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. 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
  2. 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
  3. badgerryan19
    Aug 8, 2017
    9
    Wow what a great game. As many people along side with me has been watching this game come to life by the Dev Dairies. The game has gone through massive changes over the years and it shows by the polish and improvement overall. I love what Ninja Theory is trying to do with the whole indie game but an AAA product and I hope that developers start to experiment with this strategy as well. NowWow what a great game. As many people along side with me has been watching this game come to life by the Dev Dairies. The game has gone through massive changes over the years and it shows by the polish and improvement overall. I love what Ninja Theory is trying to do with the whole indie game but an AAA product and I hope that developers start to experiment with this strategy as well. Now onto the game. The voice acting and the presentation/graphics are stunning and Ninja Theory should be commended on there work with such a low budget. The story is so fascinating and how realized psychosis is in the game. The illness is very well implemented into the game too. During combat the voices can yell behind you, or focus. And finish him and end it so you can know when to charge in for that final blow. The combat I really like but I can see people wouldn't because it is a little simplistic, but it wasn't necessarily needed to progress the story. The game heavily relies on cutscenes and cinematic presentation which is always a plus in my book and clearly makes sense why is a PS4 console exclusive, since Sony loves its cinematic gameplay presentations. The game can be beaten in roughly 5-6 hours but the game is very unique and something different and I think if people would give it a chance and help support Ninja Theory they will like it. And heck for $30 you can't go wrong with that.… Expand
  4. karco
    Aug 8, 2017
    6
    Typical Ninja Theory game: good story, great art and sound (especially idea with voices in the head), mediocre gameplay (except maybe two or three puzzles in Odin's trials). I recommend to play this game on easy, because battle system is primitive and somewhat clunky, enemies are useless bulletsponges and encounters are too frequent.

    9/10 for story. 5/10 for gameplay. And I think,    Typical Ninja Theory game: good story, great art and sound (especially idea with voices in the head), mediocre gameplay (except maybe two or three puzzles in Odin's trials). I recommend to play this game on easy, because battle system is primitive and somewhat clunky, enemies are useless bulletsponges and encounters are too frequent.

    9/10 for story.
    5/10 for gameplay.
    And I think, that gameplay is the most important part of any game so 6/10 overall.    … Expand
  5. 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 ****
  6. subcontracting
    Aug 8, 2017
    10
    Script and Senua are amazing! Solid 10! Like a breath of fresh air between weak every year shooters and MMOs. Price are damnly fair! Story very intim and give a feel of what happens.
  7. 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
  8. OfTheMagi
    Aug 8, 2017
    6
    I am going to concede immediately and strongly that this game is artistry. When I concede the point, I am not speaking of 'graphics' -- much too small a word to convey the various immersive elements Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice excels at. This effort is beautifully photo-realistic and lovingly rendered with art direction that is at once daunting and aloof, allowing the player to share inI am going to concede immediately and strongly that this game is artistry. When I concede the point, I am not speaking of 'graphics' -- much too small a word to convey the various immersive elements Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice excels at. This effort is beautifully photo-realistic and lovingly rendered with art direction that is at once daunting and aloof, allowing the player to share in Senua's sense of penetrating a foreign and hostile hellscape, but it is also intricate and personal, as Senua reacts and flinches, balks and lunges at her own personal demons given form in another culture's landscape and mythology before her. But, those are just the visual elements. The sound design is perhaps some of the best I have ever played through. Unlike so many games, the music is not so omnipresent that it becomes a character unto itself competing with the one I am controlling, rather it is utterly organic to the experience Senua is having. It so flawlessly punctuates the game play that I only noticed how well it was carrying me emotions when I had to mute my TV to answer a call. The mind-expanding surround of Senua's psychotic voices so mimic psychosis in the real world that there is a psychiatric caution preceding the game, similar to those that other games have for epilepsy patients. If you suffer psychosis, this game might be too 'real' for you. And, that is brought to bear with technical mastery in the sound mixing of this game. The principal character's psychotic voices speak from all directions, to her, to themselves, to each other, even to you. I turned on subtitles to get some distance from it myself, not that I was about to think any of Senua's voices in her head were my own, but just to be sure. You can insert a nervous laugh here, and if you were playing, you'd be hearing one as it circled behind you. Yes, this game is art. But, one does not play art. This is also a game. And, unfortunately, it is in game mechanics that I had to start deducting points from what would otherwise be a 10. The game is brief all-told. Playing it, you will guide Senua through a series of environments in which she does the same several exploration puzzle-solving maneuvers over and over. You will face several Vikings and have combats that look great, owing to beautifully realized motion-capture. Then you will fight a boss with a pattern of attack you must memorize in order to counter it in a few specific ways. The duration and complexity of each of these puzzle areas, and the duration and complexity of each boss's attack sequence will increase, otherwise you'll be doing the same several things through only enough different environments that you can feel the repetition begin to weigh on the game. And, then it will end, having given you less than 24 total hours diversion, less than 12 if you're good, about 6 if you're great. The artistry of the game should not be minimized, and the game is worth the retail price just to experience it, but set your expectations to that level. You will be playing interactive art, more than you will be playing a game, and it will only take as long as visiting a good museum.… Expand
  9. GavinC543
    Aug 8, 2017
    10
    As a 22 year old male dealing with his fair share of tragic aftermaths, I can honestly say that this game has been one giant mixed array of emotions. Somehow I was both slumped into, and, on the edge of my seat. It has been one strangely comforting, heavy, meditative journey through the psyche of a psychologically fragile person walking from one end of her self-prolonged imprisoningAs a 22 year old male dealing with his fair share of tragic aftermaths, I can honestly say that this game has been one giant mixed array of emotions. Somehow I was both slumped into, and, on the edge of my seat. It has been one strangely comforting, heavy, meditative journey through the psyche of a psychologically fragile person walking from one end of her self-prolonged imprisoning 'ordeal', to the other.

