Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

 PC
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1377 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,049 out of 1377
  2. Mixed: 197 out of 1377
  3. Negative: 131 out of 1377

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  1. nemix3d
    Sep 10, 2023
    10
    So fcking beautiful, the best history of the games ever. The music is 11/10
  2. Magnethead
    Jan 4, 2018
    9
    You should play this game if: You are into narrative driven games, you enjoy exploring complex character background in a beautiful, haunting setting.

    You shouldn't play this game if: You're in it for the gameplay. You enjoy technical challenges to your skill-level, you enjoy building characters in a complex game system or you just don't care about storytelling at all. This is a real    You should play this game if: You are into narrative driven games, you enjoy exploring complex character background in a beautiful, haunting setting.

    You shouldn't play this game if: You're in it for the gameplay. You enjoy technical challenges to your skill-level, you enjoy building characters in a complex game system or you just don't care about storytelling at all.

    This is a real gem in the art of narrative game-design where the focus in on the visual and not only the textual which is refreshing to see.

    Senua's Sacrifice focuses on internal narrative like many indie game titles these days but has a very modern graphic look and powerful soundtrack to support its story about panic, pain and psychosis. The game is around 10 hours long which is perfect length for a game like this that doesn't have sandbox worlds to explore or character creation and levelling to establish an evolving gameplay experience - the mechanics you start out with are more or less the same you end up with.

    The incredible story and talent of the protagonist are what will carry you through this game and stay with you long after it's done. There really isn't enough good things to say about Senua as a character or indeed about how she's acted. She feels real and intense without losing credibility as a fierce warrior, her mental... issues are credible, unpleasant and sometimes eerie to play through. She's equally easy to sympathise with and admire.

    The gameplay mechanics in Senua's Sacrifice revolves around simple but solid mechanics shifting from spacial puzzles to melee combat and back many times. The combat, while not amongst the most challenging of its kind, feels natural and flows well. It won't challenge a seasoned Witcher or Dark Souls veteran but it works well enough to not feel stale. The puzzles, as puzzles tend to do, can frustrate you if you missed some minor detail somewhere and get stuck but they're never unreasonable and the game helps you along very nicely if only you listen to all of the helpful (sometimes...) voices at your disposal.

    However, the narrative is the jewel in this game accompanied by stunning visual arts and a terrific soundtrack. Senua is probably the best female hero-protagonist we've ever seen in gaming so far. She's got a simple, bold ambition - to save the boy she loved - and she travels to Hel to do it. As with many such titles, the game explores her personal history and background along the way and she faces externalised version of inner demons as tends to be the case in such stories, but she does it with tenacity, audacity and without compromise. When you control Senua, she feels vulnerable and powerful at the same time and it's easy to want to help her, not only out of sympathy but because she's inspiring and strong.

    The Norse/Celtic setting works well enough - the Norse legends are recognisable to a Scandinavian and the world has a credible harsh and desolate feel.

    All in all, Senua's Sacrifice doesn't try to do anything no one arguably hasn't done before, it just does it more beautifully, with superior acting and visuals. Where many narrative-focused games have drifted away from the film elements to a more minimalist, simplistic aesthetic, Senua's Sacrifice uses all the modern tools of visual storytelling to tell a memorable and inspired story.    … Expand
  3. ReubenIsAGod
    Dec 17, 2021
    9
    A sensational visual experience. Also might have confied for me that i am, in fact, depressed and really need to go see/talk to somebody about this.
  4. BBoondocks
    Aug 10, 2017
    9
    This is an amazing game, but it's not a game for everyone. The pace is definately slower than I expected it to be as Ninja Theory, creators of the outstanding Heavenly Sword, is known for giving fans fast paced action games. Exploration and puzzle solving takes a lot bigger role than I previously thought, but I did not mind as some of my favorite franchises like Uncharted or Tomb RaiderThis is an amazing game, but it's not a game for everyone. The pace is definately slower than I expected it to be as Ninja Theory, creators of the outstanding Heavenly Sword, is known for giving fans fast paced action games. Exploration and puzzle solving takes a lot bigger role than I previously thought, but I did not mind as some of my favorite franchises like Uncharted or Tomb Raider have plenty of those as well. But the reason why this game is so great is because it is still different than the upper mentioned games, as a matter of fact it is very different from any game I ever played. Our hero, Senua, is mentally ill and that plays a vital role in the story and also how she sees the world. And it is a frightening and disturbing world, filled with violently killed dead bodies, scary wooden statues and there are these constant noises/voices in Senua's head that makes just walking in the woods crazy as well. The setting is superb, it is based on Celtic and Norse mythology and it is very unique. There is also NO HUD at all on the screen, which is awesome! No mini map, no crosshair, nothing, it is just you and the environment. I love it!
    When the action heats up, combat is as good as it gets. The over the shoulder camera works excellent and Senua is a master with the sword and also have some devastating kicks in her arsenal. The fighting scenes are my favorite parts of the game, it is superb.
    The voice acting is also stellar, and the graphics are gorgeous. If you wanna just hack and slash this is not your game, but if you like exploring, a great story and some fun action, then you will enjoy this for sure. A must play for me.    … Expand
  5. ArchieandErnie
    Aug 15, 2017
    9
    Guns - no
    Explosions - no
    Intelligent storytelling - definitely
    Atmospheric - totally
    Stunning visuals - absolutely
    10/10 - very nearly
    Game Of The Year - quite possibly
  6. ahriyo
    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.
  7. RMDsilva
    Jun 12, 2019
    9
    This game is meant to make you feel. It's meant to make you feel desperation, fear, confusion and everything else that comes with real trauma.
    It's not a horror game meant to spook you and make you jump on your chair. It's about feeling your way to the path of the character.
    It mixes gameplay and storytelling immensely well - puzzles don't get boring, combat is always edgy - and you keep    This game is meant to make you feel. It's meant to make you feel desperation, fear, confusion and everything else that comes with real trauma.
    It's not a horror game meant to spook you and make you jump on your chair. It's about feeling your way to the path of the character.
    It mixes gameplay and storytelling immensely well - puzzles don't get boring, combat is always edgy - and you keep being afraid of the next trap the game sets for you.
    I found myself gasping in horror when I failed Senua - as her own despair got to me.

    Understanding why this game was made and how real it is - that's powerful by itself.

    If you can let yourself feel, surrender to it. It's worth it.

    If not, well, it's not a bad game either way.    … Expand
  8. ntsarb
    May 16, 2018
    9
    Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a fictional story about love, bravery, loalty, determination, hope. It is about finding the courage and the strength to overcome your own fears and find your path in life.

    Hellblade is also a story about domestic abuse, mental health, social stigma and their consequences to people's lives. It is about showing support, compassion and understanding to those    Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a fictional story about love, bravery, loalty, determination, hope. It is about finding the courage and the strength to overcome your own fears and find your path in life.

    Hellblade is also a story about domestic abuse, mental health, social stigma and their consequences to people's lives. It is about showing support, compassion and understanding to those who suffer.

    Hellblade is a computer game that blends historic events with real stories and experiences revealed through the testimonies of people who suffer from psychosis, supported by Health Neuroscience experts from the University of Cambridge.

    The story takes place during a period of bloody war, at the time Vikings invaded Britain. The main character is a young woman, who suffers from a severe form of psychosis; her name is Senua. The player takes control of her actions and experiences the world through her eyes.

