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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. PewPewMatt
    Aug 10, 2017
    10
    Created this account just to write a review.

    Never have I been made to experience anyone's perception of a mental illness like schizophrenia, and yet this game does it in an entertaining and 'user friendly' way. The game draws you into Senua's mind, instantly facing you with questions about Senua and her story. The game gradually progresses further and further into Senua's mind,    Created this account just to write a review.

    Never have I been made to experience anyone's perception of a mental illness like schizophrenia, and yet this game does it in an entertaining and 'user friendly' way.

    The game draws you into Senua's mind, instantly facing you with questions about Senua and her story. The game gradually progresses further and further into Senua's mind, learning more about her 'illness' and making you ask more and more questions.

    More about the game. The combat is fairly basic, yet feels very rewarding when you manage to best your opponents despite the odds. This is helped by the appearance and sounds of the horrors that you face and the numbers of enemies that you may be put up against.

    The art style is absolutely fantastic, you can tell that the developers have put MASSIVE amounts of not only care, but love into this game as in some cases, the amount of detail they have gone into could be seen as unnecessary but part of the reason that you feel so much for Senua, is because she is so human. The motion capture is top notch and the actress has done an absolute fantastic job of making you feel like she is real.

    The soundtrack and audio has been perfected and sounds absolutely incredible even without having to use expensive audio equipment and helps to make you feel isolated and stranded.

    All around, this game is a work of art, if I could, I would have rated this higher.

    I have been absolutely blown away by Ninja Theory. From the start of development, I was intrigued, to now where I am in love with both the story and Senua.    … Expand
  8. 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
  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. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. Sodo33
    Aug 9, 2017
    10
    "Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice" is truly and amazing game.

    For me the best part is the narration, you need to play on headphones to catch everything what is going on in there. This is important because you will get an important clues and information about the places and Senua life/situation. The art and sounds are very climate and very fit to the situation. The combat system is    "Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice" is truly and amazing game.

    For me the best part is the narration, you need to play on headphones to catch everything what is going on in there.
    This is important because you will get an important clues and information about the places and Senua life/situation.

    The art and sounds are very climate and very fit to the situation.

    The combat system is really nice. We don't have any HP bars for us or for enemies, we just fight till we kill. It's better to avoid not needed hits because you can't know which one will be lethal for you ;p

    And of course the story.

    >>>
    From the makers of Heavenly Sword, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, and DmC: Devil May Cry, comes a warrior’s brutal journey into myth and madness. Set in the Viking age, a broken Celtic warrior embarks on a haunting vision quest into Viking Hell to fight for the soul of her dead lover.    … Expand
  14. 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.
  15. werewolf3d
    Aug 8, 2017
    10
    Industry needs games like this .......................................................................................................................
  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. 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
  18. BlakDak666
    Aug 8, 2017
    8
    Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a very bold game and experience to say the least. Trying to have players go through the mindset of a person suffering from psychosis is something that the in-game documentary tries to address as a modern taboo and no-no when portrayed in media of any kind. There is plenty that this game will do that can frustrate players. Then again, if the point of the gameHellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a very bold game and experience to say the least. Trying to have players go through the mindset of a person suffering from psychosis is something that the in-game documentary tries to address as a modern taboo and no-no when portrayed in media of any kind. There is plenty that this game will do that can frustrate players. Then again, if the point of the game is to play with a mentally unstable person and expect to be mentally messed like they are, then I have to say Ninja Theory did their job in that department.

    Senua's Sacrifice is a third-person psychological/action adventure that puts the player in the role of Senua who has a journey into the depths of her psychosis in a attempt to save her lover. It's really crazy and sometimes really throws unexpected surprises at the player. You have three core things to do in the game: do puzzles by walking around while also listening to optional Nordic lore that ties to the culture Senua is apart of, cutscenes and combat. Let's critique puzzles first.

    Puzzles range from aligning objects to form symbols, running through ritual gates to produce new things and a couple other ones that are best saved for seeing for yourself. They range from boring to great, but the overall variety and quality is decent. It's unfortunate that there wasn't some more clever puzzles that the second half nails, but it gets the job done. A couple frustrated me however and I would like to say that it can be tedious and feel like the pacing is slowed. It doesn't either that Senua moves a little slow in my opinion so even running the whole way is barely passing for consistent pacing (unless you can't figure out the puzzles, in which you can get very upset and feel not compelled to play anymore).

