Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1461 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,097 out of 1461
  2. Mixed: 178 out of 1461
  3. Negative: 186 out of 1461
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  1. symmetriebruch
    Jul 14, 2023
    1
    they have a mental health advisor and a historic advisor. that´s nice and all but how about a gameplay advisor? that´s what this game needs. if you wanna do anything else but slowly walk around don´t buy this. the graphics are nice sure but nothing special at all. even this games only achievement is severely limitited by the terrible fov. you get a few degrees and that´s it. you wanna lookthey have a mental health advisor and a historic advisor. that´s nice and all but how about a gameplay advisor? that´s what this game needs. if you wanna do anything else but slowly walk around don´t buy this. the graphics are nice sure but nothing special at all. even this games only achievement is severely limitited by the terrible fov. you get a few degrees and that´s it. you wanna look around? sure no problem get yourself a sandwhich because even looking around takes ages. you can actually fight maybe half a minute per hour you get to use your sword? but for what purpose? there´s no progression, there´s no challenge. the only challenge is preventing enemies from getting behind you which happens quite a lot because of your terrible fov but this can be mitigated by constantly dodging around every few seconds which of course wouldn´t be necessary in competently designed game. it´s pure distilled pretentious boredom. this game has no clue what it´s doing in the category of "game" and therefor is perfectly represented by it´s beatifully animated and rendered protagonist, confused open mouthed staring, stumbling around with no clue what´going on or what she is doing here. hellblade demonstrates that you can polish a turd. but that unfortunately won´t stop it from beeing a turd.… Expand
  2. Solidsnake69
    Jun 15, 2023
    0
    Boring puzzles. People liked it because of the I'm not even sure actually. If you like walking with voices in your head with crap combat you will love this game.
  3. MasajaMasta
    May 31, 2023
    3
    As an opposite to the authors of this game, I will spare you some time. Why the score is so low?

    I feel tricked. I thought this would be an innovative game. This is at its core mechanically a very simple-minded casual game with a very basic not think-trough (because of the camera) fighting system that bases too much of its strengths only on the main character while also trying to be    As an opposite to the authors of this game, I will spare you some time. Why the score is so low?

    I feel tricked. I thought this would be an innovative game. This is at its core mechanically a very simple-minded casual game with a very basic not think-trough (because of the camera) fighting system that bases too much of its strengths only on the main character while also trying to be dark,
    but its darkness is fully gimmicky and has nothing to do with real-world dark psychology. Also, that throws the idea of "this is a visual medium, show, not tell" out of
    the window. So it takes the worst writing lessons and the whole time just tells you 90 % of the story throw constant monologues through readed text.

    So if you like story games where the screenwriters constantly just tell you how you should view something and tell you what something is like and tell you what somebody is like and tell you how you should feel about it instead of just showing and leaving you to have your own conclusions... Boy oh boy, you will definitely love this one:]

    The scenery is always closely the same but with different effects put on it like fire, shattered glass, or "drowsy", such great stuff. Also making half of this game looking for shapes in the environment that is mostly in different shades of grey while the character covers 1/3 of the screen because of the camera placement simply proves that in the end makers of this game had no idea what they were doing, and definitely no clear vision for this game. So 80% of it is exactly like a walking simulator. As I said, it's a game for casuals. Just so you know. I didn't know. Because all the reviews I was reading of this game didn't mention it! Also, it wasn't marketed that way! If that is "not being tricked" I don't know what is. Maybe It would be ok but the story is too busy trying to be artsy to be actually good and showing me why should I care about anything. The music is good and there is definitely too little of it. By the way, the main protagonist is the only thing that looks good (amazing even, such beautiful eyes!), everything else just doesn't (I love how corridor structured the game is, or how some of the grass has textures and some not, or how your hands clearly don't touch the doors that you constantly have to open again and again and how many textures in the scenery look like ps2 game (i hate this line but I ain't joking here) so on and so on...). And unfortunately, all of those close-ups of her face to show off the gimmick made her acting look forced and not natural (it feels more like an over-excited movie art student who couldn't hide the excitement of making a movie!). It takes you out of the experience too much. Well... I could go on and on and on. But I stop here. You get the idea.

    I hate that a "Story game" now just means a game where they talk a lot:) Because when we have movies where they "talk a lot" that definitely means we also have a great story here, are we not?:)    … Expand
  4. timyz
    Apr 17, 2023
    2
    I will just go straight to the point. Despite all the glowing reviews which I can agree to disagree, I must say this "walking simulator" left me feeling utterly unimpressed.

    -The combat was about as smooth as sandpaper.

    -The story was so forgettable, I'm already struggling to remember any of it.