    Puzzles and combat rely on fairly repetitive mechanics and navigation in the 3D world is quite restrictive. However, the story is bold and full of surprises. The game implements "permadeath": Senua gradually gets weaker, when badly injured. Even though progress in the game is saved between major events, if Senua dies before the end, all game progress is lost and the story has to be restarted. In practice, the game adjusts the difficulty level to the skills of the player, making it an achievable challenge!

    In the role of Senua, Melina Juergens' acting is fantastic and the scenery is amazingly detailed. It's an impressive project artistic work!

    It took me 29 hours to complete the story. This includes pausing the game several times, to think twice what I've just heard or seen, or just take a break! It's quite an emotional experience, not for the faint hearted.

    Highly recommended.    … Expand
  9. AstiX
    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.    … Expand
  10. OHIC
    Aug 14, 2017
    9
    This isn't a perfect game in the way that, say, Rocket League is perfect. But everyone has a pantheon in their minds of the triumphs in game design: the names that spring to mind immediately when a friend has been out of the loop and asks you for recommendations on games. Hellblade joins my list immediately.

    There are snags: weird instances of poor level design, chiefly. But overall,    This isn't a perfect game in the way that, say, Rocket League is perfect. But everyone has a pantheon in their minds of the triumphs in game design: the names that spring to mind immediately when a friend has been out of the loop and asks you for recommendations on games. Hellblade joins my list immediately.

    There are snags: weird instances of poor level design, chiefly. But overall, the game radically overshoots in areas that I merely expected to be good. The graphics are an obvious point, but sound is phenomenal (and headphones are essential, or you'll miss out on the 3d binaural effects which cannot be replicated by any other speakers). The swordplay is remarkably well done. I thought it would be serviceable, an interlude between the exploration and the story beats, but it's genuinely great; I can only think of one game that genuinely does this better.

    The acting is beyond any performance I've seen in a game yet. It's part and parcel of the careful research into psychosis. The use of this theme was one with which I expected to have problems - in the history of games, Alan Wake is about as good as it gets for the incorporation of mental illness into a hero's story. The performance of Melina Jeurgens and the actors who play Senua's voices comprise a huge step forward in acting standards in games, and the description of Senua's experience is truthful and respectful.

    Yes, it's only a 7-9-hour game. It blows my mind, however, that people would happily snap up an average but longer game in preference to one that pushes the limits of what a game can communicate. I'd rather have the game that beams beauty from beginning to end and sets a new standard for tomorrow's games.    … Expand
  11. Xzenor
    Mar 4, 2020
    9
    Beautiful game. It's a fairly good 3rd person slasher until you put on headphones. With headphones it becomes an experience instead of just a game.
  12. SuperkenGaming
    Nov 29, 2017
    9
    Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
    Best story telling of the year
    Senuas Sacrifice is a psychological action adventure game with a dash of horror elements. Here you play Senua, a Pict warrior battling her way through Helheim to rescue the soul of a man that loved her… But you’re not on this journey alone... The games focus is mental illness… And I feel the game does a great job of this...    Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
    Best story telling of the year
    Senuas Sacrifice is a psychological action adventure game with a dash of horror elements.
    Here you play Senua, a Pict warrior battling her way through Helheim to rescue the soul of a man that loved her…
    But you’re not on this journey alone...
    The games focus is mental illness…
    And I feel the game does a great job of this... of filling you with constant anxiety
    as you journey you’ll hear voices…
    These voices never leave you...
    They’re constantly going, whispering the way you should be going while at the same time telling you to go back, they’ll encourage you and discourage you, these voices were probably my favorite part of the game, and because of them I played the entire game with headphones…
    letting them whisper to me as id fight and solve puzzles…
    this is a very linear game that takes around 7 hours to complete,
    You’ll be going through this gorgeous world and frequently be stopped by a gate…
    On this gate are symbols... its then up to you to find the symbols in the world to unlock the gate…
    Turning this into a perspective puzzle game...
    The screen will start filling with the symbol when its near, you then can focus to find it, and then it’s onto the next symbol…
    And to stop this from getting tedious the game will add different elements to each section, such as portals that will take away a section of an area, or add to it, fix a broken bridge or staircase..
    Constantly keeping the game feeling fresh and new...
    Along your way you’ll run into lorestones that will tell you the story from Norse mythology.
    These can be cleverly hidden as well giving you incentive to explore…
    My least favorite part of this game however is its combat...
    There as boss battles which I actually really enjoyed...
    But I didn’t enjoy the combat encounters with smaller enemies…
    the combat at first feels cinematic, you have a regular attack, heavy, and melee to break shields, you can block and doge, and you’re able to focus to temporarily slow down time...
    But the game just throws way too many enemies at you to defeat in these thankfully rare moments...
    The multiple enemies don’t necessarily make things hard, especially thanks to the voices telling you to look out before an enemy can strike you…
    the fights just drag on for too long most of the time killing the pace and emersion of the game…
    The rest of the game however comes together perfectly…
    You’ll feel all sorts of emotions, good and bad while playing this game, and there really is a beautiful story to be told here…
    No matter the type of gamer you are, you owe it to yourself to pick this on up.
    I give Hellblade: Senuas Sacrifice
    a 9/10    … Expand
  13. Theros
    Mar 24, 2019
    9
    I gave it a minus one to the score only because of easy, yet repetitive combat and simplistic puzzles. Otherwise, this was an awesome experience! Kudos to NT!
  14. MaxShine
    Sep 2, 2017
    9
    A very fresh and different style of a game in a time when many games follow a standard formula. The developers succeeded at creating a highly atmospheric and immersive game with absolutely beautiful graphics. The game was released without any bugs, it runs absolutely smoothly without any frame drops. All of this is something that AAA titles more and more often fail to deliver on. This gameA very fresh and different style of a game in a time when many games follow a standard formula. The developers succeeded at creating a highly atmospheric and immersive game with absolutely beautiful graphics. The game was released without any bugs, it runs absolutely smoothly without any frame drops. All of this is something that AAA titles more and more often fail to deliver on. This game is an excellent example that sometimes less is more, smaller, detailed areas can be much better than large open world, empty, soulless, artificial areas with frame drops. The game is also not packed full of useless 'features' and gimmicky stuff. The combat is basic, but fun, competent and not depending on luck or button mashing.
    This story is beautifully told and if someone is interested in norse lore this game is a must have anyways. Many AAA titles these fail at telling a story. This nice, little game does it excellently.    … Expand
  15. Amsheagar
    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
  16. dypsomaniart
    Aug 12, 2017
    9
    I just finished this game and it was amazing.
    It's a brutal story of suffering and anguish and not for the faint hearted though.
    Graphics are outstanding, the motion capture acting for the characters and voices is extremely good, and the sound is amazing. I would have liked the option to completely remove antialiasing filters, as I prefer jaggies to slight blur (which gives me eyestrain    I just finished this game and it was amazing.
    It's a brutal story of suffering and anguish and not for the faint hearted though.
    Graphics are outstanding, the motion capture acting for the characters and voices is extremely good, and the sound is amazing.
    I would have liked the option to completely remove antialiasing filters, as I prefer jaggies to slight blur (which gives me eyestrain headaches), but it's prbably not too bad on a smaller screen.
    The movement speed of Senua feels slow initially after other games, but you get used to it and it suits the game, although it made traversing some of the larger terrain puzzles feel tedious early on.
    I left the difficulty on auto, and found the fights challenging and exciting, but not too punishing. Pretty well perfect for me. I only died half a dozen times all up, but there were a lot of close calls! some of those fights are intense!
    This game is just an amazing journey to experience.
    I miss the voices already.    … Expand
  17. ClarkKunt
    Dec 25, 2018
    9
    Truly unique game. Visuals, story telling, atmosphere and sound design are next level ****. Game suffers from occasional frame drops tho.
  18. Krzych
    Aug 18, 2017
    9
    From artistic standpoint the game is a masterpiece. It makes a huge impression. The setting, story, cutscenes, sound, art design... Very impressive. Graphics quality is almost on point, texture quality is a bit lacking at times and some postprocessing effects tend to be overdone, but on the other hand, how this game looks and what it does in some moments and areas... unlike anything I haveFrom artistic standpoint the game is a masterpiece. It makes a huge impression. The setting, story, cutscenes, sound, art design... Very impressive. Graphics quality is almost on point, texture quality is a bit lacking at times and some postprocessing effects tend to be overdone, but on the other hand, how this game looks and what it does in some moments and areas... unlike anything I have seen in years of playing games. It has a bit of a bad start, but after first boss the game is getting really good. Gameplay is very diversified, there are lot of aspects, logical, action, combat, even some thriller/horror parts. It is also fully independent, DRM free, half of price of "AAA" games that aren't even playable in first months and are usually "synthetic" and have no emotional or intellectual value. I consider this game a huge success. Hate and rants from reasonless or soulless people are even making it more so. Not even mentioning people who don't understand that there different genres of games. I wasn't even aware of this game and it came out of nowhere for me, and I am SO glad that it did.… Expand
  19. CalvinSchettini
    Aug 8, 2017
    9
    Amazing gameplay, i loved how they tell us the story, with the voices inside her head! And the battles are great to, i was missing great games this and last year, with this game i take all that feeling back.
  20. auditbadger
    Nov 12, 2018
    9
    I think that this is truly a unique game and I would recommend that if you are a fan of this type of genre then I think you should give this game a try.
  21. AJ_kvpy
    Aug 10, 2017
    9
    I am giving this game a 9 only because it is a bit of a walking simulator.
    In terms of story and atmosphere, it is amazing in every way, hands down. The 3D sound in the game with headphones is phenomenal. Trust me this game needs to be played with headphones. Graphics are awesome and crisp. Well optimized on PC. Fighting is surprisingly fluid and tense. Specially fights with bosses.
    This    I am giving this game a 9 only because it is a bit of a walking simulator.
    In terms of story and atmosphere, it is amazing in every way, hands down. The 3D sound in the game with headphones is phenomenal. Trust me this game needs to be played with headphones. Graphics are awesome and crisp. Well optimized on PC. Fighting is surprisingly fluid and tense. Specially fights with bosses.
    This game is a must buy and you wont regret it. Quality stuff from ninja theory!    … Expand
  22. blazeaglory
    Aug 16, 2017
    9
    So far, at about an hour into the game, I am loving it. A bit boring and linear at times but the graphics and content make up for it. It seems like a graphic novel masquerading as a game tho.

