While it’s natural for fans to champion their preferred platforms, it’s crucial to appreciate quality games for what they are, irrespective of exclusivity. After all, true gamers should be united by their love for gaming, not divided by brand allegiance.