    A solid 2/10 for me.
  5. Goncii28
    Mar 5, 2023
    3
    Hellblade has interesting ideas, concepts and moments of psychosis. Unfortunately, the gameplay is absolutely awful. The puzzles are tedious, repetitive and poorly design. The combat is mediocre and the pace is really messy.
  6. GreenhouseSlk
    Nov 29, 2022
    0
    Trash microbots made another trash what a shame this game is straight up from garbage
  7. leafyguy
    Nov 28, 2022
    2
    This might be for some people but i was expecting a combat focused adventure with creepy vibes. what i got was boring basic combat annoying constant voices unbearably slow pace and constant infuriating puzzles. Uninspired viking zombies that looks like it was ripped straight from god of war. Needless to say i hated this and was annoyed i wasted money on it
  8. timyzs
    Nov 13, 2022
    3
    Despite all the good reviews, I find this 'walking simulator' not fun and not engaging. Combat feels clunky, story is not memorable. 3/10 for me and this is personal.
  9. BigChase41
    Mar 6, 2022
    3
    Good game BUT, slow motion is for **** Console players obviously want a handicap lame
  10. Beelfro
    Jan 16, 2022
    4
    After really enjoying "A Plague's Tale: Innocence" I wanted more of that dark moody stuff. So I Googled "Games similar to..." and this game came out as the first result. After very briefly reading one of the many stellar reviews, I purchased the game.

    Right after the first few seconds, some voices in my head started telling me that this was going to be an amazing game. Until I had to    After really enjoying "A Plague's Tale: Innocence" I wanted more of that dark moody stuff. So I Googled "Games similar to..." and this game came out as the first result. After very briefly reading one of the many stellar reviews, I purchased the game.

    Right after the first few seconds, some voices in my head started telling me that this was going to be an amazing game. Until I had to actually start playing.

    Mindlessly mash some buttons whenever a baddie appears in front of you, slump around like a headless chicken trying to find shapes in the environment to open gates, rinse and repeat.

    And the most baffling thing about this game, is that you can lose your savegame if you get killed too often, with no option to turn that off in the settings (AFAIK). In a game this boring? Having to slump through the whole thing again? No effin way.

    I ended up "playing" this thing with a walkthrough constantly open on my tablet, until I decided to simply not bother anymore.

    In my opinion, this is an experience more than it is a game. I would have actually enjoyed just walking around, taking in the dark yet beautiful scenery, and interacting with the lorestones for some Valhallian history. The developers could at least have included that as an option. It seems to me that this would be the perfect game for that. It would at least justify the full price I paid for it (40$ CAD).

    But, unlike Senua, I don't feel like making the sacrifice of slumping through this, just because I splurged the full price for it.
    Now, those voices in my head are laughing at me, saying "he just wasted 40$, heehee", and I keep seeing red dollar sign shapes everywhere.    … Expand
  11. BallzyDan
    Oct 5, 2021
    1
    Game description is inaccurate. This is a walking/jogging simulator with hypnotic puzzles and occasional atrocious combat that just requires you to mash square for a while. Sound quality was amazing but does not make up for the game being terrible every where else.
  12. Steyraus
    Aug 22, 2020
    3
    This game is literally look at a shape , find that shape in the environment, walk walk walk , walk, 2 minute fight, find shape in the environment. Repeat... Ninja Theory were smart making this games small and fast to capitalize on what is popular with games journalist and You Tuber at the time "Muh Mental Illness" . They ate this junk up , like a banana sunday, but the banana is a turd. ItThis game is literally look at a shape , find that shape in the environment, walk walk walk , walk, 2 minute fight, find shape in the environment. Repeat... Ninja Theory were smart making this games small and fast to capitalize on what is popular with games journalist and You Tuber at the time "Muh Mental Illness" . They ate this junk up , like a banana sunday, but the banana is a turd. It allowed them all to wallow in their one self diagnose mental issues and promote the game at the same time.
    One of the most overrated game ever. Even visually its not even on par with average looking games of this generation and the 3D audio was a complete gimmick, nothing that hadn't been done better already.    … Expand
  13. dudukin
    Jun 5, 2021
    4
    Such a disappointment. Don't understand the hype this game is just so boring. Dreadful story dreadful puzzles and dreadful gameplay. The combat was fairly decent but you won't be doing that a lot. What a waste of time and money.
  14. gamerz4life
    Apr 11, 2021
    2
    Yes I applauded Ninja Theory when they said they were attempting to make a AA game that could compete against the AAA market (yet they sold out to Microsoft not a year after with grins on their faces) but be better than the indie market. However, I then played this game and boy did I not know what I was getting into and the marketing for this game was designed so you wouldn’t know thatYes I applauded Ninja Theory when they said they were attempting to make a AA game that could compete against the AAA market (yet they sold out to Microsoft not a year after with grins on their faces) but be better than the indie market. However, I then played this game and boy did I not know what I was getting into and the marketing for this game was designed so you wouldn’t know that this is not a game after all.

    At first I looked at this game like ‘oh this is how they saved some money here or there’ but the further you get into the game, you realize that what they really did was cut corners. They had one of their workers be Senua and do the motion capture and voice. The other characters? Well they don’t really exist in game, in that if you hear the voice of the couple other ‘characters’ that supposedly exist Senua turns around to face the screen, staring straight at you, which is terribly off-putting and 4th wall breaking, all because they didn’t want to animate anyone else. And then there’s some weird SEGA CD video being put in for the 2 men she knew. A video recording next to Senua who is a game generated person.