    This game could have more things to do than just line up ravens, walk the path, look at things, etc.. They could have little things to fight instead of the same creatures over and over again and    So far, at about an hour into the game, I am loving it. A bit boring and linear at times but the graphics and content make up for it. It seems like a graphic novel masquerading as a game tho.

    This game could have more things to do than just line up ravens, walk the path, look at things, etc.. They could have little things to fight instead of the same creatures over and over again and the puzzles could be a little more challenging and on topic such as maybe digging a grave and putting the bones back in the certain headstone, something other than just looking at things. BUT like I said, the atmosphere more than makes up for it and Im only an hour in. Im not bashing this game by any means, just a tad bit linear at times so far.

    Also, the fighting is super easy. The villains could be a little harder to beat maybe? But who knows, maybe it gets harder as it goes? Im sure it does.

    I give it an 8-9 out of 10    … Expand
  23. Othman_MrAbdoon
    Aug 19, 2017
    9
    this is my game of the year so far.
    repetitive puzzles is the only negative thing I can say about this game. they were ok the first 2-3 times, but cmon enough is enough.
    other than that I absolutely loved everything about this game. the story is great and well written and well acted. the story is the game's selling point. the plot was good but what I meant is the presentation of the    this is my game of the year so far.
    repetitive puzzles is the only negative thing I can say about this game. they were ok the first 2-3 times, but cmon enough is enough.
    other than that I absolutely loved everything about this game. the story is great and well written and well acted. the story is the game's selling point. the plot was good but what I meant is the presentation of the story. they did a great job to make you feel the protagonist's mental illness and self-struggle.
    the environment look gorgeous and yet scary sometimes, they perfected the desolate-feeling environment of the game.
    the combat is simple most of the times, but get intense in some of the harder battles. it's decent, but no-one will play the game for the combat:)    … Expand
  24. nitorita
    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.    … Expand
  25. ayush42
    Sep 9, 2017
    9
    It was a game full of surprises, twists and i mean mind twists and turns. Great Psychological thriller game. Enjoyed playing it. One thing i didn't like about this game is that it was made a bit draggy maybe because of the short story, apart from that it was good whether it is graphics or whatever, it was nice.
    Voices, mind games, everything was amazing.
  26. aditya1101
    Dec 22, 2020
    9
    Loved this game and it's use of audio to simulate psychosis for the player. There are some weak areas in the game but overall it was a super unique, super compelling experience and I'm really glad I decided to pick this game up and give it a try
  27. feather7
    Apr 28, 2018
    9
    Nice idea, really interesting story. And amazing visual quallity. One thing is wrong, only ticket is possible buy. Not BD disk.
  28. Alenori
    May 12, 2020
    9
    As someone who has interacted with closely, and spent time with people who have psychosis, this game is a great representation. Players expecting this game to be like any others fail to see how this game is independent of any other Ninja Theory games. Every part of this game regarding puzzles, challenges, and areas are worked around the psychosis that Senua faces. Combat is good, theAs someone who has interacted with closely, and spent time with people who have psychosis, this game is a great representation. Players expecting this game to be like any others fail to see how this game is independent of any other Ninja Theory games. Every part of this game regarding puzzles, challenges, and areas are worked around the psychosis that Senua faces. Combat is good, the puzzles are implemented in a good fashion albeit some issues with them at times, and the areas that Senua faces bring into the fold or even exacerbate the areas of psychosis Senua suffers.

