User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1377 Ratings

User score distribution:

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  1. Aug 8, 2017
    10
    Ninja Theory gives exactly what they promised! Epic story, beautiful visuals, triple a quality. Great experience especially for this price! I really recommend checking out the dev diaries on youtube before jumping into the game, so you could appreciate the game even more.
  2. Aug 24, 2020
    8
    This is an incredible experience, but I'm not so sure that it's an incredible game. 10/10 on the visuals, voices, and exploration of psychosis. Maybe 6/10 for the puzzles and combat? At some point you realize that the only way to survive is to dodge continuously, trying to get a whack in here and there. Multiple enemies were basically hopeless. On the other hand, I haven't played a gameThis is an incredible experience, but I'm not so sure that it's an incredible game. 10/10 on the visuals, voices, and exploration of psychosis. Maybe 6/10 for the puzzles and combat? At some point you realize that the only way to survive is to dodge continuously, trying to get a whack in here and there. Multiple enemies were basically hopeless. On the other hand, I haven't played a game that has stuck with me like this one, forcing me to think about it weeks later. Flawed masterpiece, perhaps. Expand
  3. Oct 4, 2020
    9
    Underrated game, the combat is unique and doesn't have a hud wich is great, the multi enemy combat is the best ive seen from other games nowadays, the bosses are also really good and the story is incredible and well told, you have many storys told by different people about a world full of gods, recomend
  4. Jan 26, 2023
    10
    One of the few games that made me cry. Super intensive! The combat is great and fun, and you don't have to keep looking at the ground to grab items and stuff. I found this as a bad thing at the beginning due to being so used to do the same in all other games, but this made me enjoy more the scenery (which is stunning) and really immerse myself in the story. I really can't wait for a sequel.
  5. Jul 16, 2022
    8
    Beautiful.
    I played it in 2 days.
    The labyrinth and some backtracking sucked.
    I liked the fight mechanics and the enemy types.
    The rest was very gut.
    I liked Senua
  6. Aug 6, 2022
    10
    An almost perfect production. The graphics are awesome, sound is great, fights feel fierce, story pulls you along, but does not last longer than necessary. Final fight and story conclusion are satisfying.
    Sure there are some downsides:
    * Walking/Running feels pretty slow in puzzle moments where you have to go around * Target selection could be better. there is no support for mouse-wheel
    An almost perfect production. The graphics are awesome, sound is great, fights feel fierce, story pulls you along, but does not last longer than necessary. Final fight and story conclusion are satisfying.
    Sure there are some downsides:
    * Walking/Running feels pretty slow in puzzle moments where you have to go around
    * Target selection could be better. there is no support for mouse-wheel for example.
    * Camera is sometimes pretty annoying when you stand at a wall, you can not see your own character nor the enemy.
    * You are pretty left alone to find out, what the game wants you to do, but this is part of the game design. so I guess this might not everyone will be happy with that. For example I started pretty late in the game using focus in fights.
    * I personally do not like mixing rendered and filmed characters. For me that somehow breaks the immersion.
    So although there are some points where I might reduce my score, but i just feel this game does not deserve it. They did a great job. I will definitely play the successor.
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  7. Mar 12, 2018
    8
    Nothing I played before could have prepared me for the outstandingly haunting experience of Hellblade. The game takes you on a journey through Helheim. But is it really real or is it all in your head? Because in the mind of someone who has psychosis, it makes no difference. The game aces the binaural audio design of the world and the story is outstanding and unique. My only issue with theNothing I played before could have prepared me for the outstandingly haunting experience of Hellblade. The game takes you on a journey through Helheim. But is it really real or is it all in your head? Because in the mind of someone who has psychosis, it makes no difference. The game aces the binaural audio design of the world and the story is outstanding and unique. My only issue with the game is that the enemies, pattern recognition puzzles and backtracking can wear you out a bit as it does get repetitive. But these things aside, this game accomplishes what it sets out to do, and that is to fight through an unreal world in the shoes of someone suffering from severe mental health issues. No lootboxes or in-game microtransactions is also a big plus. Expand
  8. Oct 8, 2017
    9
    INTRO
    A dark action adventure game that focuses primarily on storytelling. The graphics are bleeding edge compared to most other AAA games as of recent, which is a pleasant surprise.
    Lots of work was put into making sure the textures and models were clear and realistic enough that they could even be passed off as being taken straight out of a movie. The high production value is also
    INTRO
    A dark action adventure game that focuses primarily on storytelling. The graphics are bleeding edge compared to most other AAA games as of recent, which is a pleasant surprise.

