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. Willverine
    Nov 12, 2020
    10
    one of the best games i ever played !! nice story, sound, all of this game is exellent!
  2. Raios-Rogue
    Jan 14, 2022
    10
    Ninja theory poured their souls into this project knowing they dont have triple AAA budget yet they never stop fighting the darkness and created a triple AAA game experience with amazing graphics amazing sound immersive norse mythology story great puzzles great combat system good boss fights they showed that you can make a triple AAA game with less than a triple AAA budget the only costNinja theory poured their souls into this project knowing they dont have triple AAA budget yet they never stop fighting the darkness and created a triple AAA game experience with amazing graphics amazing sound immersive norse mythology story great puzzles great combat system good boss fights they showed that you can make a triple AAA game with less than a triple AAA budget the only cost that it was a short experience Phil spencer was smart to acquire Ninja Theory i hope Microsoft gives Ninja Theory a huge budget for Hellblade Senua Saga 2 because they deserve it i cant wait to play Hellblade 2… Expand
  3. thiagosrdg
    Oct 24, 2021
    10
    O jogo é muito bom. A história e ambientação do jogo são muito bem construídas. Os gráficos ficaram excelentes. O jogo é curto porém a experiência é intensa e vale muito a pena jogar.
  4. Daemon20
    Mar 7, 2021
    10
    Not just an incredible game but an incredible piece of art, a unique experience that will stick with you forever. A level of perfection and passion that every developer should strive for
  5. infamousgeorge_
    Jun 13, 2021
    10
    A masterpiece, gave me goosebumps throughout the whole game. One of the best games I have ever played
  6. Empidonax
    Apr 3, 2022
    10
    This game is absolutely beautiful, the story is really good, and the game-play is decent. It is the most immersive game I have ever played, and it makes a really powerful experience, though it may not be "fun".
  7. PilotoIrineuJr
    Feb 12, 2022
    10
    Jogo fantástico, uma das mais fantásticas experiências que já tive com videogame. Brutal e cultural. Recomendo para quem conhece um pouco da cultura Celta ou/e Nórdica e que entenda um pouco de doenças mentais, pois assim conseguirá ter o máximo da experiência que o jogo quer passar. Nota 10
  8. CAMHTRI
    Nov 4, 2021
    10
    Best game ever!! ❤️ The development of Senua as a character is just the best I have ever played. As simple as that.
  9. FluorescentJess
    Feb 20, 2022
    10
    El juego más conmovedor que he podido jugar y disfrutar que me emociono y aterro por igual, Senua se transformó en mi segunda heroína favorita después de Aloy, aunque la historia y complejidad de Senua son inigualables, adoro a Dillion y adoro cada parte de la historia. Un juego altamente recomendable que te dejara con un vacío existencial y con ganas de más. Amo a Senua.
  10. Conmanus
    Jan 9, 2023
    10
    Played this early 2023 on ps5 with 60hz turned on- this game still looks better than almost everything released in 2022. This game feels like it was made for me, the quest through hellheim being paired with this girl's madness makes for the coolest envioronments and design in any video game I've played. I just finished witcher 3 and thought whatever I played next would be disappointing-Played this early 2023 on ps5 with 60hz turned on- this game still looks better than almost everything released in 2022. This game feels like it was made for me, the quest through hellheim being paired with this girl's madness makes for the coolest envioronments and design in any video game I've played. I just finished witcher 3 and thought whatever I played next would be disappointing- Hellblade blew me away, I played the whole game over the course of one sunday and it was an experience I won't forget. Sure, the enemies can feel repetitious, but the combat feels awesome and the boss characters are really cool. They already killed it with the first installment, now I'm going to buy an xbox x just to play hellblade 2 because I'm that confident it will be a major event for me.… Expand
  11. Thameruy
    Jul 1, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view.
  12. squarefenix00
    Jan 18, 2023
    10
    ¿Un pequeño equipo de unas 20 personas creó esta maravilla de experiencia? GRACIAS. Un juego más que notable en todos sus aspectos. Deseando más de Senua.
  13. Adrianba
    Dec 19, 2022
    10
    Breathe of fresh air, an experience very different, i loved it from finish to end
  14. Eduardomattos
    Sep 10, 2023
    10
    Muito lindo esse jogo e desafiador, é meio confuso no começo mas é uma delícia de gameplay
  15. RexVanquisher
    Aug 13, 2017
    9
    Excellent game that shows it's calibre more the deeper you go in the game. Enjoyed my time with it, and appreicated Ninja Theory's researches on mental illness as made it more visceral and disturbing in places.