    This isn't a movie, it is a journey, they player isn't meant to feel like this is just another game, from the way Ninja Theory sets the camera, slightly off-putting the players giving them a sense of unease, the voices, and the Actress whom is one of Ninja Thjeory's own employees.    … Expand
  29. Donnattelli
    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
  30. fake_nikpap
    Jul 14, 2022
    9
    Really nice game with a beautiful narrative. If it's raining outside and you have a free afternoon just play this for 6 hours. It's amazing!
  31. gameking
    Feb 11, 2020
    9
    The atmosphere is amazing. You feel that they are living through the eyes of someone with psychosis. The sounds are very incredible. If you use headset you can feel coming inside your head. Mechanics are good. Puzzle is generally easy but sometimes they are pushing you. The fights are usually the same movements, but in such an interaction with the music it become impressing. And theThe atmosphere is amazing. You feel that they are living through the eyes of someone with psychosis. The sounds are very incredible. If you use headset you can feel coming inside your head. Mechanics are good. Puzzle is generally easy but sometimes they are pushing you. The fights are usually the same movements, but in such an interaction with the music it become impressing. And the graphics are very powerful. The textures, animations, character modelling etc. are amazing. In game Senua can be little slow but you can feel atmosphere because of this. Generally the game is amazing and deserves praise. If you are searching the different game with a good scenario you like that. If you can't like scenario and you want just adventure and action you can't like. The game focus the scenario and realistic experience.… Expand
  32. fouserd
    Apr 23, 2020
    9
    Alright, full disclosure, I got the game shortly after it came out but kept putting it off due to my first experience with it, but after some of my friends nagged me to finish it, I manage to do so and am very glad I did. This game is not a game per-say. If I had to call it something it would be an Experience or a Simulator. This game is super immersive and the permadeath mechanic makesAlright, full disclosure, I got the game shortly after it came out but kept putting it off due to my first experience with it, but after some of my friends nagged me to finish it, I manage to do so and am very glad I did. This game is not a game per-say. If I had to call it something it would be an Experience or a Simulator. This game is super immersive and the permadeath mechanic makes you care about Senua, I could tell you how many times I got a second wind or a shot of adrenalin when she was on the ground about to get killed. The game is graphically beautiful and audio it's amazing but unfortunately, fame is not for everyone. Senua's story is one that needs to be known especially with the second game coming out.… Expand
  33. Overwatcher
    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
  34. clem666
    Feb 27, 2021
    9
    No doubt of it: 'Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice' is one of the most beautiful, authentic, ambitious and interesting game I've played for a while. The idea to work on a subject as deep and unknown to the general public is terrific and clearly carries the popularity of the game.

    Melina Juergen's facial acting is perfect for the main character Senua: she is really expressive, her hole face    No doubt of it: 'Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice' is one of the most beautiful, authentic, ambitious and interesting game I've played for a while. The idea to work on a subject as deep and unknown to the general public is terrific and clearly carries the popularity of the game.

    Melina Juergen's facial acting is perfect for the main character Senua: she is really expressive, her hole face is animated and she is able to demonstrate an impressive palette of varied emotions. The empathy is immediate and easy.

    Story and scenario also are a prowess. They take roots in the celtic and viking mythologies and are deepen by the analysis and expression of Senua's symptoms of psychosis and life as a rejected person. All of this offers us an amazing lore and a gorgeous never-seen-before atmosphere. The auditive and visual hallucinations are particularly perfectly illustrated and incorporated: the multiple voices in Senua's mind are omnipresent and almost always persecutive (the sound with a headset is so intense) while the setting and environment can change at any time as Senua dives into her memories and emotions. The parallel between Senua's mental issues and the demons we constantly fight is brilliant.

    The game is simply magnificent: the lighting is perfect, the colours are wonderful, the environment, the sound and music are all pieces of pure art totally contrasting with the violent and dark themes tackled. The attention to details is amazing.

    No spoil but I found the ending long, kind of boring, confusing and in total opposition with the rest of the game. In addition to that I watched the documentary and also found it disappointing as we can't even see how much time it lasts and we can't choose the topic treated. In the end we have a documentary of indefinite duration tackling all the subjects of the game at once (the psychosis, the making-of, the long phase of searching for information, the mythologies, the locations, etc), making it seem really shallow and unstructured. Excepted these two last frustrating points the game is definitely a must-play.    … Expand
  35. Nameless2131
    Feb 6, 2020
    9
    9/10 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  36. Cedoch
    Apr 26, 2020
    9
    Quelle ambiance ! Un jeu singulier qui vaut le détour. Impressionnant. Moins de 10h pour le terminer, mais des bons moments et une grosse ambiance (noire).
  37. VigilanteOito
    Jan 27, 2021
    9
    Grafico 10
    Modo de combate simples e gostoso.
    Historia incrivel e tensa.
    A personagem principal é marcante, atuação incrivel dessa atriz que fez esse papel.
    Espero que lancem logo a sequencia.
  38. patron11
    Jan 10, 2020
    9
    Looking for a bloody, schizophrenic, demon-hunting Viking-Game? This is it! Whilst the fighting can feel a bit boring after a while, pretty much everything else in this game is perfect. Interesting, easy to follow Story combined with a dark and scary atmosphere and a badass, strong woman as Main-Character who tries to defeat her inner demons and solve a sad plot. Graphics are stunning andLooking for a bloody, schizophrenic, demon-hunting Viking-Game? This is it! Whilst the fighting can feel a bit boring after a while, pretty much everything else in this game is perfect. Interesting, easy to follow Story combined with a dark and scary atmosphere and a badass, strong woman as Main-Character who tries to defeat her inner demons and solve a sad plot. Graphics are stunning and especially the cut-scenes make you fall in love with it. The last 30mins of the game are incredible and just thinking about playing this in VR really makes me shiver!

    8.5/10    … Expand
  39. JuliMumi
    Mar 8, 2020
    9
    Que juegazo. Lleno de matices, momentos tensos, puzzles sin respuesta aparente. Muy bien logrado, recomendadisimo.
  40. Thejodjeremie
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    The game was just a awesome experience. The graphics, gameplay, and music were all incredible. Cant wait for the sequel.
  41. aes23
    Jun 17, 2020
    9
    This game is kind of a game changer when you know the budget it was made with. I found the animations to be even better than even some more recent games made with higher budgets.

    The voices are very well thought in a sense that it serves the story, the character's characterization and even the gameplay when they warn you about a opponent in your back, combat is very pleasing, almost    This game is kind of a game changer when you know the budget it was made with. I found the animations to be even better than even some more recent games made with higher budgets.

    The voices are very well thought in a sense that it serves the story, the character's characterization and even the gameplay when they warn you about a opponent in your back, combat is very pleasing, almost similar to the witcher 3, you can feel like a dancer with swords when you fight.

    Puzzles are also clever and well thought.

    Sound design and music are also top notch. It's definitely a game that stays in your mind for a long time and again, when you consider the "small" budget they had, they put to shame many many many other games.

    9/10    … Expand
  42. Lolpolol
    Jun 22, 2020
    9
    Not without a flaw, but it's an incredibly touching story with great catharsis and interesting variety of ways of engaging with the player
  43. hasz
    Apr 23, 2021
    9
    Even if not perfect, it's a really special game that deserves more appreciation. Senua's journey is highly emotional experience that brought me to tears with it's almost every aspect. Truly one of the masterpieces of art of videogames.
  44. Firas0002
    Dec 21, 2021
    9
    one of the greatest stories I ever played wonderful graphics and soundtrack and it runs on potato pc very well!!
  45. apokalipto
    Aug 13, 2023
    9
    Very good game. I enjoyed playing this game a lot. I strongly recommend this.
  46. Meeplivd
    Nov 8, 2020
    9
    Un juegazo! Audífonos indispensables para disfrutar la experiencia. Lo disfrute mucho en pc, no le pongo un 10 por la duración y algunas mecánicas muy repetitivas, pero en general muy buen juego.
  47. RagnaPork
    Jun 12, 2021
    9
    Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice felt like an arthouse movie with Norse mythology and horror elements. This game is a breath fresh air in a saturated market! Finished the game in a single sitting. Took me about 7 hours or so.

