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. T-Opel
    May 23, 2019
    10
    An absolute masterpiece! Never before have I ever felt this much connection to a character.
  2. Mahdiar
    Oct 31, 2017
    7
    Gameplay : 6
    Graphics : 8
    Story : - (1 hrs played)
    Sound : 8
    **********************************************************************************
    Overall : 7
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Ted_Tris
    Jun 20, 2021
    0
    This is not a game but a mess.
    He wants to be something f()cking deep, but he doesn’t go for it.
    Apart from being immeasurably annoying it is not fun because the game content is 0.
    A typical example is when they want to sell anything with graphics and a lot of tech ****
    It can't be said to be so beautiful today.
    I think it's a boring crap.
  6. logic
    Dec 1, 2017
    10
    Game of the year. Super enjoyable couple of hours. Engaging characters and deep storyline. Loved the Celtic lore. Combat on the keyboard is a little klunky. Amazing audio in this gem - wear headphones.
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. bloozy
    Sep 19, 2017
    5
    Weak combat system and gameplay. Boring locations and riddles.

    Unless the sound deserves respect. As a game, it is bad and overrated. It's just a piece of bad art. This is an artistic installation!
  11. sanchouz
    Aug 20, 2020
    7
    Very special experience. The sound and music outstanding - recommended to use headphones. The game-play is little bit slow - good mix between puzzles and fights that are tough. The plot for my view is not so interesting so i found my self not even listening to Brut at some point of the game.
  12. Afanasyev
    Jan 25, 2018
    10
    Это великая игра. Только не пытайтесь играть под препаратами, даже алкоголем. Есть небольшие притенении к программистам, но
  13. VTL
    Dec 11, 2019
    10
    Perfecto. No puedo decirlo de otra manera... lo jugue al máximo y con cascos al maximo que podia sin perder la audicion y a oscuras, y la sensacion de agobio de querer morirse que te transmite el juego es demoledora. Sin dar miedo, sin sobresaltos, sin escenas de pura accion... Shenua viaja al interior de su mente en un mundo nordico/apocaliptico que la verdad es que lo unico malo es quePerfecto. No puedo decirlo de otra manera... lo jugue al máximo y con cascos al maximo que podia sin perder la audicion y a oscuras, y la sensacion de agobio de querer morirse que te transmite el juego es demoledora. Sin dar miedo, sin sobresaltos, sin escenas de pura accion... Shenua viaja al interior de su mente en un mundo nordico/apocaliptico que la verdad es que lo unico malo es que acaba... Y si alguien se lo pregunta el game play si es sencillo, pero es el que ha de tener este juego.… Expand
  14. rotwildherzen
    Sep 14, 2017
    10
    In my opinion it's game with great atmosphere, if you know what I mean. All these voices in Senua's and your head.. they could be scaring sometimes.
    The picture is good, animation is good, "game spirit" is good
  15. Sh3riff
    Sep 8, 2017
    10
    I am no puzzle guy, but this game was kinda cool .. I love psychology and this was kinda very awesome. Music was epic, especially at the end .. spend almost 4 hours at the end battle. Game lacks some basics options, like mouse sensitivity option, especially when running around and solving puzzles, its was no problem when fighting. Really loved the game.
  16. CoreGamer1408
    Mar 9, 2022
    4
    As a game it fails, because it wants to be way to cinematic movie-esque type of experience. The puzzles and the exploration/climbing is all dull padded out filler. The combat sections while impressively animated was over pretty quick. This is the type of experience that could of been cut down into a animated movie and I know I would of loved this story in that format.
  17. 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.
  18. Nobobs
    Sep 16, 2017
    10
    After playing the game and watching diaries about development I believe Ninja Theory worked their butts off making this game. The game is not non stop action like a shooter though.

    I've been a gamer for over 30 years and what I like has definitely changed over the years. What I look for in a game really changed after playing The Last of Us. A game that tells a great story, gets you    After playing the game and watching diaries about development I believe Ninja Theory worked their butts off making this game. The game is not non stop action like a shooter though.

    I've been a gamer for over 30 years and what I like has definitely changed over the years. What I look for in a game really changed after playing The Last of Us. A game that tells a great story, gets you emotionally involved in the game and has you actually care about a factional character. I wouldn't have thought that was possible. Ninja Theory did a great job of doing exactly that for me. Yes it's a slower pace and you have to work more to understand the story(pay attention to the lorestone and the voices) but if you do it's a great story. It's a very difficult subject but they pull it off very nicely.