    Cutscenes do a great job transitioning from gameplay and it's amazing how well done Senua's mocap actress is. Her delivery and performance is something to commend and often I felt a bit guilty of pushing her forward and looking directly at me even though she is talking to her own voices. The other characters (of which there is only 4) do a solid job at delivery as well, but the clear star is Senua. The voices played in her head are a bit conflicting for me. On on hand it fits the narrative and can surprisingly be useful when engaging in combat and progressing through certain puzzles. On the other, they can be annoying to listen to and considering the game wants you to listen to it best with headphones, it could drive you insane. Once again though, that has to be the point for the premise of the game. Does it excuse the fun of the game? That's purely subjective. In my experience, I found it just fine and by the end felt sorta attached to it.

    Combat is very interesting. Since the game only shows the controls in the start screen, there is no buttons or prompts when playing. The lack of a HUD and going off adapting to the controls with no tutorial is a great way to immerse yourself in games, so Senua's Sacrifice benefits from this already. The main combat itself is good, sometimes very good, but not great. You have weak and strong attacks with kicks, dodges, shielding and parrying that you can do in combos, with perfect timings on parries let you do a satisfying counterattack. The enemy placement and variety is surprisingly good, with a nice progression all the way to the end being an absolute blast to play, but also really feeling relief after the struggles of puzzles and Senua's toiled mentality. It can be quite hard though in later levels for players due to the amount of enemies on screen. It's a test to overcome and as a player for challenging games like Dark Souls and Devil May Cry, I was happy with the multiple targets, but understand gripes from more casual gamers that try it not knowing how hard it is.

    Overall, the game's three pillars work well enough where I think the game is good (occasionally great), but a few other standouts are here too. The visuals look great aside from the grainy texture on the screen, the music is not too bad and the audio is rock solid from sword twangs to thunder booms. The game does have some bugs and considering this is a game that stresses consequences for dying with a mechanic I won't say this can be maddening, so clearly this needs patched asap.

    What I like about Senua's Sacrifice is that it's bold with its concepts and even implementation. We often have badass demon slayers and gods fighting demons, getting laid and being goofy so seeing a woman going through misery and making her conflicts against herself is a rare treat that hasnt been well replicated since Walker in Spec Ops: The Line. This won't appease everyone, but for those that want to try something new, bold and not spend too much money, this game should cover you. With a price of $30 with 6-8 hours of gameplay, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a welcoming and insightful journey of madness, depression and psychological trauma.    … Expand
  19. Beatboxer44
    Aug 8, 2017
    10
    I'm amazed at how much garbage reviews are on this from people who probably haven't even actually played it and are just being crybabys about the fact that it isn't a game that has an explosion every 5 minutes as as a posed to something that actually recquires actual thinking to enjoy. Metacritic seriously need to fix this s**t honest to god.
  20. 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.
  21. matrixasiseefit
    Aug 9, 2017
    10
    Absolutely amazing game. Hellblade knows it's audience and does not cater to the casual demographic. I'm used to playing games that have punishing consequences for failure so Hellblade's supposed permadeath feature is welcomed in my book. Not to mention is only $30, well worth the price.
  22. 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.
  23. GuilleaumeCluz
    Aug 9, 2017
    10
    Great and unexpected game. A valiant effort to make a different game: mental illnes, rare to view pacing, a very beliable main character, cool acting, etc. Great and very polished combat, inspired by Dark Souls but improved and with a lot better animations. And the game is technically great, almost AAA graphics in an indie game. Great sound too. I think the industry needs more games likeGreat and unexpected game. A valiant effort to make a different game: mental illnes, rare to view pacing, a very beliable main character, cool acting, etc. Great and very polished combat, inspired by Dark Souls but improved and with a lot better animations. And the game is technically great, almost AAA graphics in an indie game. Great sound too. I think the industry needs more games like Hellblade: valient, risky and made with love.… Expand
  24. Temporary1990
    Aug 9, 2017
    10
    Absolutely beautiful graphics, fluid combat, and a game with very unique background. Perma-death system though can be a bi*ch to deal with for some. A game with very different genre from those that we have heard so far.
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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
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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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