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. Gamingking007
    Aug 12, 2017
    10
    This game is Macnificent! It feels like they've taken all the most amazing games and combined it to make this masterpiece! You realize very early in this game that the graphics are perfection itself! Even pc gamers who are generally biased will be surprised by its beauty! The gameplay is awesome and I love how they've positioned her body to make it feel more 3D like! The fighting is simpleThis game is Macnificent! It feels like they've taken all the most amazing games and combined it to make this masterpiece! You realize very early in this game that the graphics are perfection itself! Even pc gamers who are generally biased will be surprised by its beauty! The gameplay is awesome and I love how they've positioned her body to make it feel more 3D like! The fighting is simple but not much brain power is required to play it well. What is amazing is the desperate and lingering effect of her desperation that reels you in! You start to really feel for her and you feel like you want to help her. You want to help her survive!Maybe it's because I relate to her in some way and I feel I am learning more about the human psyche . That excites me beyond words!The storyline is addictive and I couldn't take a break! It's beautifully told and the crisp sound the voices make sends chills down your spine as it keeps gaining momentum and intensity, be warned you need to have amazing sound from your speakers. Use your headphones rather if you're sound isn't good enough to truly experience its beauty! I wouldn't say it's the greatest game ever but it's a rare treasure where can you truly see that the creators put all their love and passion into it. To put it simply , it's a MASTERPIECE ! To give this game less than 8/10 simply means that the people who played it ,have the emotional maturity of a child or put simply life hasn't slapped them round enough to understand the depth of this game. Thank you ninja theory! You deserve all the good coming to you! Ps: it's cheap! I would have paid far more for this game if that was the case ! Enjoy It!… Expand
  2. cinogen
    Aug 11, 2017
    10
    hellblade feels like Darren aronofsky wrote and directed it!! so bizarrely good, amazing and fun to play.
    This is an outstanding game!! please play and support this game as it well deserves it!
  3. kraenk
    Aug 10, 2017
    10
    One of the best gaming experiences I've had I've had in years. Very mature and deep game which excells in all areas from the impressive graphics, unique art style, great fighting mechanics and puzzles and especially the haunting sound design. Best played with headphones as some of the sound is binaural (3D). This might not be for everyone or the simple/weak minded as the theme ofOne of the best gaming experiences I've had I've had in years. Very mature and deep game which excells in all areas from the impressive graphics, unique art style, great fighting mechanics and puzzles and especially the haunting sound design. Best played with headphones as some of the sound is binaural (3D). This might not be for everyone or the simple/weak minded as the theme of schizophrenia and psychosis is no kiddy approach, but I applaud NT for daring to try this and succeeding! Great price as well and well worth it, especially since it's a self published game.… Expand
  4. quisuis
    Aug 8, 2017
    10
    Ninja Theory please make it retail, i own the digital version and all i can said it a other masterpiece of your.