    The combat is simple but it was satisfying for me. Because of the permadeath or threat of it made for some very intense combat. Combine that with the visual and audio excellence it made for a very satisfying game for me, especially for 30 bucks!

    I understand why this game will not appeal to some but it makes no sense to hate it especially just because people like me love it. For example I find most other games boring, especially most shooters but I would never give any red reviews but because it didn't appeal to me.

    In the end if you don't mind a slower pace, care about story and character development with combat being just part of the game not a majority, give this game a try. I hope you get as much enjoyment out of it as I have.    … Expand
  19. JewDoctor
    Dec 19, 2018
    10
    Great story, great sounds, voice acting, animation, music, graphics, overall design. this game gave lots of emotions (in a good way). Of course this game isnt without problems (walking walking walking walking ...... MORE WALKING) but i just cannot deny that i loved this game. also, i do not really recommend to play this game if you are 14. this game is not about slashing enemies 24/7 andGreat story, great sounds, voice acting, animation, music, graphics, overall design. this game gave lots of emotions (in a good way). Of course this game isnt without problems (walking walking walking walking ...... MORE WALKING) but i just cannot deny that i loved this game. also, i do not really recommend to play this game if you are 14. this game is not about slashing enemies 24/7 and acting as a superhero. i am surprised to see this kind of game in the market where nearly everything is boring, or not working, or about YEAH DIE EVERYONE BI***ES AHAHHAHAHA FU*K YEAH. very pleased. thank you ninja for this present.… Expand
  20. TheMeadow
    Dec 4, 2017
    10
    I was expecting a basic psychotic horror game... I was pleasantly surprised by the wide arrange of emotions this game made me feel. I would recommend anyone to purchase this.

    It's important to immediately mention that this game is doing its part in destroying the stigma around mental illness. It puts you in the position of a warrior who has psychosis perfectly with the use of amazing    I was expecting a basic psychotic horror game... I was pleasantly surprised by the wide arrange of emotions this game made me feel. I would recommend anyone to purchase this.

    It's important to immediately mention that this game is doing its part in destroying the stigma around mental illness. It puts you in the position of a warrior who has psychosis perfectly with the use of amazing acting, binaural sound, and graphics that don't hold back.

    I would urge anyone interested in this game to take the critiques it receives with a grain of salt.

    Many are disappointed by the combat system's spam-one-button-to-win nature, but the intimidating nature of the enemies, the commentary of the voices, and the perma-death system made battles an intense and enjoyable experience. You also see a lot of hate for things like the camera positioning or the imbalance between gameplay and cutscenes. These didn't bother me at all. These are stylistic choices that game devs have the right to make. In a time where we can begin to question what makes a game a game, these complaints become senseless.

    Play this game.    … Expand
  21. hamed1372
    Dec 9, 2017
    10
    It was an extraordinary game that you cant even imagine.the dark atmosphere.the sounds in Senua's head were perfectly annoying but its good.the feelings that she had about herself and she torturing herself.for me it was an interesting and perfect game because it had some unique experience.
    to anyone who didn't played they missed a masterpiece
  22. mekss
    Feb 9, 2018
    10
    I haven't written any review yet, this is my first one. I got it yesterday, and finished at 5.AM, sitting there, staring in my screen, not understanding how to feel. I have not got such an emotions before at all, but in the books that I read as a kid. I can not describe the emotions that ran through me during the game. I did not know anything about mental illness motive before I bought it,I haven't written any review yet, this is my first one. I got it yesterday, and finished at 5.AM, sitting there, staring in my screen, not understanding how to feel. I have not got such an emotions before at all, but in the books that I read as a kid. I can not describe the emotions that ran through me during the game. I did not know anything about mental illness motive before I bought it, I just red a positive comment in you tube, and when the game started, it seemed as another creepy yet interesting fantasy game about scandinavia and gods. In few minutes of gameplay I smiled as I felt feeling I had been feeling long ago, only in books, where reader can see through eyes of the hero - the game started to get in my head. Fascinating. Amazing. I feel as I am different person,l even now I don't understand how I feel, the game is a masterpiece, messing not only with senua, but letting player fell the fear, uncertainty and personal quest. However, there was a hint that there will be a sequel, and I am afraid that this game is one of the things that needs to be left as it is - I could play through it again only after some time, it is like a heavy movie. I am afraid that developers wont succeed in next series, ruining the game.… Expand
  23. 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
  24. Brose
    Feb 8, 2019
    10
    This game right here is the reason I still play PC games as an adult. From first trailer I saw I was really interested. Let's just say that there isn't too much coming out these days that I actually get excited about. But the atmosphere, graphics, sounds, the dark somber tone of the world, and especially character design were enough to hook me off one trailer. And the game didn'tThis game right here is the reason I still play PC games as an adult. From first trailer I saw I was really interested. Let's just say that there isn't too much coming out these days that I actually get excited about. But the atmosphere, graphics, sounds, the dark somber tone of the world, and especially character design were enough to hook me off one trailer. And the game didn't disappoint one bit. A good story with a great main character set in an extraordinary world. The pacing was good, the different locales were visually and emotionally stimulating, and the story actually was really good.

