Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

It is crafted with so much detail and effort and brings you an expirience I have never seen in a game before. It was a really moving emotional expirience for me and I can recommend it to anyone who is slightly interested in the game.

Senua's Sacrifice beautifully presents a view into heavy psychosis, and creates a story that pulls in the player immediately. Since the game gets rid of the HUD in a traditional sense, and replaces it with slightly abstract visual and audio cues, the immersion is absolutely perfect. This is a game that I would highly recommend playing, and will definitely play again myself.

TL;DR You still have not played this game? What's wrong with you? The cons: 1 - The game is linear (for this game, not sure it is a con, but...) 2 - some puzzles/combat are on a few occasions a bit too much 3 - A crash at the endgame, easily solved by decreasing graphics settings (which were at the max) The pros: * - EVERYTHING The story, which you discover as the game goes on, is tragic and beautiful. The protagonist, Senua, and her life, will touch you, stirring emotions like few characters in video games (or movies) did before. The supernatural, which is both impressive, and at the same time, real (as in: this could really have happened in 900 AD Scotland). The ambiguity of what really happens, and what only happens in Senua's mind. The visceral, yet simple, combat (Senua's being thrown away by a massive hit on the face, then her attempt to rise again, is still a haunting image). The soundtrack, haunting and moving (now part of my commute playlist). The graphics... Don't get me started on how beautiful this game is. The art, portraying extremes from a peaceful village in spring to the desolated reaches of Hell. The acting, wonderful (the main actress, Melina Juergens, is supposed to be a video editor, and she simply shines in her role of Senua). The portrayal of mental illness, which is both humbling and enlightening. The ending, which leaves you to ponder what really happened, and brings closure, once you realize it (at least, in both of my two competing headcanons versions, it did). Despite it making no sense (because this is a complete, self-contained story), I want a sequel. A prequel. Whatever. I want more of Senua. Of Dillion. More of this game's background, mythology. Someone needs to write a story based on the game (not a movie, please, a story, that can be told), so it can be shared beyond the gaming community. I guess this is a testament on what Hellblade brings in. Not everything is perfect, but make no mistake: this is a monument of video gaming.

Played it a bit, did not like the 'puzzles' and lots and lots of just walking without doing anything meaningful. Game is 18+ but puzzles are for 6-8 y.o. and very annoying. Combat is fine, but nothing to write home about and it's only like 20% of the game time or even less. Visual design and soundworks are great - this is the only reason game gets 3 stars overall from me. I would definitely refund it if i could. I do not understand how it has such high rating, it's very misleading

Soundtrack 10/10 (one of those you want to buy) Graphics 7/10 (even in 4K ... it looks just decent) Storytelling 9/10 (very emotional) Gameplay 10/10 Duration 5/10 (the game is way too short) Puzzles and environment 9/10 The game is a gem of a great value!