Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

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!

Thank you for making this game. Wonderful story-telling all while having an incredible and sometimes terrifying experience of what it's like to fall deeper and deeper into psychosis. I watched the behind the scenes feature after completing the game and really appreciated how much work the team put into ensuring the realism. I really connected with Senua's pain as she fought back her demons. Incredible performance by Melina Juergens as Senua. Especially considering that she's also their video editor, acting as a stand-in for Senua, but came to find out she was actually auditioning and was able to use her real-life experiences to empower her role. Bravo. The audio and visuals of this game are so well done and spot on, and the Vikings setting really fits with this world. I couldn't help but think as I played this game that I was experiencing art. Any short-comings, if you really want to focus in and try to find any, really isn't worth complaining about because maybe the focus wasn't strictly on a having non-stop action and combat or having a "skip cutscene" button (why would you?). Or in making the combat feel less tedious by not having waves of enemies come at you sometimes out of nowhere. It's -supposed- to feel overwhelming. Everything was designed in meticulous detail to represent Senua's darkness. There aren't very many fights, but I personally enjoyed the combat. Although relatively simple fights mechanically, I could still feel the struggle as she swung her sword and the relief as the demons dispersed back into the shadows on their defeat. The focus is clearly about the story-telling, the scenery, and solving puzzles to advance to your goal. Puzzles that made you feel like you were detangling the chaotic fibers of your mind as you solved them. Overall a very satisying and humbling experience. I just wanted to thank the developers for taking the risk of exploring this mysterious and very serious condition that many people struggle with.

Crazy sound design and graphics, beautiful story... From start to end, I felt connected to Sennua and loved to suffer on her side ;o The little frustrations (like the world of the illusions...) do not weight much in comparison. And the game's "final boss" will remain in my hallmark of the greatest video-game moments. What a blast.