    Took me I think 6-8 hours to complete. Sure, I would've taken more but it was certainly enough game to end up being my favorite game of 2017, by a mile, just as Demon's Souls was far and away my number one game of 2008. I think I may start my second play through very soon. Writing about it has reminded me of just how enjoyable of an experience it was!    … Expand
  25. rezo_21
    Nov 15, 2021
    6
    ====================IIIIIIIIII GAME SCORE : 61 IIIIIIIIII====================
  26. MaxmilianKohler
    Aug 19, 2020
    5
    Mouse movement sucks no matter what. And at some points it drastically increases your mouse movement.

    Don't mind a story-heavy game. Not a fan of the symbol matching. Not a fan of the fighting. You have to guess what buttons and combos of buttons they want you to press at what points. And it completely locks your movement and vision. There are some things that are buggy. Like I    Mouse movement sucks no matter what. And at some points it drastically increases your mouse movement.

    Don't mind a story-heavy game.

    Not a fan of the symbol matching.

    Not a fan of the fighting. You have to guess what buttons and combos of buttons they want you to press at what points. And it completely locks your movement and vision.

    There are some things that are buggy. Like I lined up the right signals but it doesn't register.

    Found the symbol stuff boring, and the fighting was repetitive, boring, restrictive, and tedious. That's most of the game right there, so I uninstalled early on.    … Expand
  27. ningky
    Sep 3, 2019
    1
    เล่นไม่จบ
    เวียนหัวมาก

    This game is totally bad!!!! Graphics, Story, Cut scenes and Game play are bad.
  28. Matusiowo
    Aug 16, 2020
    6
    + Emotionally greatly developed with fantastic dubbing
    + Cool idea of puzzle by matching visually the environment to a symbol
    + Interesting main character with incorporation of psychotic reality + Fighting feels good mechanically (though it's not huge part of the game) +/- Surprising handling of ending with mixed feelings towards it - Very narrow variety of what player can do. It    + Emotionally greatly developed with fantastic dubbing
    + Cool idea of puzzle by matching visually the environment to a symbol
    + Interesting main character with incorporation of psychotic reality
    + Fighting feels good mechanically (though it's not huge part of the game)

    +/- Surprising handling of ending with mixed feelings towards it

    - Very narrow variety of what player can do. It feels more like watching a movie with a walking simulator
    - Repetetiveness with puzzles and mostly are about running around    … Expand
  29. CaspianRoach
    Feb 5, 2020
    2
    Do you enjoy watching a pretentious theatrical performance while five people are sitting near you constantly commenting on everything and whispering into your ears? Then congratulations, this is for you. It might hide an okay game underneath, but dear god I couldn't bear the constant nagging and noise following you everywhere. Sure, this might be the point the developers wanted to convey,Do you enjoy watching a pretentious theatrical performance while five people are sitting near you constantly commenting on everything and whispering into your ears? Then congratulations, this is for you. It might hide an okay game underneath, but dear god I couldn't bear the constant nagging and noise following you everywhere. Sure, this might be the point the developers wanted to convey, but it's like sticking your hand in a meat grinder to 'experience new emotions'. It's not pleasant and I'm baffled as to why would anybody want to subject themselves to this, let alone pay for the experience. It should have been paying me for putting up with this nonsense.… Expand
  30. mateusbatatais
    Mar 1, 2020
    4
    Juro que insisti nesse jogo... Aparentemente uma boa história e bom gráficos. Puzzles repetidos e jogabilidade travada. Na minha opinião, so isso nao faz um bom jogo.

    História: 9
    Som: 10
    Jogabilidade: 2
    Gráficos:10
    Diversão: 2
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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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