    No more needs to be said on the mental illness factor, by now we all know they consulted with top people in the mental health field, I mean it’s all Ninja Theory told us over and over!!! But is anything actually told or learned about this supposed mental illness Senua is dealing with? Nope. It was just used as a selling factor and boy did people eat it up just based on that. How sad. The voices are more annoying than anything. The best part of the game was when the voices stopped. The real mental thing that happens in this game is that you’re trying to hold onto your own sanity to finish this trash heap.

    Not enough people have commented on gameplay. I don't know why but Ninja Theory decided to not have any sort of tutorials whatsoever, including simple little prompts that pop up on screen to tell you what the buttons do. Now this wasn't my first rodeo so I wasn't completely lost but when the first thing the game wants you to do is 'focus' and you either have to pause the game to look at the button controls or start pushing every button on the controller to see what will happen, it pulls you out of the experience a bit. Warning: Senua’s run is as fast as a character in a real game’s walk and she gets stuck with ladders quite a few times and you have to figure out how to mess with the buttons to force her up and down them.

    Not to mention combat. The button response time felt like it needed work. I'd be hitting dodge or block and nothing would happen, resulting in me getting hit and at a disadvantage as I tried to recover so I could move before another hit took place. But with the no button prompts comes the fact that if you're doing good enough eventually you'll see this white symbol appear, where you're like I wonder what that is? Well game won't tell you. But if you accidentally hit focus during that moment, you enter into bullet time mode that slows down the enemies and lets you do a lot of damage before they can attack you. Then you get to the parts where the enemies have multiple states and you can only attack them in bullet time so you waste time trying to perfectly dodge to build up focus. All trying to pad time onto the game.

    The puzzles start out okay. It seems like two different ones in a pretty big area until you continue past the first two bosses and it becomes the same ‘line up the symbols’ puzzle over and over and OVER again. Not only that but it becomes where you just turn around and go ‘oh there it is’. No work needed, how fricking lazy. Would it really have been that hard to toss a few different type puzzles to open doors? Answer: no, no it wouldn’t have been.

    No memorable music. The only good music is the end battle song and the end credits song, neither of which were made for the game which makes sense. Music wasn't made to put you in the setting, not when the voices were too loud to hear anything else anyways. Speaking of which I could not hear the characters speak for the life of me. I turned down music and vfx and it didn't make a difference. Who releases a game without having made sure you can hear what's going on?

    The ending spits in your face, there is no boss fight, you never go against Hella and the multiple enemies you fight? There’s no point, the game wants you to die to trigger the awful ending cutscene. (Just die, don’t fight!!) It’s especially terrible with the ending line 'I have no more story to tell' then immediately says 'come join me for another adventure'. They want a sequel! Of this non-game!

    Do NOT buy this 'game'. Don't be tricked like I was. This was nothing more than an art project to Ninja Theory, it was never meant to be played or experienced as a story. You will not care a lick about the characters because the creators sure didn’t. The worst 8 hours of ‘gaming’ I’ve ever done.    … Expand
  15. Hackslashshoot
    Feb 8, 2021
    0
    slow slow slow puzzle puzzle puzzle slow slow slow puzzle puzzle puzzle the rare fighting sequence are far and few in between the literal walking through hoops listening to a crazy lady with voices in her head. Sorry nerds this game is garbage
  16. jozbaldwin
    Jul 7, 2020
    0
    After 3 years of its release, the torch game breaking glitch is not fixed. This is not acceptable.
  17. Alucardcastle13
    Apr 2, 2020
    1
    STOP! This game is TRASH!

    This game is by far the worst game I ever played in my life! It sucks! I bought it, played it for couple hours and hated it, here is why: *The voices in Senua's head sound so stupid and dumb, actually sounded like someone with lack of talent reading a godamn script and so freaking repetitive. *So much unnecessary shaky camera movements that pissed me off    STOP! This game is TRASH!

    This game is by far the worst game I ever played in my life! It sucks!
    I bought it, played it for couple hours and hated it, here is why:

    *The voices in Senua's head sound so stupid and dumb, actually sounded like someone with lack of talent reading a godamn script and so freaking repetitive.

    *So much unnecessary shaky camera movements that pissed me off because they made me feel dizzy and about to puke! Literally, the camera shakes so much it makes your head spin, plus so much intense bright lights will give you a headache, a headache that for me lasted all night.