    Lots of work was put into making sure the textures and models were clear and realistic enough that they could even be passed off as being taken straight out of a movie. The high production value is also not something you see everyday in a video game.

    STORY
    Hellblade talks about an exile who lost the man she loved and is having difficulty coping with that reality. Broken and suffering from psychosis, she embarks on a lonesome journey to "defy the darkness" in an effort to bring him back from death.

    Her visions get increasingly worse as she heads deeper into "Hel", defying the voices in her head who constantly tell her to give up on her love and to move on. In a way, the story plays out similarly to the stories of the first few God of War games.

    The story can be somewhat confusing at times due to the use of Norse mythology, but if you take the overall plot of Senua's suffering at face value, it becomes understandable. The goal of the game is to immerse the player into the world of demons that Senua travels through.

    GAMEPLAY
    This game is primarily an adventure game with added fighting scenes and puzzles. Puzzles are a primary factor of this game and they act as trials required to progress the story. Some of the puzzles are difficult while some are straightforward.

    Permanent death exists in this game if you die too much, but you are explicitly warned about it in the very beginning. If you fear the permadeath aspect, lower the difficulty in the settings. I personally haven't found it to be a big deal though, since the game is pretty generous with dying and I think each new area you reach "resets" your lives.

    The combat appears simplistic due to the limited actions available and the predictable enemies, but it doesn't mean you can blindly fight and expect to win. You most certainly cannot just "mash" the attack button. Not knowing when to dodge or block an attack can cost you a life. Don't expect it to be a walk in the park as the enemies usually gang up on you in groups and come at you in waves.

    Difficulty by default is set to "Auto". This means that if you die too much early on, the game will scale down its difficulty immediately. This is likely where all of the other reviewers got their notion of "easy" from: They've died too much. If you want to have the full experience, manually set the difficulty higher yourself.

    Hellblade is a largely linear game. Weapons and items don't exist in the game, nor are there any side quests or even people for that matter. You'll be doing a lot of walking and listening to the story unfold in her mind. The game does not have an "NG+" after it is over; you simply play through it once and then your save file is erased for you to start over, if you so desire.

    SUMMARY
    Not much can be said about this game without spoiling it. I recommend this game to anyone who wants to experience a unique story about psychosis. You won't regret spending the time to play this game, but don't set your expectations too high since the combat is not the main factor of the game.

    The game is somewhat short. You should be able to get around 7-10 hours out of the game, assuming you don't die too much or get stuck on the puzzles for too long.

    I'm giving this game a very generous 9/10 for being a one-of-a-kind experience. No other game will ever mirror this one with its high quality cinematic execution and focus on mental illness.
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  9. Sep 1, 2017
    10
    This "game" does not belong to this world, to the world of tired flashy AAA cash grabs, to the world of mass appeal and market studies; this game belong to some different, better place - where games are used as a medium of art, to tell sincere and intimate stories, to bring meaning, to immerse in to atmosphere and feelings.

    Story is meaningful and thrilling; soundtrack, visuals and
    This "game" does not belong to this world, to the world of tired flashy AAA cash grabs, to the world of mass appeal and market studies; this game belong to some different, better place - where games are used as a medium of art, to tell sincere and intimate stories, to bring meaning, to immerse in to atmosphere and feelings.

    Story is meaningful and thrilling; soundtrack, visuals and gameplay are atmospheric, captivating and enthralling; Actor play is ideal (gorgeous actress playing Senua is not even a "professional" actress, she's actually a team member doing some video editing stuff).