    Warning: Anyone looking for a game that will constantly be helping you out in getting you to the next objective, this game doesn't do that but that doesn't mean its    Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice felt like an arthouse movie with Norse mythology and horror elements. This game is a breath fresh air in a saturated market! Finished the game in a single sitting. Took me about 7 hours or so.

    Warning: Anyone looking for a game that will constantly be helping you out in getting you to the next objective, this game doesn't do that but that doesn't mean its hard.

    Now, for starters, this game has no HUD or the typical hand holding most people expect from a game these days. But the game more than makes up for it with the excellently designed audio ques that play as the voices inside Senua's head. It's a way for the game to convey the character's psychosis and also, helps you (the player) sort out what you need to do at a given moment. The game is a sensory experience in the way it immerses you.

    I had fun learning the lore and the character's motives, though i'll be honest i didn't fully understand the story. But that's not a gripe.

    The majority of the gameplay revolves around puzzles and combat. The puzzles are not complex but will demand your attention. Also, the combat makes up around 30% of the game. The combat is basic but it is visceral fun when you do get to fight! I was always looking for the next sword fight. Its minimal, efficient, smooth and packs a wallop. It never overstayed its welcome for me. The actors and voicing are superbly done too. The controls are smooth and i never encountered a bug. Infact, this game achieved more than what most Triple-A games barely manage to reach.

    Let me wrap this up by saying this. Gamers looking for a fast paced action sword fighting game will be disappointed, but if you can look past that and open up to the experience of what this game is trying to offer, then you might end up having one of the best single player experiences ever.    … Expand
  48. awagam34
    Jan 4, 2021
    9
    8.5/10
    MENU GŁÓWNE
    Zazwyczaj nie zwracam na to zbyt dużej uwagi, natomiast muszę zauważyć że menu główne w Hellblade jest ohydne. Strasznie proste zrobione na "odwal się". Mam wrażenie że programistom zabrakło albo pieniędzy albo czasu. Dobrze że zrezygnowali z tak mało ważnej rzeczy zamiast gameplayu ale i tak niesmak pozostaje. STRACH Przygody Senuy wzbudzają strach. Zimny, mokry,    8.5/10
    MENU GŁÓWNE
    Zazwyczaj nie zwracam na to zbyt dużej uwagi, natomiast muszę zauważyć że menu główne w Hellblade jest ohydne. Strasznie proste zrobione na "odwal się". Mam wrażenie że programistom zabrakło albo pieniędzy albo czasu. Dobrze że zrezygnowali z tak mało ważnej rzeczy zamiast gameplayu ale i tak niesmak pozostaje.
    STRACH
    Przygody Senuy wzbudzają strach. Zimny, mokry, świat wraz z całą to otoczką staroskandynawskich religii. To wszystko pomaga twórcą wywołać u grających skrajne emocje. Nazwanie tej gry horrorem byłoby dla niej obrazą. Growe horrory najczęściej bazują na najbardziej prymitywnych metodach zastraszania, podczas kiedy tutaj nie spotkamy się z ani jednym jumpscarem. Trzeba też przyznać że tempo jest dość powolne, a strach z każdą sekundą narasta. Kolejną ważną cegiełką w murze strachu jest ciemność. Gra jest oskryptowana w taki sposób, że w momentach w których powinniśmy się bać wszystko staje się jeszcze bardziej bure, na ♥♥♥♥♥♥ pojawiają się chmury, a wszędzie pojawia się przerażająca mgła.
    GRAFIKA I PRACA KAMERY
    Hellblade jak większość gier AAA celuje w grafikę realistyczną. Nie jest to mój ulubiony styl, ale muszę przyznać, że Hellblade robi wrażenie nawet dwa lata po premierze. Idealnie zastosowane filtry, zakres kolorów który idealnie pasuje do ciężkiego klimatu całości. Jednakże coś co robi największe wrażenie to praca kamery. W żadnej innej grze nie było to aż tak dobrze zrobione. Głównie jest to widoczne w cut-scenkach, gdzie kamera pokazuje nam tylko to co trzeba, czasami buduje napięcie pokazując nam tylko twarz protagonistki, a czasami po prostu pokazuje scenę z ciekawej perspektywy lub popsuje się efektowny przejściem. Poza przerywnikami filmowymi kamera w jasny sposób pokazuje nam co mamy robić. Delikatnie pomaga nam w zagadkach logicznych, a w czasie walki zmienia położenie, dzięki czemu zawsze wiemy na co się przygotować.
    DŹWIĘKI
    Hellblade było reklamowane jako gra pokazująca choroby psychiczne. Nie wiem na ile zapewnienia twórców pokrywają się z rzeczywistością, ale na mnie jako na graczu robi to olbrzymie wrażenie. Wykorzystanie słuchawek stereo i dźwięku 3d oraz głosy które słyszymy z każdej strony świata podbijają wcześniej wspomniany strach. Już w pierwszych minutach gry dźwięki spowodowały, że musiałem obracać kamerą, aby sprawdzić czy nic się za mną nie znajduje. Szybko jednak orientujemy się że głosy w naszej głowie są bardzo pomocne. Pomagają w zagadkach logicznych, w czasie walki informują jeżeli ktoś się znajduje za nami.(być może tak to widzą ludzie z schizofrenią?)
    WALKA ORAZ PRZEWIDYWALNOŚĆ
    Dość tego słodzenia. Walka w Hellblade ssie pałę. Jest niemiłosiernie nudna, łatwa(nawet na najtrudniejszym poziomie) Przeciwnicy powtarzają się za często, a nagła blokada kamery na przeciwnika potrafi wybić z imersji. Modele przeciwników bardzo często się powtarzają i prezentują bardzo archetypowe klasy postaci.(tank, dps, minion, ninja) Kolejnym problemem jest dążenie deweloperów do balansu między zagadkami logicznymi a walką. Jeżeli walczyliśmy przez 10 min to czeka nas krótka zagadka logiczna, jeżeli walczyliśmy 30 min to czeka nas dłuższa zagadka logiczna. Wygląda to trochę sztucznie i nienaturalnie.
    DŁUGOŚĆ GRY
    Kupując Hellblade trzeba pamiętać, że jest to gra krótka, aczkolwiek intensywna. Mi udało się ja skończyć w 8h, i szczerze mówiąc nawet nie za bardzo zostało co maksować. Wszystkie osiągnięcia są połączone z danymi punktami w fabule(i w tego typu grze, bardzo dobrze!).    … Expand
  49. aalrif
    Aug 1, 2021
    9
    Hellblade merupakan game dengan suasana yang sangat menyeramkan, bukan game horror, tetapi memberikan kesan bahwa ini adalah game horror. Namun, gameplay bukanlah aspek yang unggul di hellblade, hanya sedikit combat dan banyak puzzle yang repetitif dan sulit. Audio yang diberikan sangatlah realistik, bisikan dari kiri kanan yang didengar oleh senua seakan akan dapat kita dengar. DenganHellblade merupakan game dengan suasana yang sangat menyeramkan, bukan game horror, tetapi memberikan kesan bahwa ini adalah game horror. Namun, gameplay bukanlah aspek yang unggul di hellblade, hanya sedikit combat dan banyak puzzle yang repetitif dan sulit. Audio yang diberikan sangatlah realistik, bisikan dari kiri kanan yang didengar oleh senua seakan akan dapat kita dengar. Dengan mengambil tema nordic, hellblade memberikan cerita yang menarik dan merupakan pengalaman bermain video game yang berbeda dari game yang lainnya.
    8.8/10    … Expand
  50. F3T1W
    Aug 27, 2021
    9
    Fantastic, incredibly realistic atmosphere of schizophrenia is conveyed through the entire work
  51. DreamOfHero
    Apr 15, 2023
    9
    Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is an incredibly immersive and immersive gaming experience.