    *Plus all those stupid nonsense puzzles, nothing but walking, then more walking around, every place looks the same... OMG SO BORING MAN!!! So boring and annoying that I found myself retuning it back to the store right next day. I felt better by leaving this comment here. Rated 1 to show comment but deserves ZERO. Thank you!    … Expand
  18. VokrugVostok
    Mar 20, 2020
    1
    Boring plot, soapy graphics, strange and the same time gameplay, disgusting protagonist, very short storyline, poor and boring history introduction, psychosis is completely implausible.
    But very very easy platinum.
    Скучный сюжет, мыльная графика, странный и однотипный геймплей, отвратительный протагонист, очень короткая сюжетная ветка, исторические факты бедны и скучно внедрены, психоз    Boring plot, soapy graphics, strange and the same time gameplay, disgusting protagonist, very short storyline, poor and boring history introduction, psychosis is completely implausible.
    But very very easy platinum.
    Скучный сюжет, мыльная графика, странный и однотипный геймплей, отвратительный протагонист, очень короткая сюжетная ветка, исторические факты бедны и скучно внедрены, психоз представлен совершенно неправдоподобно.
    Зато очень очень лёгкая платина.    … Expand
  19. morse
    Feb 7, 2020
    3
    There are bad games, and then there are boring, pretentious non-games like Hellblade. The graphics, presentation and atmosphere are great (if you ignore the excessive use of effects) but where is the game? The puzzles (if you can call them that) mostly involve searching for different angles to look at things, and combat is extremely repetitious and tries (and fails utterly) to challengeThere are bad games, and then there are boring, pretentious non-games like Hellblade. The graphics, presentation and atmosphere are great (if you ignore the excessive use of effects) but where is the game? The puzzles (if you can call them that) mostly involve searching for different angles to look at things, and combat is extremely repetitious and tries (and fails utterly) to challenge the player simply by throwing waves and waves of similar enemies at them. Initially, the idea of mental illness as the focus of the game's story seems intriguing, but it becomes apparent very quickly that this topic is ill-suited for a video game as it weakens player immersion greatly. This happens mainly because at every turn, we are reminded that Senua's experiences are a result of her mental illness, and are not "real". Furthermore, Senua's backstory is mostly not "shown" but just "told", which makes it even more difficult for the player to identify with the character. Honestly, given the gameplay and story deficiencies, I am quite surprised at the good score this game gets here in Metacritic.… Expand
  20. darthcooper
    Dec 14, 2019
    0
    After 2 hours of pure boredom, and even more, long winding tedious gameplay where I actually wanted to wake up from the nightmare of having actually spent money on this game. Each has their own opinion and I really have nothing good to say about this game. Thumbs down for me.
  21. turbosnail
    Dec 2, 2019
    3
    Perhaps my expectations were too high, but after an hour of gameplay I realized "this is it; nothing happened so far, and nothing more is going to happen."

    If you are looking for an action / adventure game, *this is not it*. Stay far away from this! If you are looking for an audio-book about the inside of schizofrenic people and a video of rocks, rocks and more rocks (and some wood)    Perhaps my expectations were too high, but after an hour of gameplay I realized "this is it; nothing happened so far, and nothing more is going to happen."

    If you are looking for an action / adventure game, *this is not it*. Stay far away from this!
    If you are looking for an audio-book about the inside of schizofrenic people and a video of rocks, rocks and more rocks (and some wood) and you don't mind the absence of any gameplay; go buy this.    … Expand
  22. garbalau
    Nov 27, 2019
    0
    Unplayable **** I only resisted first 2-3 hours and then you know, I'm done. 90% of game-play we try to visual connect some branches, top of the roof and some crap like that, to form a sign that opens door to next location with dull boss and another "genius" logic game. Yes, maybe story is stunning, kind of nice graphic, sounds are also very good, if you want to play - play in headphonesUnplayable **** I only resisted first 2-3 hours and then you know, I'm done. 90% of game-play we try to visual connect some branches, top of the roof and some crap like that, to form a sign that opens door to next location with dull boss and another "genius" logic game. Yes, maybe story is stunning, kind of nice graphic, sounds are also very good, if you want to play - play in headphones to get maximum of it, but still, for me really boring, simple and not interesting.… Expand
  23. Quillcannon
    Aug 21, 2019
    0
    I have nothing against the developers, but something about this game disgusts me on an instinctual level. Every design decision I suffered to come across playing it felt forced and unimaginative. I've played bare-bones walking simulators with more stable and more engaging gameplay. Nothing about this game is worth suffering through its entirety. Save your hard-earned money, save yourI have nothing against the developers, but something about this game disgusts me on an instinctual level. Every design decision I suffered to come across playing it felt forced and unimaginative. I've played bare-bones walking simulators with more stable and more engaging gameplay. Nothing about this game is worth suffering through its entirety. Save your hard-earned money, save your precious time that you're never gonna get back, and play something else. Anything else.… Expand
  24. SplitMind
    May 4, 2019
    4
    The intentions and ambitions for this game are great, however the execution lets it down very badly.

    The story is intriguing, the atmosphere compelling and the audio disturbing, and that's the end of what I found positive. The puzzles form the main content of the game, and they are absolutely infuriating in their tedium and repetition. It is the exact same formula for each puzzle but    The intentions and ambitions for this game are great, however the execution lets it down very badly.

    The story is intriguing, the atmosphere compelling and the audio disturbing, and that's the end of what I found positive.

    The puzzles form the main content of the game, and they are absolutely infuriating in their tedium and repetition. It is the exact same formula for each puzzle but the keys are placed is slightly different locations each time, meaning a lot of wandering around in badly lit areas. By the time I'd reached the third puzzle I had clocked on that this was what I could expect for the rest of the game and subsequently quit playing after just a couple of hours of gameplay.