    It's not just a great game, it's a life experience that i would advise anyone to go through without a shadow of a doubt.

    Please buy it, put on your headphones and submerge yourself in to the depth of dark psychotic journey filled with despair and courage.

    "The hardest battles are fought in the mind".
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  10. Dec 27, 2018
    8
    A beautiful game with a great story and atmosphere. Great story keeps you thinking and enthralled until the end. Puzzles are good and action is solid, but fans of in depth action may be disappointed.
  11. Oct 7, 2017
    10
    I played this game in an Oculus Rift. The binaural audio paired with the VR only added to the masterpiece that this game is. Absolutely magnificent in every way, 36 total years of playing video games religiously and I have never had a gaming experience to rival what this gem did. I feel like a different person after finishing it and I'm dying for another, please ninjas help us out and giveI played this game in an Oculus Rift. The binaural audio paired with the VR only added to the masterpiece that this game is. Absolutely magnificent in every way, 36 total years of playing video games religiously and I have never had a gaming experience to rival what this gem did. I feel like a different person after finishing it and I'm dying for another, please ninjas help us out and give us more Sinua! Expand
  12. Sep 4, 2017
    9
    A amazing video game, where the narration & the gameplay did find a very good balance.
    The theme is hard, but well managed. The combat system is impressive and immersive, even if not original, it takes you in another world, where you try to survive against your body & your mind.
    I strongly recommand this game, except if you are a sensitive person and/or fear darkness.
  13. May 12, 2018
    9
    Hellblade is a story centre game about a woman who is fightning with psychosis. The gameplay and the fight are very simple, but i didnt feel bad. I have worried about Senua, the main character during the fights, and i have never felt this in other games. The most parts of the game are walking and storytelling, but also there are some puzzles. The whole game is very frightening andHellblade is a story centre game about a woman who is fightning with psychosis. The gameplay and the fight are very simple, but i didnt feel bad. I have worried about Senua, the main character during the fights, and i have never felt this in other games. The most parts of the game are walking and storytelling, but also there are some puzzles. The whole game is very frightening and terryfying. There is a dark atmosphere, that must be experience once. The 3D sound effects are fantastic with headphone. This is very realistic. The music is very good. The graphic is average, but this is not a triple A game, so that is not problem. i hope, there will be more games like this. Expand
  14. May 10, 2018
    8
    Весьма вероятно, что с появлением таких проектов боссы крупных геймдев контор наконец вернутся к проработке атмосферы своих игр.
    Hellblade можно обвинять в малом количестве и разнообразии геймплея, но в плохом саспенсе точно нет...
    На самом деле сложно назвать Hellblade игрой в привычном смысле слова, на мой вкус это интерактивное кино о постравматическом синдроме и тяжелом психозе, а
    Весьма вероятно, что с появлением таких проектов боссы крупных геймдев контор наконец вернутся к проработке атмосферы своих игр.
    Hellblade можно обвинять в малом количестве и разнообразии геймплея, но в плохом саспенсе точно нет...
    На самом деле сложно назвать Hellblade игрой в привычном смысле слова, на мой вкус это интерактивное кино о постравматическом синдроме и тяжелом психозе, а так же преодолением их.
    После SOMA самая моя любимая отныне игра от независимых разработчиков.
    Единственный огрех ее ужасная идея с рунами, мою близорукость руны просто замучили;поиск и наложение руны в нужной плоскости точно не хорошая для всех идея. Еще было пару вылетов, но ue4 больной движок и явно не дружен с моей звуковой картой.
    Больше не могу сказать что-то плохое про игру. Было интересно от начала до конца.
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  15. Apr 27, 2019
    9
    Pros:
    + Brilliant voice acting and motion capture by Melina Juergens
    + Engaging story with a unique take on mental health issues
    + Fitting atmosphere and use of binaural audio enhances this (play while wearing a headset!)
    + Highly detailed graphics and environments