    The lack of Italian voice acting can be a hindrance for some players, but the stunning graphics and bi-neural audio more than make up for it. The combat system is remarkable, comparable to that of the Batman Arkham series. Overall, this game proves that you can create great gaming experiences by    Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is an incredibly immersive and immersive gaming experience.

    The lack of Italian voice acting can be a hindrance for some players, but the stunning graphics and bi-neural audio more than make up for it.
    The combat system is remarkable, comparable to that of the Batman Arkham series.

    Overall, this game proves that you can create great gaming experiences by focusing on a few things done right.    … Expand
  52. justanormie
    Jun 17, 2023
    9
    One of if not my favourite game at the moment. If you want a game that genuinely messes with you and has an actual note from mental health professionals on the launch screen, and you like the setting, it's a must. As a standalone game, it's a bit linear and repetetive, and if you're easily scared or disturbed, steer clear.
  53. Silent-Heal
    Aug 18, 2023
    9
    Interesting game, quality sword fighting, voice acting, plot, the main character, graphics, etc.
  54. brokencinho
    Dec 21, 2022
    9
    Gran experiencia inmersiva es un drama psicologico hermoso de vivir, grandes graficos e historia, el final es epico!
  55. molaram
    Aug 23, 2017
    8
    This game deserves a high rating for 4 reasons:
    1. It subject matter is challenging and original
    2. It is visually impressive, not just for graphical power, but because the graphical tone/effects match the plot 3. The sound design is incredible 4. The fighting, though repetitive, is well thought out. You can just mash attack, you need to use a combination of your 2 attacks, evading,    This game deserves a high rating for 4 reasons:
    1. It subject matter is challenging and original
    2. It is visually impressive, not just for graphical power, but because the graphical tone/effects match the plot
    3. The sound design is incredible
    4. The fighting, though repetitive, is well thought out. You can just mash attack, you need to use a combination of your 2 attacks, evading, kicking and blocking.    … Expand
  56. VitaminK
    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
  57. Augusto
    Feb 14, 2021
    8
    There is a unique gaming experience here and i really recommend that everyone try it out
  58. Rudal
    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.    … Expand
  59. Mandulum
    Jan 12, 2018
    8
    Five Word Review: Combat, story, character make worthwhile.
    Favorite Thing: The story telling and character portrayal were excellent.
    Least Favorite Thing: Hidden object puzzles.

    Date Completed: 2018-01-07
    Playtime: ~ 7h
    Enjoyment: 8/10
    Recommendation: This game has a lot going for it but if you play it for one reason it should be to experience Senua's character.
  60. Aeryx
    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
  61. Klewer
    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.
  62. p1menta
    Jul 5, 2021
    8
    what a good surprise for me. I don't like reading or watching anything about the game before playing it myself, so I can have some wonderful surprises like this one. Beautiful visuals, perfect sound design, interesting plot and narrative and cool and engaging fights (even tho it gets a little too easy as soon as you get the hang of it. The fights look and feel so good that makes you wantwhat a good surprise for me. I don't like reading or watching anything about the game before playing it myself, so I can have some wonderful surprises like this one. Beautiful visuals, perfect sound design, interesting plot and narrative and cool and engaging fights (even tho it gets a little too easy as soon as you get the hang of it. The fights look and feel so good that makes you want more, even tho, I know, it's a more story-driven game.
    The puzzles could also have a little more diversity and criativity. But still a great game. Specially considering it is in the amazing gamepass    … Expand
  63. Tomle1202
    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.
  64. headspacej
    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
  65. jelikey
    Aug 30, 2023
    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
  66. LifeHistory
    Jun 22, 2018
    8
    I want to start by saying this game puts many triple-A Games and companies to shame.
    Now lets get to the Pros and Cons.
    Pros: Gorgeous graphics. Fantastic voice acting. Good Story. Original and fun and well made combat. Cons: I wish all the cut scenes were CGI. The game was very liner. I wish for a more open space so that I can enjoy the beauty of its world. The puzzles where    I want to start by saying this game puts many triple-A Games and companies to shame.
    Now lets get to the Pros and Cons.

    Pros:
    Gorgeous graphics.
    Fantastic voice acting.
    Good Story.
    Original and fun and well made combat.

    Cons:
    I wish all the cut scenes were CGI.
    The game was very liner. I wish for a more open space so that I can enjoy the beauty of its world.
    The puzzles where a bit repetitive and I wish for more variety and improvement.

    The developers made a great job and clearly have the skills to improve and make an even greater game if they have more budget. Now is this game for everyone? Yes and No. I'd say definitely give it a chance its not hard only joy.    … Expand
  67. SangeroN
    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.
  68. shatarah
    Dec 2, 2020
    8
    greattttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt
  69. ComandanteCobra
    Feb 8, 2019
    8
    Good indie. Different. Fun to play and watch. I hope in a sequel.
    It's an cinematic action-adventure game: In some way It's remind me of 90's Another World games for it's mix of puzzles and action..but without platform and with less action (and a different setting and mood of course).
    Lots of puzzles (different that the usual pull-a-level-open-a door), some fighting (few enemies, few    Good indie. Different. Fun to play and watch. I hope in a sequel.
    It's an cinematic action-adventure game: In some way It's remind me of 90's Another World games for it's mix of puzzles and action..but without platform and with less action (and a different setting and mood of course).
    Lots of puzzles (different that the usual pull-a-level-open-a door), some fighting (few enemies, few moves, only one weapon but fun and adrenalinic nonetheless), story is revealed with level progression, permadeath if you fail too many times, very good acting.
    The is no inventory; no map; no tutorial; no multi-choices dialogues; no rpg elements; no platform sequences; no open world; no free save; ..and that It's part of it's beauty....Different and simple.
    About 10 hours of gameplay if you can avoid permadeath.
    Gamepad with force feedback it's almost mandatory .    … Expand
  70. zkvarz
    Dec 30, 2017
    8
    Well done!
    For me this is one of the best games of 2017. Right from the beginning I've noticed that the game has no information on screen and it's very good for immersion. Besides that it has unique way of storytelling with background surrounding voices.It had beautiful design, greatest acting and up to date graphic. Although it's quite a depressing and dark game there is a good moral    Well done!
    For me this is one of the best games of 2017. Right from the beginning I've noticed that the game has no information on screen and it's very good for immersion. Besides that it has unique way of storytelling with background surrounding voices.It had beautiful design, greatest acting and up to date graphic. Although it's quite a depressing and dark game there is a good moral part in it.
    The gameplay is just great. I've played on high difficulty and it was just right. There are a lot of unique puzzles with changing the world surroundings and illusions which added just in the right amount.
    I'ts also a very good mixture of in-game shots with shots filmed on camera. I didn't see that experiment in other games. Also there are no pre-rendered scenes as far as I've seen.
    Some of the downsides for me is that it's relatively short, variety of enemies is not good enough and it's linear so there is little replay value for me.
    P.S. I would personally recommend playing it on HARD difficulty because it's.... just right. Even not that challenging as I expected it to be. On normal mode I would probably not die or die a few times.
    P.P.S Also, I've played with ps4 controller on my PC. With keyboard and mouse was not that comfortable. So if you have a controller I would recommend to play this way.    … Expand
  71. xgfreedom
    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.    … Expand
  72. ikkan
    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.
  73. kch3691
    Apr 1, 2018
    8
    A gorgeous and unique game that deserves to be played despite it's many flaws.
  74. izdwuut
    Jan 6, 2019
    8
    I have long awaited playing this title. I've been sure that it's going to be spectacular, I just haven't excepted being shattered to pieces. It has been one hel(l) of a journey. I'd wish that there were an option to erase this memoir, so I could experience Senua's story once again. I'd wish that I could use it indefinitely. It would be perfect if it came up with a clicker. I would push itI have long awaited playing this title. I've been sure that it's going to be spectacular, I just haven't excepted being shattered to pieces. It has been one hel(l) of a journey. I'd wish that there were an option to erase this memoir, so I could experience Senua's story once again. I'd wish that I could use it indefinitely. It would be perfect if it came up with a clicker. I would push it whenever I'm for some profound feelings of love intertwined with ferocity and fathomless solicitude.