    I did find the combat somewhat enjoyable but again this became repetitive very quickly and enemies lacked diversity also.

    The graphics are excellent but undermined by my above points. I was really looing forward to this game after hearing so many good things and am massively disappointed to have been met by what is essentially a walking simulator.    … Expand
  25. theTRUTHson
    Jan 22, 2019
    2
    Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator WalkingWalking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator Walking Simulator… Expand
  26. Ghoster
    Jul 29, 2018
    3
    This game was during release compared to Tomb Raider games. Don't know why, but it's nothing like TR! While TR is action packed game full of action this one is walking simulator where you - well, walk! Walking with some puzzles which are always the same. There is really small amount of fight after each hour of walking and watching sequences. Problem is in fight is - it's bad doneThis game was during release compared to Tomb Raider games. Don't know why, but it's nothing like TR! While TR is action packed game full of action this one is walking simulator where you - well, walk! Walking with some puzzles which are always the same. There is really small amount of fight after each hour of walking and watching sequences. Problem is in fight is - it's bad done (developers should play Dark Souls for a while to check how fight should be done properly). Most disappointing is ending with probably worst boss fight ever which last forever followed.
    Maybe for somebody who was prepared this game is walking simulator and not real game experience was better, but overall not good at all.

    Only thing AWESOME in this game is voice acting. I loved inner voice and specially Shadow voice! Two thumbs up for that!    … Expand
  27. Dohmein
    May 30, 2018
    1
    This game is **** I am utterly shocked at the good reviews - even a few of them. You walk around for hours, fight for a total of about 4 minutes. Everything looks the same and its bland at that. Visuals? What effin visuals? Running is walking in any other game. I paid 16 and I overpaid by 10 easy. All my friends were like make sure you use headphones. I did - got old listening toThis game is **** I am utterly shocked at the good reviews - even a few of them. You walk around for hours, fight for a total of about 4 minutes. Everything looks the same and its bland at that. Visuals? What effin visuals? Running is walking in any other game. I paid 16 and I overpaid by 10 easy. All my friends were like make sure you use headphones. I did - got old listening to that nonsense over and over and over and over..... It offers nothing in terms of gameplay. I can see why this game is focused on mental health, it will drive you bat **** Cmon folks this game is just crap I do not believe anyone who gave this over a 5… Expand
  28. Seraphiel
    Apr 23, 2018
    3
    I am very frustrated by this game because what could have been a perfect game is rendered mediocre by lack of attention to actual gameplay.

    What does this game do well? Firstly, the atmosphere is absolutely fantastic. The depiction of mental illness is managed tastefully and accurately and the voices in Senua's head very often mirror your own thoughts. Indeed, the voices will often warn    I am very frustrated by this game because what could have been a perfect game is rendered mediocre by lack of attention to actual gameplay.

    What does this game do well? Firstly, the atmosphere is absolutely fantastic. The depiction of mental illness is managed tastefully and accurately and the voices in Senua's head very often mirror your own thoughts. Indeed, the voices will often warn you when an enemy is about to attack from behind and, after a while, you are forced to admit to yourself that you've come to rely on the voice much like Senua has. That part is great.

    What part is mediocre: The story. There's really not much there for all the game's feigned deepness and, without spoiling things, the end is a massive anti-climax.

    The aspect that lets the game down is really everything about the gameplay. There are three things you will do in this game: Combat, puzzle solving and moving between areas for combat and puzzle solving. Now, I'm not averse to either one if they are done well but both are exceptionally boring and repetitive here.

    COMBAT: With the exception of two semi-bosses there are three enemy types. (1) Viking with shield, (2) fighter with two swords and skeletal cow's head (3) large guy with a giant axe. Be prepared to fight these three copy & pasted enemies over and over and over again in more or less the same order. In this game once you've had one fight then you've basically had them all. Even the repetitive nature of the encounters could be worthwhile if the combat mechanics were interesting or fun but instead you will find yourself doing exactly the same thing in each encounter; block, stab, block, stab, block, stab, charge magic mirror *killing spree*, block, stab etc etc etc. If you're fighting giant axe guy then you will substitute dodge in place of block but that's about as diverse as combat gets in Hellblade.

    PUZZLES: 90% of the puzzles involve lining objects up in order to make a symbol appear. This is never particularly difficult but often involves lots of repetitive running about at Senua's irritatingly slow jogging pace. No matter how you look at it, this puzzle is simply not very fun and the repetitive nature of this was tedious and boring. The other puzzle is to look through a magic portal which makes reality on the other-side subtly change, this was a fun mechanic the first few times but, again, it is used to death in one section and then never used again.

    Often it feels that the actual gameplay was an afterthought. I suspect that the game developers created a pseudo-walking simulator and then thought "this feels empty and short lets add some filler in to pad it out a bit".