    Now just make it retail so the legend of Senua live forever.
  5. Bitek
    Feb 6, 2018
    10
    Amazing game. True masterpiece. Art embedded inside a video game. Stunning cinematic, beautiful graphics, engaging story , excellent music and narrative, brutal and intense combat. You must experience this game. It is truly 10 out of 10 game.
  6. Kenmei
    Aug 13, 2017
    10
    I want to preface this by saying that this game is not for everyone. The subject matter here can be quite powerful to deal with and the raw emotions that come across in this game are very strong and, at times, can be very depressing. All that being said, this is one of the most incredible gaming experiences I've had the pleasure of going through. The quality of pretty much everything inI want to preface this by saying that this game is not for everyone. The subject matter here can be quite powerful to deal with and the raw emotions that come across in this game are very strong and, at times, can be very depressing. All that being said, this is one of the most incredible gaming experiences I've had the pleasure of going through. The quality of pretty much everything in the game is absolutely top notch and the care given to the subject matter here is quite beautiful.
    While the main plot of the game, a Celtic Warrior ventures into Viking Hell to steal back the soul of her murdered lover by their hands, is, by itself, extremely cool sounding. However, the main subject of the game is the fact that Senua, the main character, has a strong case of mental illness and hears voices almost constantly that plague her to no end. And, if you play this game with headphones like you're supposed too, you get to experience it with her. It's truly maddening at times and I could only play for an hour or so at a time as the game can be mentally exhausting at times. You can never really tell what is real and what is fake within the game and that serves to drive the game forward at just the right pace that will make you feel that you're making good time but not being bogged down too much. And the side story, her journey into Hell itself, is also very well done.
    The gameplay elements here can be hit or miss at times but generally are very well done. The combat is simple but good. However it clearly was designed for a 1-on-1 style of combat and when there are multiple enemies on screen at once, it can be difficult to dodge the others attacks when they are coming from off screen. Enemies also can spawn at horrible angles, giving them a free shot before you even know you're fighting at times. However you can get good enough to figure it out fairly easily and get more in the flow of things towards the later portions of the game. The puzzle sequence also are hit or miss. They all revolve around finding runes to open doors to get the next area and can be very tedious to find at certain times. I found it irritating more then once when you'd find the solution only for the game to make sure you knew that you didn't find it the way it wanted you too.
    However the gameplay won't distract you for long from the storyline. It's the bread and butter of the game and the performances are so well done that it really drew me into the world they were developing. The game is about 6-8 hours long depending on how long it takes you to find certain things. For a 30 Dollar game (US), for the package that you're getting here, I believe that it's the perfect price for what it needed to be. Anymore might have been asking for too much.
    I can't widely recommend this game to everyone. It's a game for a certain kind of person and I'd definitely recommend people who don't have the stomach for this kind of content to stay away. For others this is an amazing experience from the onset of the game and I can't recommend it enough. Not because of it's a game but because the message they have to spread about the subject here is very well done and you can tell that alot of love and care was put into this.    … Expand
  7. Bulldozer
    Aug 15, 2017
    10
    Aside the fact that the game has few minor bugs, which are being revised and will be fixed hopefully pretty soon, we're in front of a masterpiece of game design, not in the meaning that's overly complex, but in the one that's masterfully crafted and every aspect of the game is astonishingly well blended in the mix.
    Fans of heavily intense action or fans of loot are advised that this game    Aside the fact that the game has few minor bugs, which are being revised and will be fixed hopefully pretty soon, we're in front of a masterpiece of game design, not in the meaning that's overly complex, but in the one that's masterfully crafted and every aspect of the game is astonishingly well blended in the mix.
    Fans of heavily intense action or fans of loot are advised that this game "could" not be for them.
    This is NOT an RPG in which you have to find tons of equipment scavenging through huge maps to explore, this is NOT a pure hack 'n slash game, is an "adventure game" in which you journey along Senua, the main character, guiding her trip which is composed of environmental puzzles to solve in order to progress in your journey, enemies to fight, with an (for me) intuitive, immediate, intense, balanced, responsive, visceral and very satisfying combat system, flavored with truly amazing animations.

    Aside from a single pattern in the puzzles the game presents, which is recurring often, and maybe another one you can face in few instances, the game always presents you different approaches you need to take in every situation, this means that in one part you could need to find your path in one way, in the following one you'll need to look for something else, puzzles involves mazes, even if not overly complex ones, to some extent there is a bit of stealth, there's a bit of time travel, there are intriguing boss fights,, it's a good mix of various intriguing game mechanics.

    As Senua, the main character is a female Celtic warrior suffering of psychosis, you'll not have a HUD guiding your journey, instead is present a mix of visual/acoustic hints in the form mainly of voices in her head, which sometimes can tell you the truth, some other those will plainly lie at you, or hallucinations which can usually prove themselves very helpful in guiding your insight, the game often tries to trick your mind in every way possible, that's a fascinating way to replace a nowaday outdated HUD system, which is possible due to its perfect integration with the main character mental status
    .
    From a graphical and acoustic standpoint the game is simply astonishing, it's highly advisable in this case to follow the game hint to play it with a pair of headphones for the best experience.

