This is probably the only game ever I have ever bought in the day of premiere, and it happend only because of the PS4 trailer which drop jaw to the ground. Then I have played this game, it was few years ago and I still remember it so well. This is an astonishing experience of dark bur epic, very lonely journey as a celtic girl Senua, trying to save the soul of her beloved friend murdered in viking invasion on their village. At least that is what she believes in. At the same time this is a grim, fullfilling story of suffering, psychic trauma and mental illness. You will find here everything - a slow great story, puzzles, action, a truly effective horror and some beautiful cutscenes with outstanding acting. You will care deeply for the Senua because you will hear and see exactly what horror she is experiencing. Hell, sometimes you will even feel that she is looking at you with her eyes and this is very unique experience. I have never experienced so intensive atmosphere in any other story telling game, graphics are here grim and beautiful at the same time. The sound design here is probably the best game production ever happened. Please use headphones to be sure that you will experience this too. Jaw dropping. I could write a peans about this game all the time and yes, I understand that not everyone will like it, because there are some fighting sections which are little too monotonous, and I think the game could be a little harder. But for me this is how games should be used as a medium, and Senua is hands down my favorite game character. It is baffling how amazing actor Melinda Juergens is in this role. I can't wait for the sequel, I hope it will be as thought provoking and deep as this masterpiece.
If you are interested in games where the well created story, almost book-like, is the most important aspect of the experience while being still an action/stealth oriented, this is a game for you. Story itself is a very dark one, but with many heartwarming moments. All characters are very well crafted and believable so you will sincerely care about them, even though sometimes their choices will irritate you. Still, you have to remember that all of them are kids with stolen childhood living in the Middle Ages with people dying everywhere around them. They need to learn quickly how to survive in those horrible times, but this is part of the experience. Graphics and sound are amazing here, to the point that sometimes it can REALLY creep you out. Visiting old mannor in the second part of the game was terrifying. My only gripe related to this game is the lack of 3D sound in the game. With 3D sound it would be even better with those rats screeching in walls and people dying while being eaten by rats and sickness. For me, the main character, Amicia, joined to the Geralt and Senua's party of my favorite game characters. To sum it up and not spoil too much, if you like play games that make you feel melancholy, relief, sadness, horror and at the same time make you care about characters you need get this. I had a luck to buy it with a great discount thanks to GOG, but this game is easily worth buy, even full price. I recommend it so much.
Long story short. Outstanding visuals and music. No dialogues to read, player has to use his own brain to interpret visuals, which should be easy for any human with at least a shadow of empathy. As someone commented below, it has similiar feeling to Hellblade and Ori and the Blind Forest. Sound system mechanics reminded me last Rayman series. Game is quite easy and not challenging, but maybe thanks to it, it gave me a lot of pleasure and improved my mood. Underwater escape sequence is just magneficient. Stunning, Thrilling. Beautiful. Ps. Looking at some reviews, I don't have a clue how someone could have a problem finding right paths to finish the game. What could you expect from the 2d game?