    This brings me to my final point, the game is very short. I would estimate a four - six hour play time depending on how quickly you progress. I finished it in around 5 hours and that included exploring all the areas fully. I certainly wasn't sorry to see it end as, by that time, I was thoroughly bored but if you measure game value in a ration of gameplay hours to money spent then the game is probably not worthwhile.

    In summary: I really really wanted to like this game and the game deals with some concepts fantastically but it is let down by a lack of real depth and by poorly implemented gameplay.    … Expand
  29. z80
    Jan 13, 2018
    2
    Amazing graphics and atmosphere at the first glance. It holds for half an hour until you realize how boring and shallow the game actually is. Walking through a insulated trippy corridor with stupid and mind-boggling puzzles along the way. The way the character's way is blocked by every tiny branch, brick or 1 ft ledge is pathetic. I can barely remember a recent game that made me hate it soAmazing graphics and atmosphere at the first glance. It holds for half an hour until you realize how boring and shallow the game actually is. Walking through a insulated trippy corridor with stupid and mind-boggling puzzles along the way. The way the character's way is blocked by every tiny branch, brick or 1 ft ledge is pathetic. I can barely remember a recent game that made me hate it so much and so fast.… Expand
  30. Chulja
    Oct 29, 2017
    4
    Overrrated. My Opinion. Starts with big "Ahs" and "Ohs" for the style, the presentation and the upcoming expectations. Ends with "Oh no, not find a pattern again". Boring, so boring that I quit, even if the playtime should not be too long.
  31. CavalierAU
    Oct 20, 2017
    4
    While the Norse mythology setting is appreciated -- the main character's plight of bringing back her boyfriend from death is extremely melodramatic, it doesn't coalesce well with the setting nor her depiction as a strong warrior. Senua can barely keep it together in the cutscenes yet she's cutting down 10ft tall 'Northmen', there's a huge disconnect between gameplay and herWhile the Norse mythology setting is appreciated -- the main character's plight of bringing back her boyfriend from death is extremely melodramatic, it doesn't coalesce well with the setting nor her depiction as a strong warrior. Senua can barely keep it together in the cutscenes yet she's cutting down 10ft tall 'Northmen', there's a huge disconnect between gameplay and her characterisation.

    A 'psychological warning' is presented at the start of the game which only reminds us of how protective of delicate sensitivities this industry has become. If you're cynical to melodrama and overacting, this story will get old fast.

    This 'visual novel' features very shallow gameplay: a small scattering of combat scenarios against only a few different enemy types, and the simplest of puzzles that typically only require you to look at shapes at a certain angle. An entire section of the game is pitch black darkness that's somehow presented as a new challenge, which only serves to frustrate the player.

    Much attention to detail was paid in modelling Senua, and she looks realistic. However she can only barely interact with her lifeless environment. She can climb ladders, open doors, vault over small ledges and carry a torch. That's it.

    Supporting characters aren't 3D modelled but are blurred actors in costume, which feels cheap. I don't believe for a moment that the scrawny actor playing 'Dillion' was some kind of masterful warrior. He looks like a celtic bard.