    This game I think will probably remain with you when coming across issues of mental health in every day life.
  16. Sesshomurai
    Aug 29, 2017
    9
    I don't know where to even begin with this. But I'll start with first impressions. This game looks amazing. Far better than big studio productions lately. A true breakthrough in quality and with recent games like Zero Dawn, I thought the bar was set high. It has been reset again. Soon after playing you notice the game provides no HUD or out-of-scene visuals, cues, notifications (other thanI don't know where to even begin with this. But I'll start with first impressions. This game looks amazing. Far better than big studio productions lately. A true breakthrough in quality and with recent games like Zero Dawn, I thought the bar was set high. It has been reset again. Soon after playing you notice the game provides no HUD or out-of-scene visuals, cues, notifications (other than saving). it doesn't hold you hand, provide you with numbers to obsess over. There's no inventory, no crates or barrels to loot. No gear to gawk over, none of that. This game ventures off in a bold new direction. The vision and bravery of this small team to conceive of an experience (I don't even call it a game) so profound, thrilling, confusing and contemplative as this, is just remarkable. I remove my hat and bow to these visionaries.

    This experience centers on a woman, her past, her lost love, her journey into the depths of her mind. It uses metaphor to paint a landscape that is cold, vast and often confusing and frustrating to convey the very emotions the narrative embodies. This brings you into the character. Even though it is 3rd person, you are immersed in this story, which is one of pain and suffering. But also one of determination, faith in oneself and strength. I can see how the layers of this game may not be appreciated by true "gamers". To really appreciate this title, like you would any true piece of art, one must reflect on it. And on oneself. It is an introspective journey.

    This game touches your senses, emotions and thoughts in different ways simultaneously. The stark, solemn and empty world separated by amazingly intense combat, juxtaposed by puzzles that emerge from the subtle shapes and illusions of the world around you.

    This experience is not about diversity, gameplay, looting, or skills. Those things matter to traditional type games where you are the "player". This game is something entirely different. It's an interactive narrative,. a struggle; a rethinking of genres, groundbreaking.    … Expand
  17. Gwyndolin
    Mar 20, 2019
    9
    Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is yet another successful creation of Ninja Theory, and is probably the best manifestation of their game philosophy.

    The game showed a lot of focus and dedication towards its subject matter, which is something many current gen games don’t do enough. It went full deep dive into the subject and crafted the entire game around its main theme and it is brilliant    Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is yet another successful creation of Ninja Theory, and is probably the best manifestation of their game philosophy.

    The game showed a lot of focus and dedication towards its subject matter, which is something many current gen games don’t do enough. It went full deep dive into the subject and crafted the entire game around its main theme and it is brilliant because of it.

    While I do not want to write a synopsis on its plot, I recommend players to play with either surround sound or a headset. Pay attention to its audio and visual beauty. It also may help you understand the lore a bit if you have some knowledge of Norse mythology (if you played the 2018 God of War or watched MCU Thor movies, you should be ok). Most importantly, after you finish the game I strongly urge you to watch the Hellblade Bonus Features under the main title screen. It’s about 20 minutes long but it provides such valuable insight to the subject.

    It always pains me to get around to reviewing the combat aspect of Ninja Theory games after being so emotionally satisfied with everything else it offered. The combat felt a bit shallow. I noticed this flaw is shared by some of Ninja Theory’s best titles, the most apparent and recent example being DmC: Devil May Cry reboot. Whether it’s due to the budget limit or creative differences, the combat, while fluid and polished, just felt like it’s not on the same level as all of its other aspects. But please don’t get me wrong here, the combat is still very fun and engaging and by the time you finally notice its flaws it is already over.