    There are collectibles in the game under the form of lorestones which will tell you pieces of Norse mythology, useless to say that collecting all of them "may" grant you some kind of a reward.

    All in all I found it to be an extremely balanced adventure game with the ability to awe you AND give you the chills in many situations.

    For what it is, in my opinion it well deserves a 10 out of 10.    … Expand
  8. downphoenix
    Aug 15, 2017
    10
    This game exceeded my expectations. I have closely followed it, being a fan of Ninja Theory's past games as well as really digging the concept and the setting of the game. I however, did not expect it to be as emotionally impacting as it ended up being. I did not expect the story to be as compelling and griping as it ended up being. I did not expect the visually stunning graphics andThis game exceeded my expectations. I have closely followed it, being a fan of Ninja Theory's past games as well as really digging the concept and the setting of the game. I however, did not expect it to be as emotionally impacting as it ended up being. I did not expect the story to be as compelling and griping as it ended up being. I did not expect the visually stunning graphics and beautiful dissonant soundtrack as they ended up being. Basically I expected this game to be a pretty decent action adventure game and walked away playing what could possibly be the best game of the year. It has overtaken Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for me personally. It is well deserved of the praise it gets. Not only is this game a masterfully competent action game with spot on controls that have zero delay and allow for varied and well choreographed battles, but it also featured one of the most interesting protagonists we've seen in a long time in games. There are many layers to the madness that dwells upon Senua and as you play through, you as a player will not only experience it but be a part of this journey. The sound design is something I've never quite experienced in a game before, the 3d binaural audio is something you just have to hear, playing this game with headphones is mandatory to get the best experience possible, unless maybe you have a great surround system. If you can find a way to place this game, do it!… Expand
  9. DrChocolate
    Nov 11, 2017
    10
    A short but excellent game about what it is like to live with psychosis. Beautiful graphics, challenging puzzles, gorgeous execution. Highly recommended.
  10. Xeno-1X
    Sep 18, 2017
    10
    Hellblade is an overall amazing game for a very fair price. Set in celtic and northern mythology it takes on a tale of psychosis and horror, battle and passion, love and hate and tells a solid story with captivating lore. It's well researched and detailed and mixes this up ingeniously with innovative binaural audio to create a truly immersive and memorable experience. Ninja Theory didHellblade is an overall amazing game for a very fair price. Set in celtic and northern mythology it takes on a tale of psychosis and horror, battle and passion, love and hate and tells a solid story with captivating lore. It's well researched and detailed and mixes this up ingeniously with innovative binaural audio to create a truly immersive and memorable experience. Ninja Theory did right creating the game in the full depths as they imagined it and publishing it independantly, without a major publisher influencing the game for the worst like it happens with so many other games. And you can experience this authenticness in almost every moment of the game. Plus it features a great soundtrack, with support from Andy LaPlegua of Combichrist and VNV Nation, two artists i really enjoyed finding here. The graphics speaks for itself and the facial character expressions are extraordinary. All in all, what more can you want. It's a diamond between games, one that people will still talk about after years. Play it yourself and enjoy a unique and great game. I loved it so much i even wrote a review. 10/10!… Expand
  11. MountainJoe
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    Masterpiece : beautiful graphics, great sound (those inner voices !), great story, beat'em all combat that looks great and plays great, visual puzzles that don't feel fresh, low price ! what's to hate ? 6-10 hours + secret scene at the end if you found all collectibles ... My GOTY 2017 ... You won't forget this game.
  12. 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
  13. phoeniix23
    Aug 30, 2017
    10
    This is my game of the year 2017. I'm blown away by it's story, themes, graphics, art, sound, design, lore, music, characters, combat, puzzles, immersion, and especially Senua herself. Melina Juergens is a FANTASTIC actor.

