Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 Review

Step into the haunting world of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, where every gust of wind whispers the return of familiar echoes of the past. From the gorgeous 9th-century Icelandic landscapes to the gory bone-strewn environments, you’re enveloped in an immersive climate that sends shivers down your spine.

For those who enjoyed the first instalment, Hellblade II is a masterfully crafted continuation of Senua’s journey, building upon the excellence of its predecessor with stunning visuals and a primal, Nordic-folk soundtrack by Heilung that drags you into its dark and sinister world.

However, it’s important to note that this experience isn’t for everyone—it’s intense, emotional, and best played with headphones to fully appreciate the nuances of its binaural audio and how it might feel to live inside Senua’s tortured mind.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Hellblade II is its accurate portrayal of mental illness and psychosis, a result of the research and consultation with people who have firsthand experience with it. This commitment to authenticity adds depth and complexity to Senua’s character, making her journey all the more compelling and relatable. The swirling voices in Senua’s head, a hallmark of the series, are so vividly captured that you can almost feel their breath on the back of your neck. These disembodied whispers are relentless, casting confusion over every decision she makes and amplifying her torment, making it tough to know who to trust.

As Senua embarks on her selfless quest to find the leader of the Northmen and save her people, she becomes not just a hero but a reluctant leader who must learn to unite tribes and face a great enemy together. She encounters allies and adversaries alike, each with their own demons to confront and overcome.

The folklore-inspired bosses you face, while grotesque, have complex arcs and tragic backstories, making you occasionally question your morality. Whether you’re facing off against towering monsters or engrossed in fierce battles with human warriors, every gruesome encounter is visceral and well-choreographed, allowing players to avoid abrupt deaths by unleashing devastating attacks and dodging incoming blows with precision and skill. There were moments when some elements of the combat, such as the block and parry system, felt unresponsive, which got repetitive when paired with an unforgiving checkpoints and long, slow walking sequences (ala Gears of War). But at least you get to take in the gloriously rendered cinematography and vistas.

But Hellblade 2 isn’t just about combat. It’s a game that challenges players both mentally and emotionally, with environmental puzzles from the Hiddenfolk that tease the brain and story surprises that keep you on the edge of your seat. For the completionists out there, there are 35 collectibles and 11 achievements to unlock on Xbox, with a callback to our friend Druth from Senua’s Sacrifice. Whether you’re navigating through gates of fractalised body parts or unravelling the mysteries of hidden trees of Nordic knowledge, every moment feels meaningful and engaging.

The three people Senua meets along the way, Thórgestr, Fargrímr and Ástríðr, feel reminiscent of the voices in her head (known as “furies”), each embodying different facets of her psyche in human form. Maybe the real Senua’s Saga was the friends we made along the way.

One of the most intriguing characters Senua meets on her journey is Thórgestr, a figure who mirrors her in many ways. Thórgestr lashes out, driven by trauma and the scars of his past, while Senua’s battles are more internal. His belief in her and their shared experiences of parental wounds adds a profound layer to the narrative, highlighting the impact of past abuses and the different ways individuals cope with their pain. Thórgestr’s journey alongside Senua emphasises themes of sacrifice, solidarity, and the complex dance of lashing out versus self-flagellation. It’s through this relationship that the game delves deep into real-life issues we face in society, making it all the more impactful and resonant.

Despite its heavy and gripping narrative, Hellblade II doesn’t overstay its welcome. Many consider it fairly short for a game, but as an experience, it’s as long as it needs to be. Due to its intensity in every sense of the word, you wouldn’t want it to go on for much longer. It is a linear cinematic experience, and for what it is, it’s near-perfectly executed.

But beyond its mindblowing visuals and gripping gameplay, Hellblade II is a story of acceptance, redemption, and the power of community. Senua’s journey is one of self-discovery and growth as she learns to embrace her differences and confront her past. It’s a journey that leaves you with a sense of melancholy—a bittersweet feeling where you’re happy that you got to enjoy another trip into her saga but sad that it’s all over again.

Melina Juergens reprises the role of Senua, and her outstanding portrayal of the tale lingers with you long after, making you reflect, making you realise you’ve taken on a fury or two of your own, or maybe they’ve always been there. There will be hell to pay if there isn’t at least a trilogy.

In the end, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is more than just a game—it’s a work of art that defies convention and sets a new standard for storytelling in gaming. It’s a testament to the talent and dedication of the creators at Ninja Theory, who have crafted an experience that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. There truly is nothing quite like it, and for that, we commend them.

How did we play?
Mode: Hard
Console: Xbox Series X
Visuals: 4K Projector
Audio: Soundbar turned up to 11

Where to play?
Available on Xbox X|S, Game Pass and Steam

Photo Mode:
In ‘Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2,’ the photo mode is a photographer’s paradise. You can pause the game anytime, even during cinematic sequences, and the creative possibilities are endless. With customisable camera controls, you can perfectly frame every shot. The field of view ranges from 12° to 154°, and the manual focus options are precise and versatile.

Character positioning and the 3-point lighting system take your shots to the next level. Adjust characters in three dimensions and play with lighting intensity, hue, and saturation to create the perfect ambience. The intuitive interface includes a 90° camera roll and adjustable movement speed for fine-tuning your composition.

Ninja Theory has put immense thought into this mode, offering features like focus breathing effects, a variety of filters, and special effects to enhance your creativity. The joy of exploring this rich visual world is unparalleled.

Accessibility:
There is an array of accessibility options, such as combat difficulty, pausing, audio output types, and visual options, such as subtitles, colourblind modes and text contrast.

Mental Health Support:
If you or someone you know has been affected by the issues depicted in the game and want to talk to someone or learn more, please visit this link.