    In conclusion I find Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice to be very enjoyable and memorable. While it does not quite reach the heights of titles such as God of War (2018), Bloodborne, or The Last of Us in terms of flawlessness, it is a valiant effort and sets the bar high for all other indie-AAA games.    … Expand
  18. AaronA
    Aug 9, 2017
    9
    You know a review is fake if it complains about wasting $60 because the game only costs $30...
    Otherwise, this is one of the most unique, emotionally fresh, graphically pleasing, unnerving experiences of all time. I did not even know about this game until a coupe days ago, and I bought it already. That was the fastest discovery-to-purchase time for any game in my library.
  19. Danny_UK
    Aug 11, 2017
    9
    Finally, something different to play! I've been gaming since 1985 and gaming in recent years has become very stale. That is until British developers Ninja Theory gave us HellBlade: Senua's Sacrifice. This is made by a team of just 16 people yet has AAA productions for a price of just £24.99. The graphics are pretty amazing, especially the character models, lighting, reflections andFinally, something different to play! I've been gaming since 1985 and gaming in recent years has become very stale. That is until British developers Ninja Theory gave us HellBlade: Senua's Sacrifice. This is made by a team of just 16 people yet has AAA productions for a price of just £24.99. The graphics are pretty amazing, especially the character models, lighting, reflections and atmosphere. Some things like rocks and trees can have low res textures, but it doesn't really take anything away from how well polished this game is. The atmosphere of the game is a thing of beauty and really sucks and draws you into it. This is also helped by the impressive sound quality and voice acting. Gameplay wise it is pretty basic and is a mix of solving puzzles and sword play. The sword play is fun and fluid even if easily mastered. The puzzles take me back to games of the early 90's when games were harder. Finding and lining up symbols to unlock gates can sometimes be a bit of a chore but the game does let you know when you're on the right track, as it gives off cool red symbols that appear and float about all over the screen to let you know you are close. Not so when having to repair something like a staircase though. You have to figure that out by yourself and while i personally like it i can see some people getting frustrated by it and finding it hard. But if you have been around gaming since the 80's and 90's when games were harder you will more than likely enjoy this aspect of the game compared to all the modern dumbed down games of today. There is that sense of challenge and achievement when completing a puzzle which allows you to move forward in the game. There's no rushing through here. Other puzzles include remembering short paths to escape and the highlight for me is the alternative world puzzles. You walk through certain markers or look through certain objects and they will open up routes you couldn't previously see. Some of these are very subtle like a new route will appear that wasn't there before, or a bridge appearing, wall vanishing opening up a new path to complete a puzzle. Or the entire world scenery will change from dark blue, glum and rainy to bright and sunny as you have to keep switching back between the two to progress through a level and solve puzzles as some routes will only appear when it is dark, rainy and glum and others will only appear when it is sunny. The story is pretty good but what makes it interesting is Senua's mental health problems. She suffers psychosis and hallucinations so you're never quite sure what is real and what isn't. You hear the voices in her head which either encourage her, go against her, or guide her. They can be quite harrowing but can also be quite humorous. The voices in her head made me feel genuinely sorry for her and for the people out there that suffer this horrific mental health problem. But it also made me root for her and i desperately wanted to do right by Senua and guide her down the right paths. And as much as i enjoyed playing such a dark game i got great pleasure when seeing Senua experiencing something joyful like a joyful hallucination that put her in a good place and showed off the innocence of her character, the real her. She is a great character and will go down as one of the most memorable characters in a video game. This is a brilliant game and just £24.99. Contender not just for game of the year but game of this generation.… Expand
  20. Opinionatedhelp
    Nov 7, 2017
    9
    This game is an amazing experience and I have never played anything like it. I am so grateful that such an ambitious and visionary game was made for me to play. The game is beautiful, the story is incredibly engaging and the way that it deals with mental health is so interesting. They have created an amazing character that is so vulnerable but so much stronger because of it. I found theThis game is an amazing experience and I have never played anything like it. I am so grateful that such an ambitious and visionary game was made for me to play. The game is beautiful, the story is incredibly engaging and the way that it deals with mental health is so interesting. They have created an amazing character that is so vulnerable but so much stronger because of it. I found the combat to be very engaging and stylish. The puzzles can go on a bit but the way they are used to tell her story and the way the story evolves as you do the puzzles makes it very worthwhile.