    If there were still video stores to rent from, I'd only recommend renting this 5-hour title. Play through it once and then watch the other ending on YouTube.    … Expand
  32. JaySilver
    Sep 7, 2017
    0
    This game is plain, static and boring. Maybe such a game would have been great in the 90s, but in 2017 its a slap in every gamers face. Why? Because this so called "Triple Indie" sells itself by telling people its an indie from an AAA-Developer. You don't even have any weapons, skills, inventory or HUD. I really thought the indie hype is over, but it seems, that some fanboys just can't getThis game is plain, static and boring. Maybe such a game would have been great in the 90s, but in 2017 its a slap in every gamers face. Why? Because this so called "Triple Indie" sells itself by telling people its an indie from an AAA-Developer. You don't even have any weapons, skills, inventory or HUD. I really thought the indie hype is over, but it seems, that some fanboys just can't get enought of mediocre and dull games. I played it for an hour and I wouldnt recommend it to anyone whos looking for a good time.… Expand
  33. wnsguddnjfem
    Sep 6, 2017
    4
    The graphic of this game is not bad. but playing is very boring with same patterns, same weapon....
    and i can't understand narratives, scripts...and the description of psychotic symptom was not impressive
  34. MovieNerd_EP
    Aug 20, 2017
    1
    A weak plot, bad acting, terrible characters, basic/uninteresting combat, awful gameplay and a pace that is pretty much nonexistent. The only thing which elevates this "game" above utter trash are some interesting visual and auditory aspects, though this can not save this game from it's inherent dullness! The main character is incredibly bland, a fact that the developers try to hideA weak plot, bad acting, terrible characters, basic/uninteresting combat, awful gameplay and a pace that is pretty much nonexistent. The only thing which elevates this "game" above utter trash are some interesting visual and auditory aspects, though this can not save this game from it's inherent dullness! The main character is incredibly bland, a fact that the developers try to hide behind her mental illness, which is used as a device, not only to disguise a weak character but also to discourage critics from criticizing this game. The psychological elements are poorly implemented and don't make the game that interesting. This game had potential, but is not the masterpiece people call it!… Expand
  35. juancmontoya2
    Aug 16, 2017
    2
    Why aim for AAA game graphics if it'll be the only thing you accomplish? The gameplay is not fun or interesting at all. Indie games excel in having fun and diverse gameplay wrapped in stylized graphics. Super realistic graphics don't make a game.
  36. tenow
    Aug 14, 2017
    1
    Face-cap technology, pretentious story, very slow running and no game mechanics is all you need for AAA indie title. I never knew having mental disorders can be so boring. There is no reason for this game to have no gameplay. There are multiple games exploring this subject where you can actually do stuff and they are better games: Eternal Darkness, Life is Strange, Max Payne, Silent Hill,Face-cap technology, pretentious story, very slow running and no game mechanics is all you need for AAA indie title. I never knew having mental disorders can be so boring. There is no reason for this game to have no gameplay. There are multiple games exploring this subject where you can actually do stuff and they are better games: Eternal Darkness, Life is Strange, Max Payne, Silent Hill, Psychonauts. And this is not the same as train simulator where being boring is being realistic. Slow running and ugly, unintuitive, non-interactive level design were not a necessary part of experience.… Expand
  37. Darkzentai
    Aug 12, 2017
    3
    Promising looking game that's just boring .
    To put it simply with no spoilers it's a walking simulator with a bit of combat and some dull puzzles.
    Very disappointing shame really I was looking forward to hellblade being good .
  38. beanofwar
    Aug 10, 2017
    2
    Chattering voices, while part of the story, are annoying. The movement is extremely slow and cumbersome. The viewpoint for 3rd person is way too close to the character, and kind of makes me queasy to watch for too long. The combat is very basic (rhythm combat style with obvious visual queues of when to block vs dodge) and very basic attack strategies. Slow walking/jogging duringChattering voices, while part of the story, are annoying. The movement is extremely slow and cumbersome. The viewpoint for 3rd person is way too close to the character, and kind of makes me queasy to watch for too long. The combat is very basic (rhythm combat style with obvious visual queues of when to block vs dodge) and very basic attack strategies. Slow walking/jogging during exploration/puzzle sections. Beautiful looking game, but I'm ready to turn it off and never come back.… Expand
  39. 0megadgodofgods
    Aug 10, 2017
    0
    Este juego es una farsa, es otro the order 1886, una pelicula con apenas gameplay no deberia considerarse como un videojuego. Otro titulo glorificado que le miente a las personas para que caigan como the order 1886. Ninja Theory, la desarrolladora que engaño a todos arruinando la saga Devil May Cry, vuelve hacer de las suyas con este titulo que ni videojuego se deberia considerar.
  40. srknbyz
    Aug 10, 2017
    4
    Puzzles for children and for just waste your time over and over again. Fight against same things hundred times. Weak story and expected ending. Just graphics and atmosphere good. Seriously couldn't find out what's this hype for.
  41. vincentpwnage
    Aug 10, 2017
    0
    Wow, this is not a bad game but any means. But, it has multiple game breaking glitches. After completing about 95% of the game, being hyped for the games release since its first trailer, all just to get stuck on a bridge right before the final boss of the game is probably the worst feeling you can experience playing this game. This game is getting a zero from me until im actually able toWow, this is not a bad game but any means. But, it has multiple game breaking glitches. After completing about 95% of the game, being hyped for the games release since its first trailer, all just to get stuck on a bridge right before the final boss of the game is probably the worst feeling you can experience playing this game. This game is getting a zero from me until im actually able to PLAY THE GAME.… Expand
  42. jro3001
    Aug 9, 2017
    0
    Bafflingly stupid puzzles. Combat straight out of Infinity Blade. I used to really dig Ninja Theory but this is just terrible and i won't bother with them ever again. Wish I'd gotten this on Steam instead of PS4 so i could get a refund.
  43. Amocoru
    Aug 9, 2017
    4
    Generic enemies you'll see over and over again with almost no change. The game feels like you're solving the same puzzle every level. The combat is just spamming the attack button and sometimes rolling. I don't care if it's an Indie company. Too much went into graphics and gameplay suffers because of it.
  44. Doctordarkspawn
    Aug 9, 2017
    3
    Full disclosure: I grapple with suicidle tendancies and anxiety.

    Now that we've got that out of the way, Hellblade is not what I wanted to play when I sat down to play a game by ninja theory. The game is essentially just a roadmap of mental illness and disturbing imagry using the norse pantheon as a canvas. The game succeeds in making the game ABOUT mental illness, and portrays it    Full disclosure: I grapple with suicidle tendancies and anxiety.

    Now that we've got that out of the way, Hellblade is not what I wanted to play when I sat down to play a game by ninja theory. The game is essentially just a roadmap of mental illness and disturbing imagry using the norse pantheon as a canvas.

    The game succeeds in making the game ABOUT mental illness, and portrays it well. The game does not succeed in being fun or interesting. It is near a walking simulator. Combat, when it does happen, is basic, and short. The game is more concerned with forcing you to watch suffering of Senua and others rather than actually tell a story.