    I've never ever played a "game" like this in my life. It's titles like this that make gaming special. Please please buy and play this. It's a beautifully sad and    This is my game of the year 2017. I'm blown away by it's story, themes, graphics, art, sound, design, lore, music, characters, combat, puzzles, immersion, and especially Senua herself. Melina Juergens is a FANTASTIC actor.

    I've never ever played a "game" like this in my life. It's titles like this that make gaming special.

    Please please buy and play this. It's a beautifully sad and mesmerising experience. Well done Ninja Theory, I will be following you guys closely from now, alongside CDPR :)    … Expand
  14. rafaroland
    Sep 8, 2017
    10
    It's a great game, even not being a super production like Uncharted 4 it delivers a great immersive experience. Extra points for the whole experience with the sound!
  15. OptiMystik
    Sep 11, 2017
    10
    Awesome work of art! Ninja Theory made a deep psychological drama for mature gamers.
    Visuals and stereophonic sound amplifies immersion as never before. Hellsblade atmosphere combined all the best from such titles as "Silent Hill" with "Soul Reaver" and "What Dreams May Come" film. Darkness truly oppress and scares. Actress play cast a spell and afford a great pleasure. Recommend and wait    Awesome work of art! Ninja Theory made a deep psychological drama for mature gamers.
    Visuals and stereophonic sound amplifies immersion as never before. Hellsblade atmosphere combined all the best from such titles as "Silent Hill" with "Soul Reaver" and "What Dreams May Come" film. Darkness truly oppress and scares. Actress play cast a spell and afford a great pleasure. Recommend and wait for another Ninja Theory game with such complex elaboration. Game took a 8 hour for me but It really deserve to experience a few walkthrough.    … Expand
  16. gernboes
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    One of the best experiences this year, for half the price of big releases, but same quality. Cant wait for what Ninja Theory do next and hope this self released game will be successful enough.
  17. 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.
  18. Deependra
    Dec 7, 2018
    10
    Played it for period of 4-5hrs and the best part about this game apart from GFX and SFX is maze like maps..The last time I had encountered such kind of map was in doom (reboot version) but that was not in large scale. Where as in this game... Boy! Your mind is completely occupied...the game's environment is very good with stunning visuals, I highly recommend gamers to turn on your 7.1Played it for period of 4-5hrs and the best part about this game apart from GFX and SFX is maze like maps..The last time I had encountered such kind of map was in doom (reboot version) but that was not in large scale. Where as in this game... Boy! Your mind is completely occupied...the game's environment is very good with stunning visuals, I highly recommend gamers to turn on your 7.1 channel home theatre or headset to experience the sound quality of the game.
    The only drawback about this game that I believe is, it appears to be way too short.
    Otherwise, this game deserve a good proper long sequel.    … Expand
  19. jacob4
    Mar 2, 2018
    10
    An absolute chilling, memorable, and hauntingly beautiful experience like no other! Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice brings you into a world like never seen before in a video game filled with terrifying and unique monsters, interesting characters, and environments that are both unsettling, but yet visually stunning and beautiful. The whole game experience is driven by a solid original story ofAn absolute chilling, memorable, and hauntingly beautiful experience like no other! Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice brings you into a world like never seen before in a video game filled with terrifying and unique monsters, interesting characters, and environments that are both unsettling, but yet visually stunning and beautiful. The whole game experience is driven by a solid original story of hopelessness, grief, terror, love, mystery, and redemption. No other game I've seen before has ever added a unique psychological and gritty imagining to Norse viking games, but yet this one pulled it off so well. A truly breath taking masterpiece, and a cult classic in it's own right. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a must play for gamers looking for an incredible story.… Expand
  20. Vahagnmk
    Aug 17, 2017
    10
    Hellblade shows that in a sea of video game prose, there is place for some real poetry. Loved every second of the game. Simple yet enjoyable combat, surprisingly challenging puzzles, memorable soundtrack, great story, tons of dark, scary, paranoid atmosphere and the most alive video game character I have ever seen.