    The only criticism I have is that the fighting mechanics could be a little bit more varied, however this was no a focus of the game and I still found the fighting very rewarding and enjoyable. The second boss fight was one of the most intense and cinematic I have ever experienced.

    I do not often have the privilege of playing games with such a clear vision and where all of the elements of the game are executed in the service of that vision. I recommend it to everybody, it is an experience like no other. This game reminds me why video games are so special as a medium. I have been so excited telling people about this game and I will keep recommending it to everyone I can.    … Expand
  21. C3realkillah
    Aug 8, 2017
    9
    One of the best indie games ive ever played. A deeply emotional and beautifully told story, some of the best fighting animations ive seen in a game, phenomenal art direction, and amazing atmosphere and setting. I still cant believe it was only $30. I highly recommend it if you love games that can be more than just fun experiences...a true work of art and i hope to see more indie developersOne of the best indie games ive ever played. A deeply emotional and beautifully told story, some of the best fighting animations ive seen in a game, phenomenal art direction, and amazing atmosphere and setting. I still cant believe it was only $30. I highly recommend it if you love games that can be more than just fun experiences...a true work of art and i hope to see more indie developers learn from ninja theory's successful project. 9/10… Expand
  22. Danthereddevil
    Feb 26, 2018
    9
    An amazing game and experience. I play a lot of games but games like this is why I love them and I appreciate the story and characters and the world that has been created. If you love games play this it will leave memories
  23. ArchieandErnie
    Aug 11, 2017
    9
    Guns - no
    Explosions - no
    Intelligent storytelling - definitely
    Atmospheric - totally
    Stunning visuals - absolutely
    10/10 - very nearly
    Game Of The Year - quite possibly
  24. limakkepank
    Aug 15, 2017
    9
    One of the best games of recent years. Great story, beautiful heroine, madness and anxiety mixed with amazing graphics and a very nice fighting system. I would definitely recommend. 9/10!
  25. fijiboy
    Sep 7, 2017
    9
    hell blade is sort of an exploration/puzzle/adventure game with with a combat system that's very familiar and fairly simple, but really satisfying and very tense a lot of the time. I enjoyed a lot of the puzzles in the game and thought a lot of the challenges with puzzle aspects were really interesting, but some of the puzzles get repeated quite often and even though I enjoyed them andhell blade is sort of an exploration/puzzle/adventure game with with a combat system that's very familiar and fairly simple, but really satisfying and very tense a lot of the time. I enjoyed a lot of the puzzles in the game and thought a lot of the challenges with puzzle aspects were really interesting, but some of the puzzles get repeated quite often and even though I enjoyed them and thought they were neat, when you get into the late game and still have to solve the same kindof puzzle you've been doing since the beginning it can become kind of annoying, but thankfully there is a lot of variety to the kinds of challenges youll be facing through the game. the game uses audio very creatively and incorporates its audio as a main mechanic in the game and it works really well and makes you feel like a crazy person much like the main character Senua, and is one of the most original and fresh concepts ive seen in a game and brings a lot of awareness to mental illness and how greatly it affects people. the narrative is really good and there are many powerful and emotional moments that are well earned, and is one of the strongest aspects of this game. the story is very smart and well told and I became very invested in senua, her story, her struggles and her flaws. the story creates a very well realized world as well. this is a very dark tale with some really dark subjects being told and there are times where I was actually really scared and disturbed which I wasn't expecting. I think this is one of the best games ive played this year. the only problems I had were with a few of the puzzles being a little frustrating because the didn't give enough clear direction, but that was only with two of them, and a few sections of the game were drawn out a bit to long taking me out of the experience a little I don't understand why they needed to be that way they could of just shortened those small moments and I felt these little frustrations took me out of the game a lot especially the some of the reapeating puzzles, but other wise this is a must play game and I highly recommend it. there is no game like this out there and its a very unique, fresh, intense, epic and emotional experience. the game is about 8 hours but is half the price of a full price game, and I forgot to mention that the game is absolutely gorgeous and I adored the games design of the locations, enemies and atmosphere.… Expand
  26. GamergodsFail
    Aug 13, 2017
    9
    Aside from a few small bugs sprinkled here and there, Hellblade is a groundbreaking achievement in the gaming industry. It is the new golden standard in terms of how far games can go at delivering such a powerful and personal narrative, enough to really make me feel a strong connection to all the mental suffering and anguish that this poor girl was going through. It is a game aboutAside from a few small bugs sprinkled here and there, Hellblade is a groundbreaking achievement in the gaming industry. It is the new golden standard in terms of how far games can go at delivering such a powerful and personal narrative, enough to really make me feel a strong connection to all the mental suffering and anguish that this poor girl was going through. It is a game about struggling to cope with loss, and is an absolute masterpiece and a true work of art.