    One, albeit gigantic caveat: the unfortunate mental health disclaimer at the game's start-up. Some of Hellblade's puzzles can really make you question your sanity. Because those who have designed them certainly are out of their minds and catatonia seems like the only rescue for their delusions. It would make them unable to spew allegedly "clever" ideas out of their limb-controlling devices. I haven't except Hellblade to be this immersive.

    + behind the scenes video
    + Melina Juergens performance
    + furies
    + Sea of Corpses
    + motion capture
    + no HUD
    + no loading screens
    + combat
    + slo-mo
    + a pretty decent horror
    + music
    + emotional loading
    + Odin's trials
    + the last boss fight
    + Norse mythology

    - typography
    - some puzzles are questionable at best    … Expand
  75. KARF4GEN
    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.    … Expand
  76. pawq
    Feb 4, 2021
    8
    In the simplest terms, an atmospheric action-adventure game with puzzle elements. But what makes it stand out is the very deep psychological layer, where we're immersed into the mind of someone with severe mental issues. The game has a strong psychological foundation and imo does a great job making the player feel just what it might be like to be in such a situation. Great story-tellingIn the simplest terms, an atmospheric action-adventure game with puzzle elements. But what makes it stand out is the very deep psychological layer, where we're immersed into the mind of someone with severe mental issues. The game has a strong psychological foundation and imo does a great job making the player feel just what it might be like to be in such a situation. Great story-telling and world design complemented this, to make Hellblade a gripping and immersive adventure into the underworld. And the combat system was surprisingly decent for a game of this type!… Expand
  77. GarethB
    Sep 30, 2018
    8
    Different from what I am used to playing, but this is a pretty epic story that throws you in with things you are not used to. A good price point and engaging visuals!
  78. Crimert
    May 8, 2020
    8
    If the puzzles weren't frustrating, I would give 9 out of 10 to this game. Anyway, it was a cool experience for me. I really liked the story-telling, atmosphere, environment and music. 10hrs on record.
  79. Manchosuarez
    Jun 22, 2020
    8
    Great audiovisual experience with a compliant gameplay but lacking in mechanics, nevertheless a great success on the part of Ninja Theory in portraying the problems of Senua's mental problems.
  80. Alentejano
    Aug 9, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The story is really well executed (especially with what it has to say about perspective) with one of the best audio designs in video game, a great soundtrack and an amazing performance by the lead actress. It's not a horror game but there are sections of the game that are terrifying and rely on your hearing to get to somewhere safe. The only negatives I can think of is that sometimes the puzzles can get a bit repetitive and the live action parts can be a bit cheesy.… Expand
  81. csln
    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
  82. danbut110
    Apr 22, 2021
    8
    Приятная игра, с приятной боевой системой и музыкой в конце.
  83. wiseria
    Dec 25, 2022
    8
    basit dövüş mekanikleri, güzel grafikler, başarılı hikaye anlatımı. biraz kısa geldi tadı damakta bıraktı. deneyimlenmesi gereken bir oyun.
  84. Wrathzo
    Mar 25, 2022
    8
    Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is an action-adventure game developed and published by Ninja Theory. Set in a dark fantasy world inspired by Norse mythology and Celtic culture, the game follows Senua, a Pict warrior who must make her way to Helheim by defeating otherworldly entities and facing their challenges, in order to rescue the soul of her dead lover from the goddess Hela. The gameHellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is an action-adventure game developed and published by Ninja Theory. Set in a dark fantasy world inspired by Norse mythology and Celtic culture, the game follows Senua, a Pict warrior who must make her way to Helheim by defeating otherworldly entities and facing their challenges, in order to rescue the soul of her dead lover from the goddess Hela. The game blends different gameplay mechanics and concepts like puzzle solving, psychological horror and melee combat. Voice acting is an integral part of the game, while its cutscenes combine motion capture by Melina Juergens, and live action performances by other actors.… Expand
  85. metesuzuk
    Jan 14, 2022
    8
    It's one of the best atmospheric things I've ever seen, It might sound boring as the gameplay hasn't changed much but it's not because the game isn't long. I was so nervous playing it, great
  86. zzz_DeV1L_zzz
    Jun 25, 2020
    8
    Good story, design, sounds. This all conveys the story very well. But unfortunately the incredibly bad gameplay will lower my rating. The puzzles are not bad, but their diversity is not enough. Fights are just disgusting, they follow the same pattern, you can not change the appearance of the camera. In the middle of the game, there was already a feeling to skip all the gameplay and justGood story, design, sounds. This all conveys the story very well. But unfortunately the incredibly bad gameplay will lower my rating. The puzzles are not bad, but their diversity is not enough. Fights are just disgusting, they follow the same pattern, you can not change the appearance of the camera. In the middle of the game, there was already a feeling to skip all the gameplay and just listen to the story. As for me, the developers should have made a film on this, and if you make a game, then with good gameplay. Unfortunately 8, it would be a movie, put 10.… Expand
  87. AntiqueOne
    Jun 21, 2020
    8
    Atmosphere, voices, graphics made to make you delusional. It is a great story and really moving game. If only gameplay especially combat mechanics were a bit better.
  88. DylanColino
    Feb 27, 2021
    8
    Uno de los mejores walking simulator

    El juego esta muy bueno, trata sobre una chica llamada Senua que busca el alma perdida de su novio, Dillion, todo esto basado en la mitologia griega. Algo que caracteriza mucho al juego y al personaje principal son los problemas mentales que ella tiene, la esquisofrenia, al principio es solo una voz molesta pero a medida que vas avanzando en el juego    Uno de los mejores walking simulator

    El juego esta muy bueno, trata sobre una chica llamada Senua que busca el alma perdida de su novio, Dillion, todo esto basado en la mitologia griega. Algo que caracteriza mucho al juego y al personaje principal son los problemas mentales que ella tiene, la esquisofrenia, al principio es solo una voz molesta pero a medida que vas avanzando en el juego se vuelve mas intensa y perturbadora. Existen un unico coleccionable en el juego que simplemente te cuenta cosas sobre la mitologia griega o sobre el lugar en donde estas.

    Graficamente es impresionante, esta super optimizado en PC y se ve increible, las texturas, los efectos especiales, las animaciones, escenarios, todo esta super detallado, excelente trabajo.