    Cons:
    - Combat feels satisfying at first but becomes repetitive as the game progresses
    - Repetitive puzzles
  16. Aug 9, 2017
    10
    This game is incredible and did everything it set out to do in an amazing manner. The point of the game is an experience and submersion into the mind of someone dealing with psychosis. It gives an intense sense of trying to understand someone dealing with this affliction and has been heavily researched by the developers Ninja Theory. I grew a much greater sense of appreciation for thisThis game is incredible and did everything it set out to do in an amazing manner. The point of the game is an experience and submersion into the mind of someone dealing with psychosis. It gives an intense sense of trying to understand someone dealing with this affliction and has been heavily researched by the developers Ninja Theory. I grew a much greater sense of appreciation for this game after watching their short documentary on developing it and the accompanying research that was put into it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEfUajzJv5U). Judging this game for combat focus is almost like doing the same for a visual novel, or like judging the walking dead point and click adventure for lack of combat. Combat is a good way to detract slightly from puzzles to not make the experience too monotone and linearity is executed incredibly well to really show the adventure/path that Senua is taking on her vision quest. I can not recommend this game highly enough. It is also a new and great focus that the developers took to give awareness of mental illness to the player and I respect them for it. Expand
  17. Aug 14, 2017
    9
    "The hardest battles are fought in the mind."

    Truly a game unlike any other before. It manages to plunge you deep inside your character's mind in a thoroughly thought out way. The immersion is so great my body had chills all over half the time. The graphics are astounding. I kept rotating the camera to look at Senua's face, to watch her ultra realistic face and expressions fueled by
    "The hardest battles are fought in the mind."

    Truly a game unlike any other before. It manages to plunge you deep inside your character's mind in a thoroughly thought out way. The immersion is so great my body had chills all over half the time.

    The graphics are astounding. I kept rotating the camera to look at Senua's face, to watch her ultra realistic face and expressions fueled by the amazing performance by the voice and motion actress behind it.

    The combat is not very complex, but it's gritty and feels very real. In fact, the game brought Senua's emotions so close to me that I actually felt her anger at times and slashing monsters became even more satisfying.

    The lengths that the devs have gone to to accurately convey mental illness and allow the player to experience it so realistically is applaudable. At times I felt I was going insane along with Senua as I heard those voices whispering in both of my ears like they were with me in the room, while painfully sifting through the emotional roller coaster of the unstable reality her mind is put through.

    On the bad side, most puzzles were easy to figure out but required lots of running around and backtracking to get them done. Also there's one area that causes framerates to significantly drop even if the rest of the game plays smoothly, and even lowering settings doesn't make a difference.
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  18. Aug 9, 2017
    8
    This game is so weird that it is cancerous yet cathartic, dark yet beautiful, boringly slow yet interesting.
    It is cancerous because you do not know what the actual **** is going on but catharsis comes as you get close to the end of game. It is such a dark story revolving around grimy environment; however how she endures and manages her darkness is quiet beautiful. Puzzles and combats are
    This game is so weird that it is cancerous yet cathartic, dark yet beautiful, boringly slow yet interesting.
    It is cancerous because you do not know what the actual **** is going on but catharsis comes as you get close to the end of game. It is such a dark story revolving around grimy environment; however how she endures and manages her darkness is quiet beautiful. Puzzles and combats are not the greatest and much easier than it seems but it is only 7 hours of playtime so game ends before you get sick of it. Some complain that it has no tutorial but if there is tutorial this game will be extremely boring....