    9.5/10, would be a 10 if they can patch all the technical issues.    … Expand
  27. Brat
    Aug 13, 2017
    9
    You've got to love a story driven game, not another h&s. Some people believe that "a walking simulator" cannot be a good game. Here a story plays a role, not fighting, visuals (pretty good for a non AA game). Worth the money. Keep up the good work Ninja Theory!
  28. enixkingdom
    Aug 15, 2017
    9
    This game heavily relies on narrative and fantastic sound design, to immersive you in a journey that approaches the subject of mental illness in a way I hadn't experienced before, and I really enjoyed that. Combat is not the main focus here, the mechanics are good but quite basic (even during boss fights) and you're fighting for about 30-35% of the time in total. If you don't like the wayThis game heavily relies on narrative and fantastic sound design, to immersive you in a journey that approaches the subject of mental illness in a way I hadn't experienced before, and I really enjoyed that. Combat is not the main focus here, the mechanics are good but quite basic (even during boss fights) and you're fighting for about 30-35% of the time in total. If you don't like the way that sounds then honestly you'll probably want to skip this because it's not for you.

    As for the puzzles, in the first couple of hours I felt they were hurting the pacing of the story a little bit ,but once I started paying attention to sounds and visual cues, they were pretty straightforward for the most part, but I could see others not being a fan of them. You'll understand why they were implemented like that when you watch the bonus documentary they included in the game. Again, Hellblade is not for everyone, but if you appreciate the effort to push storytelling in videogames, you should really check this out.    … Expand
  29. 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
  30. AreYouSerious
    Aug 10, 2017
    9
    One thing I'll never understand is when a gamer who likes FPS's, who wants to kill something every 2 seconds, gets annoyed with a game like this, when they can't?

    Are peoples eyes painted on? Do they not watch the trailers? The game is exactly what they told us it would be - and something truly unique and special. Saying that, it's utterly disturbing and totally messed up... but in    One thing I'll never understand is when a gamer who likes FPS's, who wants to kill something every 2 seconds, gets annoyed with a game like this, when they can't?

    Are peoples eyes painted on? Do they not watch the trailers?

    The game is exactly what they told us it would be - and something truly unique and special. Saying that, it's utterly disturbing and totally messed up... but in an amazing, engaging, can't-take-your-eyes-off-the-screen, type of way. I couldn't stop playing, and knocked it out in one 8 hour session... not something any other game has managed to get from me before.

    Is it perfect? No. I found there were some pacing issues and graphical inconsistencies. But as an overall experience - and for only $30 - you can'y go wrong.

    If you want something different, this will satisfy your needs.    … Expand
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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

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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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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