I finished this game last night and it is one of the few games I've felt compelled to write a review for. It is truly a work of art, and one of the most immersive experiences I've ever had in video games. The developers deserve so much credit for making this game happen. A lot of care and attention has been put into making this game, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. In this day and age of so many throw-away gaming experiences, this is one that will stay with you long after the credits roll. FIngers crossed for a sequel. The Pros: + Amazing, thought-provoking story + Well-written characters, brought to life with great voice acting + Some of the best sound design in any game, ever + Incredibly beautiful graphics + Immersive experience + Interesting, clever puzzles The Cons (I don't necessarily consider these to be cons, but these are things that will bother some people): - Less emphasis on gameplay and more on storyline; Combat and exploration take a back seat to puzzle-solving and character development - Same-y enemies, slightly repetitive hack 'n' slash combat mechanics (peronanlly I found the combat satisfying, and bosses do offer some variety) - Short game length (10-12 hours on first playthrough) - Won't appeal to everyone; for fans of thoughtful, slower-paced games 9/10 If you want a game that will immerse you in its world and characters from start to finish, you need to play Hellblade. Worth every penny.