    Thanks Ninja Theory for the an epic journey. May the heart in your    Hellblade shows that in a sea of video game prose, there is place for some real poetry. Loved every second of the game. Simple yet enjoyable combat, surprisingly challenging puzzles, memorable soundtrack, great story, tons of dark, scary, paranoid atmosphere and the most alive video game character I have ever seen.

    Thanks Ninja Theory for the an epic journey. May the heart in your sword never stop beating!    … Expand
  21. 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.
  22. Prokill88
    Aug 14, 2017
    10
    Master class in story telling this game is head and shoulders above all games of its kind (if there are even any) Ninja Theory really went out of their way to bring you into the world of Senua. This game is in a class with Nier: Automata, a MUST play for this generation. And a yard stick for other developers/games to be measured by
  23. MattchewHawk
    Nov 18, 2017
    10
    Hellblade was an unexpected gem of 2017, it’s the only game I pre-ordered this year, because I was immediately drawn to it after seeing its first trailer.
    Upon playing it, it confirmed why I was drawn to it in the first place. It’s a beautiful game, great gameplay, an interesting story, and truly captures the unpredictable and personal demons of mental illness.
    Hands down and by a    Hellblade was an unexpected gem of 2017, it’s the only game I pre-ordered this year, because I was immediately drawn to it after seeing its first trailer.
    Upon playing it, it confirmed why I was drawn to it in the first place. It’s a beautiful game, great gameplay, an interesting story, and truly captures the unpredictable and personal demons of mental illness.
    Hands down and by a country mile, this is my pick for Game of the Year, and I’ve played most major games released this year.    … Expand
  24. Daikenkini
    Aug 9, 2017
    10
    I normally do not write reviews about anything ever because I do not really care myself what other people think. But this time world I am truly sorry there is no holding back my feelings anymore - I just have to add my own useless opinion on this game. First and foremost do not read anything about this game before playing it, only watch the trailers as they are spoiler free. DefinitelyI normally do not write reviews about anything ever because I do not really care myself what other people think. But this time world I am truly sorry there is no holding back my feelings anymore - I just have to add my own useless opinion on this game. First and foremost do not read anything about this game before playing it, only watch the trailers as they are spoiler free. Definitely play this game with headphones offering a decent sound stage, or you're taking away a substantial part of the experience that is core to the story. And last, concerning anything you might have already read about this game - I personally disagree with all the reviewers I have read after finishing the game. There is no universal reviewing of this game. This game may not be for people that do not like psychological games or are afraid of psychotic and violent scenes. But other than that, and considering its lower-than-expected price point, everyone will experience this game differently.
    Anyone playing it WILL form his or her own strong opinion about this game and remember the experience playing it, which may be heavily altered by past real life memories. If you have 30 Dollars to spare, this is a ride you want to engage in.    … Expand
  25. Eienkei
    Oct 9, 2017
    10
    One of the most unique games in past few years, it really plays with your mind and heart.
    The first 30 minutes are slow and you have to be patient but then it grows on you and make you fall in love with the game.
  26. 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.
  27. Dreizehn
    Aug 28, 2017
    10
    Senua's sacrifice is an incredible experience to be played it in the dark with your headphones. Her journey will stay with me for a long time, I can't wait to replay it again. Thank you Ninja Theory for this amazing experience.
  28. RexSol
    Aug 11, 2017
    10
    Probably the most immersive game i ever played. I would give it a honest 8.5/10 but I'm giving it a 10 to balance out the zeroes people are giving. This game is a slap in the face of the giant greedy publishers, for the sake of the game industry i hope this game is a success.
  29. mdama09
    Aug 9, 2017
    10
    I would have copied my steam review but that is too long. I **** love this game, it is amazing and a true sight to behold and play. And for 30$ to quote VideoGameDunkey "It's a masterpiece for your wallet"
  30. ProGamerZix
    Aug 10, 2017
    10
    Such a great game... Visually stunning and a fantastically written narrative and amazing performance by the actress. Music that enhances and enriches the experience, a story that questions what is real and what isn't. Prices at 30 dollars but has a better triple A experience than most of today's latest games.
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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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