    Con respecto a la jugabilidad, como dije al principio, es un walking simulator semi lineal; algo muy importante es que este juego cuenta con muerte semi-permanente, al principio del juego te avisa de esto, por lo que agrega mucha mas tension a los combates que a pesar de ser super super simple, esto hace que no nos confiemos en los combates y que podamos morir facilmente y no sabremos si esa muerte va a ser la ultima, tenemos un "indicador" que nos avisa cuando es que podamos llegar a perder el progreso y es con el brazo de Senua, a medida que morimos se va volviendo negro.
    El juego esta repleto de puzzles que a pesar de que algunos son muy sencillos, son desafiantes.

    El juego es bastante corto, en 6 7 horas lo terminas y si ya te sabes los niveles y demas, en 4 horas lo terminas. Es fundamental jugarlo con auriculares ya que los efectos de sonido envolventes que tiene son espectaculares, eso si, las voces solo estan en ingles con subtitulos en español, para mi eso no es un problema pero para algunas personas si.    … Expand
  89. SkinBintin
    Jun 27, 2020
    8
    The visuals are absolutely stunning. The story draws you in and remains captivating right to the end... especially if you explore the environments and unlock all the runes talking about the mythology behind it all.

    The only real downside is the rather repetitive boring combat. Bosses are a little different, but you quickly learn their patterns and dispatch them easily as a result.    The visuals are absolutely stunning. The story draws you in and remains captivating right to the end... especially if you explore the environments and unlock all the runes talking about the mythology behind it all.

    The only real downside is the rather repetitive boring combat. Bosses are a little different, but you quickly learn their patterns and dispatch them easily as a result.

    The story, graphics and atmosphere absolutely make up for the dull combat.

    Played it a week or two ago, and it captured me so much, I've been reading mythology books since trying to learn more. Can't wait to play the sequel later this year!    … Expand
  90. SewAwOw
    Feb 4, 2022
    8
    Оригинальная, очень атмосферная игра. Отличная постановка, скандинавская мифология, музыка и общий аудио- и видеоряд на высоте. Сюжет очень непростой в понимании и освоении изза расстройства главной героини, но все равно интересный, к тому же, авторы сделали небольшой фильм о создании игры и дополнительно раскрыли внутренний мир Сенуи. Геймплейно игра простая - мы гуляем, слушаем истории,Оригинальная, очень атмосферная игра. Отличная постановка, скандинавская мифология, музыка и общий аудио- и видеоряд на высоте. Сюжет очень непростой в понимании и освоении изза расстройства главной героини, но все равно интересный, к тому же, авторы сделали небольшой фильм о создании игры и дополнительно раскрыли внутренний мир Сенуи. Геймплейно игра простая - мы гуляем, слушаем истории, ищем руны, деремся с врагами одинаковыми ударами, открываем/зажигаем всякое. Звучит примитивно, однако важно КАК это вписано и подано. Ребята из Ninja Theory постарались на славу, игра не дает заскучать, да и длится недолго. С нетерпением жду сиквела.… Expand
  91. ricky6
    Apr 29, 2022
    8
    le jeu est tres bon, bon gameplay, effets sonores et bo excellentes, son 3d qui nous met en total immersion, l'histoire est confuse de maniere a nous faire vivre la confusion et le délire de senuen, mais cette derneire s'eclairci a la maniere dont le personnage se libère de ses ténébres/délires. je vous invite a regarder le documentaire du jeu fourni avec le jeu qui ecclairci les zonesle jeu est tres bon, bon gameplay, effets sonores et bo excellentes, son 3d qui nous met en total immersion, l'histoire est confuse de maniere a nous faire vivre la confusion et le délire de senuen, mais cette derneire s'eclairci a la maniere dont le personnage se libère de ses ténébres/délires. je vous invite a regarder le documentaire du jeu fourni avec le jeu qui ecclairci les zones d'ombres et explique les nombreuses métaphores presentes dans le jeu ( le jeu entier est métaphorique)… Expand
  92. P1oN4ik
    Jul 25, 2020
    8
    A very pleasant game, which, against the background of all games in the Scandinavian setting, is aimed at acquaintance with the inner world of one of the inhabitants of that time, as for me.
  93. ErayTellezi
    Nov 17, 2020
    8
    Karakterin oyunculuğu ve yüz mimikleri olarak oynadığım en iyi oyun olabilir. Bunun yanında hikayesi, atmosferi ve çok iyi verdiği psikoz hissi ile oldukça etkileyici bir oyun. Combat'ı vasat altında maalesef.
  94. kimi1775
    Nov 9, 2020
    8
    ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎
  95. iCampoRamil
    Nov 12, 2021
    8
    La forma que tiene de narrar y meterte en la historia, con esa mecánica que todos conocemos, magistral.
  96. nikgromda
    Aug 25, 2021
    8
    Меланхоличное произведение, давящее своей холодной, мрачной атмосферой.

    Что с сюжетом? Интересное и местами жуткое повествование о психическом расстройстве. Игра в сеттинге скандинавской мифологии, здесь и северная природа с невероятными видами, и небольшие истории о богах и чудовищах, которые можно услышать вне основного сюжета. Графика отменная, окружение раскрывается по полной.    Меланхоличное произведение, давящее своей холодной, мрачной атмосферой.

    Что с сюжетом? Интересное и местами жуткое повествование о психическом расстройстве. Игра в сеттинге скандинавской мифологии, здесь и северная природа с невероятными видами, и небольшие истории о богах и чудовищах, которые можно услышать вне основного сюжета.

    Графика отменная, окружение раскрывается по полной. Стоит отменить анимации главной героини, выглядит очень реалистично, особенно глаза! Звуковое сопровождение на высоте. Интересно сделаны голоса в голове, которые шепчут на протяжении всего прохождения, играют важную роль в восприятии сюжета и оказывают сильное действие на игрока. Играть обязательно в наушниках.

    Игровой процесс состоит из размеренной ходьбы по небольшим локациям, головоломок, многие из которых скучные, некоторые ужасно бесят, но какие-то довольно интересные. А также из боев, которые выполнены на хорошем уровне. Выглядят как в кино, очень приятно сражаться. Можно делать ловкие комбинации, но иногда камера мешает, особенно в маленьких пространствах. Под конец бои превращаются в полнейший эпик.

    Уникальное творение, это пример игры как искусства. Ощущение, как от просмотра авторского кино. Очень смело вывернуты на изнанку проблемы с психикой. Игра дает возможность прочувствовать, что происходит в голове главной героини. Это ужасно и прекрасно одновременно. Не всем понравится, но однозначно рекомендую попробовать.    … Expand
  97. crowot
    Sep 27, 2021
    8
    I love this game. I never forget this game. This game is my unique experience. Everybody should play this game. Please just play...
  98. meatmant
    Nov 7, 2021
    8
    Геймплей - 9/10
    Графон и визуальный стиль - 9/10
    Сюжет - 7/10
    Саундтрек - 8/10
    Общая оценка - 8/10
  99. WellEvil
    Oct 31, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great game with a huge focus on story, characters, and world-building. I don't remember the last time when the story absorbed me so much. Yes, there are a few bugs here are there, but nothing game-breaking. Usually minor visual glitches.… Expand
  100. joaopoc1998
    Nov 5, 2022
    8
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Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best PC Game of 2017
14
#14 Most Discussed PC Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Jeuxvideo.com
    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.
    Read full review
  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. PLAY! Zine
    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.
    Read full review
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