    Nevertheless, even if I enjoyed the game, I can see why some people hate this game.... If you are fast paced action adrenaline rushing Michael Bay explosion type of guy, do not play this game. It will rot you out. I like to listen and read the lore of the games I play but dam some parts I really wanted to skip.
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  19. Aug 25, 2017
    10
    This game is 9.5/10 I wish so badyly I could play for the first time again................................................alas I will have to the stick with the 2 othe rtimes I beat thisg ame within the span of 4 days. Highly recommend. PLEASE WEAR HEADPHONES IT'S SO MUCH BETTER
  20. Aug 15, 2017
    8
    Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice has its way to offer a uniquely haunting and personal experience, immersive and creative enough to overcome its own gameplay imperfection.
  21. Aug 8, 2017
    8
    This game game show what madness is.Graphics are beautiful.Very cool atmosphere.Sound will blow your mind.Combat feels good,but too easy for me(after dark souls all game too easy=))
    Thank Ninja theory for this game.
  22. Aug 18, 2017
    10
    I am very surprised to see all the "1/10"s and the "3/10"s. This game is a true milestone in the gaming industry. The way it was funded and developed is nothing less than a breakthrough. That aside, the game is amazing. This doesn't mean it's perfect, because it's not.

    Graphics: 9.5/10 ======== This game is breathtaking at some points. Especially on PC (I played on GTX 1070). I don't
    I am very surprised to see all the "1/10"s and the "3/10"s. This game is a true milestone in the gaming industry. The way it was funded and developed is nothing less than a breakthrough. That aside, the game is amazing. This doesn't mean it's perfect, because it's not.

    Graphics: 9.5/10
    ========
    This game is breathtaking at some points. Especially on PC (I played on GTX 1070). I don't really need to say much, you can see for yourself on Youtube

    Gameplay: 9/10
    ==========

    The fighting is elegant, satisfying, and snappy. It gives the impression that it's too simplistic, but due to the fact that there is no tutorial, you will keep discovering new moves as you go.

    The puzzles are hit and miss, some of them are extremely satisfying, and some are just meh!

    Story: 8.5/10
    =========
    The story is very interesting and at some points will keep you on the edge of your seat. But the ending is not well explained and could take you a bit to understand it.

    Sound and Music: 10/10
    ================

    Simply amazing. Voice acting , music, sound effects, etc... are top notch. Again, you can have a listen for yourself on youtube as well.

    I realize that the aggregate score should not be 10/10, but because this game was made by 16 people and on a limited budget, I think we should all support it, so they could pave the way to more high quality indie titles, like this one.

    I hope you found this review helpful.
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  23. Aug 18, 2017
    8
    Amazing game and amazing story!!
    The only downside to this game is combat. It's boring and unnecessary. You fight wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after
    Amazing game and amazing story!!
    The only downside to this game is combat. It's boring and unnecessary. You fight wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after wave after of the same enemies...
    It would be far better if you have fought just two or three of them but with a twist or a challenge.
    With poorly responsive character you ending up going again and again and again and again through the same fight sequences over and over again cause game returns you to last save before the fight.
    Stop it, it's dull, mind numbing and boring...
    The combat in this game is redundant in first place... It's a tacked on feature to please the "average" (CoD or Dark Souls) gamer but it does a very poor job on it.

    If you want a challenge and a combat experience then go somewhere else.
    If you want a reach and interesting story yet you patient enough to suffer through forced combat scenarios then by all mean try this game.

    Why 8/10? Forced, unnecessary and boring combat and some performance issues. Otherwise brilliant game.

    PS: Ninja Theory... Please, don't listen to all those idiots asking for arena mode.
    Do another amazing game for less brain dead people.
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  24. Aug 18, 2017
    10
    This is the first review I have ever felt compelled to write about a video game and it's because this is a game I will never forget, and it's not because of the amazing graphics, or game play, or even story telling but because Ninja Theory have done some thing I have never seen before in a video game, they have created and portrayed something real, something that's true, and as a depictionThis is the first review I have ever felt compelled to write about a video game and it's because this is a game I will never forget, and it's not because of the amazing graphics, or game play, or even story telling but because Ninja Theory have done some thing I have never seen before in a video game, they have created and portrayed something real, something that's true, and as a depiction of mental illness and psychosis is is absolutely astounding, and even beautiful. The level of detail and work that they have put into getting this right is simply unmatched and I honestly feel I have learned about something that I would never have touched in any other medium. Thanks Ninja Theory.