    It can be pretty damn daunting for for some 'odd' low-key types to make it threw a day without being bombarded with various perspectives from what we perceive to be solely sourced externally (from other people). Depending on the individual, and their circumstances, it can lead to things such as heavy drug use, verbal or physical abuse, and even self- harm.

    Thank you Ninja Theory for successfully giving us a look into the complexities of mental health in such a widely regarded medium, whilst staying true to developing a damn finely tuned game with masterfully done cinematography, effects and chillingly accurate voice-overs that have you standing firmly behind this character every step of the way.

    Will definitely play a second time.

    10/10.    … Expand
  10. Kusaha
    Aug 8, 2017
    10
    Ninja Theory gives exactly what they promised! Epic story, beautiful visuals, triple a quality. Great experience especially for this price! I really recommend checking out the dev diaries on youtube before jumping into the game, so you could appreciate the game even more.
  11. 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.
  12. BananaLuiz
    Aug 8, 2017
    9
    One of the most different and immersive experiences I've had this year, stunning storytelling, enigmatic , magnificent audio engineering and beautiful graphics with well-modeled characters and incredibly realistic facial expressions, excellent
  13. Franzella
    Aug 8, 2017
    10
    Senua's Sacrifice it's a unique game which mixes well consolidated elements with smart innovations. The story will make you struggle and cry. Hellblade sets a new standard for indie games.
  14. CadeARudolph
    Aug 8, 2017
    5
    I am baffled at all of the reviews here. Most of them seem like they have been paid for (check, two of them use the exact same language about greedy developers). How in the world are people complaining about paying $60 for games that easily provide 20-300 hours of enjoyment? Movies cost like $10-$30 (with snacks) for 2 hours of enjoyment. People are so entitled and greedy nowadays.I am baffled at all of the reviews here. Most of them seem like they have been paid for (check, two of them use the exact same language about greedy developers). How in the world are people complaining about paying $60 for games that easily provide 20-300 hours of enjoyment? Movies cost like $10-$30 (with snacks) for 2 hours of enjoyment. People are so entitled and greedy nowadays. Games at $100 a pop would be great values.

    With that said, this game suffers from a lack of execution despite the overabundance of creativity. This could have easily been a game on my iPad. The only innovative feature is the story, which I respect and appreciate. The combat is repetitive and grows tiring quickly. There is nothing interesting about this game from the perspective of gaming. It would be a great animated movie. This is a step in the right direction, but too many miscues for me to recommend.    … Expand
  15. 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.
  16. Kurigosh
    Aug 8, 2017
    10
    Awesome game. its one of the best indie games made in my opinion. Besides all of the good combat and intriguing story, the game has lots of serious topics and original points of view never made into AAA like video games ( this is basically a AAA indie ). Just buy it and help ninja theory show that you don't need to spend 2 million to make a good game, and you don't need to charge 60 bucks for it.
  17. NickCrit
    Aug 8, 2017
    10
    Surprisingly good for a small studio aiming to develop smaller triple AAA title. It's sorta a new type of genre experience, some type of mental psychosis - you need a really good surround sound system or a headphone to get the best experience as the sounds and voices are important piece of the game experience.
  18. FranchuteKikito
    Aug 8, 2017
    10
    I got to say I am so happy an Indie Developer would take the challenge to make this types of games, it couldn't have been easy and i don't know if is going to sell well, but i think is a master piece and hope the best for this developers and this game.
  19. arijitfrens2006
    Aug 8, 2017
    9
    This game focus mental illness which terrifying to be honest. It's remind me of Spec Op The Line which also focus psychological and morality. Spec Op The Line haunted me because the loading screen quote : "This is all your fault" and the music sound terrifying. Hellblade will push Senua psychology to the test.
  20. alkimistaaa
    Aug 8, 2017
    10
    Hellblade is a slap in the face of the giant and greedy publishers, for the sake of the game industry i hope this game will be a success in critics and sales.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
  21. Greysteel
    Aug 8, 2017
    9
    I get it. Prior to release I only saw the self punished madness the developer's threw at the trailers and thought this game was nothing more than a show reel. But I get it now. Under all the motion capture and voice layer beats an independent heart. It's an enthralling and oppressive tale of a poisoned mind fighting vivid nightmares for stakes the player only really starts to appreciateI get it. Prior to release I only saw the self punished madness the developer's threw at the trailers and thought this game was nothing more than a show reel. But I get it now. Under all the motion capture and voice layer beats an independent heart. It's an enthralling and oppressive tale of a poisoned mind fighting vivid nightmares for stakes the player only really starts to appreciate when they reach the end game. It paces well, punishes players who are too weak and not dedicated enough to rise to it's puzzles and combat and rewards those who triumph with a genuinely very good little title you can buy at a good price on release.… Expand
  22. 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
  23. Dronozoider
    Aug 8, 2017
    8
    A good and oppressive atmosphere. Great sound. Good graphics. Great story. Great puzzles.
    There would be more studios like Ninja Theory, who put their souls into their projects, despite the limited budget.
  24. 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!
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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.
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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.
    Read full review
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