    Bottom line: If I wanted to watch a snuff film I would have. The game is more concerned with portraying mental illness then giving me gameplay worthy of a 30 dollar price tag. It isn't worth that. It's worth maybe ten, for what your geting.

    Wait until it goes on sale, or if you want something light and fun, pass entirely. The game tries to be a train-wreck where you cant look away, but I felt myself alt-tabbing more than any other game built on atmosphere I've ever played.    … Expand
  45. jdellama
    Aug 8, 2017
    0
    I have really been looking forward to this game. I sat down to play it and was amazed at the graphics and atmosphere. Shortly after the opening, we (as the player) are warned that you can only die a few times and the game is over. OK, I am sure they factor in a learning curve, right? So I am on the 3rd fire gate (less than 45 minutes into the game). You have to run from the idol throughI have really been looking forward to this game. I sat down to play it and was amazed at the graphics and atmosphere. Shortly after the opening, we (as the player) are warned that you can only die a few times and the game is over. OK, I am sure they factor in a learning curve, right? So I am on the 3rd fire gate (less than 45 minutes into the game). You have to run from the idol through the fire to the next door. So far, I have died 6 times trying to get from one end to the other. The first time, I got trapped in the fire. 2 times, I fell off the board into the fire, and 3 times, the monsters got me. so, as I see it, i paid $60 for less than 1hr. I will not replay this. Awesome graphics, great combat, but this death thing is retarded. I would give this a full FAIL!… Expand
  46. kenmil
    Aug 8, 2017
    1
    I find it hard to understand how so many people can work for so long to produce this piece of crap. Message for the developers :- Sony provide 4 triggers on the controller so that players can use them in action games. That is because it is more comfortable/natural. Pressing buttons to activate a sword attack is just plain stupid. Then there are the movement mechanics. I think a woundedI find it hard to understand how so many people can work for so long to produce this piece of crap. Message for the developers :- Sony provide 4 triggers on the controller so that players can use them in action games. That is because it is more comfortable/natural. Pressing buttons to activate a sword attack is just plain stupid. Then there are the movement mechanics. I think a wounded crab moves more smoothly than this character.
    The game itself seems to want to make some statement about insanity, but just what that is remains a mystery. Walking endlessly and fighting enemies every so often is hardly entertaining. This game has nice graphics, but lacks any quality beyond that. Its only saving grace was the throwaway price. That is exactly what I did with it.    … Expand
  47. Kaioh
    Aug 8, 2017
    1
    You can:
    - run or walk
    - fight guys with bad FOV
    - solve stupid puzzles
    You can't
    - understand a stupid cryptic plot
    - play as a white oppressed man

    Do not waste your time and money. Also, ending was ****
  48. portmanteau
    Aug 8, 2017
    3
    drudging,dour, linear, clunky and not at all fun, at least for me. Buyer beware, this is a Psychosis simulator & partially playable ( basically on-rails ) story. The swordplay, is not bad.. but the movements are leaden and heavy. I can imagine a lot of people will get much out of the skillfully rendered atmosphere, but for me the intensity is not balanced out with the gameplay, you cannotdrudging,dour, linear, clunky and not at all fun, at least for me. Buyer beware, this is a Psychosis simulator & partially playable ( basically on-rails ) story. The swordplay, is not bad.. but the movements are leaden and heavy. I can imagine a lot of people will get much out of the skillfully rendered atmosphere, but for me the intensity is not balanced out with the gameplay, you cannot traverse simple obstacles, you plod along, and if the story is your main goal, great, if not... look elsewhere. I can see why it's digital only, no refunds.… Expand
  49. Puzonli
    Aug 8, 2017
    0
    The most boring game as of late. I almost fell asleep during intro, then several repetitive identical puzzles make me yawn some times. Аfter that I closed the game and run Devil May Cry.
    Dull combat system, it's boring walking simulator. And normal people play games for gameplay, if want a picture - there are movies, if want a plot - there are books.
  50. NotMyFinalForm
    Aug 8, 2017
    1
    If you're expecting good gameplay then just avoid this game. This is just another highly pretentious and cinematic walking simulator with brainead puzzles and combat being overrated by hipsters.
  51. Road_Dogg
    Aug 8, 2017
    1
    Hellblade: Senuas's Sacrifice can kill you!
    Why? This game is boring af. The game is slow, you just walk for 50min then you use your sword for 3min and then walk again. BORING FEST!

Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Best PS4 Game of 2017
17
#17 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2017
26
#26 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 68 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 68
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 68
  3. Negative: 1 out of 68
  1. Screen Rant
    Dec 20, 2018
    90
    Both proof that small development teams can make great games, and that video games can handle heavy themes in their own way.
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  2. Critical Hit
    Dec 20, 2018
    80
    Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a prime example for anyone making the case that video games are a powerful art form. Creatively ambitious, it’s exceptionally well-thought-out and implemented – making it striking at both a sensorial and psychological level as it delves deep into an exploration of life with psychosis. It has its gameplay flaws but remains must-experience for adult audiences. An instant classic for this generation.
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  3. 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.
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