    P.s. Combat is amazing I only wish it was a little harder.
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  25. Aug 19, 2017
    10
    One of the biggest surprises for me. I was not expecting nothing new or astonishing when this game was announce. But omg, it really make me feel or imagine what Senua its feeling. It´s a cinematic game to be share with others. The combats are easy if you find the patterns. You will not regret the decision to buy it.
  26. Sep 3, 2017
    8
    Very interesting game, one I'd not think I'd like. It is very repetitive at times but it is more about the story and immersion in the world than anything else. If you want combos, gear and lots of combat this game is NOT for you. The game looks glorious, well written, and has an interesting way to get you through the game. I have not finished it yet but plugged a few hours into it and it'sVery interesting game, one I'd not think I'd like. It is very repetitive at times but it is more about the story and immersion in the world than anything else. If you want combos, gear and lots of combat this game is NOT for you. The game looks glorious, well written, and has an interesting way to get you through the game. I have not finished it yet but plugged a few hours into it and it's a piece of art. I'd give it a 7.5 but the immersion and lore forced to up it instead of lower. Expand
  27. Sep 3, 2017
    10
    I don't understand how can anyone hate this game. The atmosphere created in this game is out of this world, Yes there are puzzles, it's an adventure game. People hating on combat system? It's far from the point in this game. This is the first game where I couldnt turn away and promised myself never to play it again! Again, the atmosphere created cant compare to anything. I'll buy this gameI don't understand how can anyone hate this game. The atmosphere created in this game is out of this world, Yes there are puzzles, it's an adventure game. People hating on combat system? It's far from the point in this game. This is the first game where I couldnt turn away and promised myself never to play it again! Again, the atmosphere created cant compare to anything. I'll buy this game and never play it again. It's just that good! Expand
  28. Sep 25, 2017
    8
    Short but very good game. It's more a playable movie than a game. The visual, the concept, the ambientation and sounds are spetacular. The fights and puzzles is a downside for this game, as it is very repetitive and boring. Downsides apart, i do recommend the game for it's beauty.
  29. Aug 8, 2017
    10
    Ninja theory did exactly what everyone expected! Epic Storyline, amazing atmosphere and gorgeous visuals. A great game, especially for it's price! I Recommend playing this to everyone!
  30. Aug 10, 2017
    10
    One of the best gaming experiences I've had I've had in years. Very mature and deep game which excells in all areas from the impressive graphics (looks incredible in native 4K!), unique art style, great fighting mechanics and puzzles and especially the haunting sound design. Best played with headphones as some of the sound is binaural (3D). This might not be for everyone or the simple/weakOne of the best gaming experiences I've had I've had in years. Very mature and deep game which excells in all areas from the impressive graphics (looks incredible in native 4K!), unique art style, great fighting mechanics and puzzles and especially the haunting sound design. Best played with headphones as some of the sound is binaural (3D). This might not be for everyone or the simple/weak minded as the theme of schizophrenia and psychosis is no kiddy approach, but I applaud NT for daring to try this and succeeding! Great price as well and well worth it, especially since it's a self published game. Expand
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 24
  2. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Jun 3, 2018
    85
    Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice takes us on a long road to hell paved with contemplative yet stressful scenes, and an impressive respect for Norse myths and legends.
  2. CD-Action
    Oct 30, 2017
    90
    Hellblade can disappoint you with repetitive puzzles, linear structure and the fact that it was stripped down to most basic, indispensable mechanics. But Hellblade is not about gameplay. It’s about darkness and fear and despair. The emotional weight of this game is unbearable. Forget about The Last of Us, To the Moon or Telltale’s The Walking Dead. Hellblade is soul-crushing in a way I never thought a game could be. Remember Requiem for a Dream? That’s what Hellblade does to you. I will NEVER forget Ninja Theory’s masterpiece. [10/2017, p.38]
  3. Oct 12, 2017
    75
    If Heavenly Sword had an opposite, it would without a doubt be Hellblade. A dark, gritty, psychotic, atmospheric hell-ride through the forest of insanity. It looks great but plays like a gloomy record. Not everyone will enjoy this dark adventure. But what it does, it does great. Maybe even too great, if I may say so.