Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

 Xbox One
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 811 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 625 out of 811
  2. Mixed: 99 out of 811
  3. Negative: 87 out of 811
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  1. Xbox_Alive
    Apr 18, 2018
    9
    I was very pleasantly surprised when it was announced that Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice was coming to Xbox One a few weeks ago. It’s a game I’ve heard lots of good things about from some of my friends who’ve played it on the PS4 so I was really looking forward to getting to grips with it. Thankfully my friends got it spot on because to say I enjoyed my time with the game would be a massiveI was very pleasantly surprised when it was announced that Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice was coming to Xbox One a few weeks ago. It’s a game I’ve heard lots of good things about from some of my friends who’ve played it on the PS4 so I was really looking forward to getting to grips with it. Thankfully my friends got it spot on because to say I enjoyed my time with the game would be a massive understatement. Something that really makes this game stand out is its story. The story is absolutely fantastic and manages to stir a whole host of different emotions along the way and this culminates in making the story stay with you long after completion. The gameplay that accompanies the fantastic story was also enjoyable, and I must admit that I was especially impressed with the puzzles that were implemented. They’ve done a fantastic job of making the puzzles in the game matter and the clever design of them makes completing them a very enjoyable affair. Something else I enjoyed about the gameplay were the battles that took place. The combat may be a little on the basic side but that didn’t stop them from being very immersive and most important of all it didn’t stop the battles from adding to the already amazing story. You will notice however that the game suffers with a few technical issues every now and then when in battle, but thankfully these issues don’t happen very often and don’t affect the gameplay very much. This is a good thing because it allows you to enjoy the enemies in the game without too many problems. Speaking about enemies the game offers you a decent amount of enemies for you to tackle and the best thing is that each enemy has a decent amount of variety implemented into them. I found this to especially be the case when it came to the bosses in the game and to say they were exciting throughout would be quite the understatement. Without a doubt one of my favourite aspects about the game was the presentation side of things. Visually the game looks absolutely stunning and when you combine that with the absolutely brilliant and immersive sound design and voice acting you end up having a very memorable experience. At the end of the day I’m very pleased that Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice made its way to Xbox One and trust me when I say that it was worth the wait. The game tackles a number of real-life issues in a fantastic and delicate way and by doing this they deliver to you a very unforgettable experience. Another thing that impressed me with the game is that it doesn’t suffer with many problems at all and every aspect of the game has had a lot of thought and effort placed into it and because of that the game gets a massive recommendation from me.… Expand
  2. MrArmando022
    Jun 2, 2021
    10
    So fcking beautiful, the best history of the games ever. The music is 11/10
  3. Azat
    Nov 11, 2019
    10
    I really liked the game. unusual plot, enticing. Excellent compared to other games.
  4. ManuCDGanja
    Apr 21, 2020
    10
    For this people Who critiziced this Game. Go to you AAA. This is a indie production with límited economy and a new way to represent a Game throught the mind and Madness who there are people is suffering. Masterpiece in all senses. I recommend to play. Amazing soundtrack and inmersive experience
  5. Iky009
    Jan 4, 2019
    8
    Uma jornada dolorosa pela mente devastada e assustadora de Senua, gerando uma impressão confusa no primeiro momento, mas com o passar do tempo, se torna uma experiência visual e auditiva única.
  6. Matias8654
    Apr 27, 2019
    8
    un juego interesante con una atmósfera de misterio que a su vez se torna en sicosis con las voces del entorno, asi como de ser un juego muy sensorial como es lo que pasa en el desafio de la cegera, donde hay que enfocarse en los sonidos del rio asi como la sensicion de viento, un juego completo e interesante por lo que entrega
  7. strollbeltMX
    May 24, 2018
    9
    excelente juego, es algo diferente y me gusto su jugabilidad e historia y su final no me lo esperaba.
  8. Lejzros
    Dec 20, 2019
    10
    This game cannot be described.
    You have to play it. The story is masterpiece...
  9. Bobrovschi
    Jun 23, 2020
    10
    Take a look Naughty Dog, beautiful story game with a strong female protagonist should be like this masterpiece.
  10. moistcake123
    May 2, 2018
    10
    Hellblade is one of those games that demands to be played. With outstanding visuals, sound, and performances, it excels in telling a dark and emotional tale of mental illness. It's more than a game, it is truly an experience.
  11. DTester26
    Jun 23, 2019
    10
    The objective of the studio was to create an experience to understand psychosis and the people who suffer from it. This game fulfills that objective beautifully, presenting a surrounding atmosphere formed by amazing visuals, prominent audio, original storytelling, good and wisely used music and a terrific performance by Melina Juergens accompanied by great motion capture work. Although theThe objective of the studio was to create an experience to understand psychosis and the people who suffer from it. This game fulfills that objective beautifully, presenting a surrounding atmosphere formed by amazing visuals, prominent audio, original storytelling, good and wisely used music and a terrific performance by Melina Juergens accompanied by great motion capture work. Although the gameplay lacks complexity and it's based in simplistic mechanics for movement and fighting, it works well, doesn't hurt the sense of 'epicness' of certain sequences and even helps the horror of others. On the other hand, the puzzles are also basic, but it makes them tedious and repetitive because variety was needed. However, the overall experience is so good and special because of how emotional and nuanced this game is; causing an accurate range of feelings for the central theme, which is mental illness. it can go from epic and thrilling to depressing and terrifying to surreal and mysterious. All of this in a matter of seconds.

    The truth is that there are a lot of games that can offer what this game lacks, but what Hellblade offers is something unique and far from everything I ever thought videogames could be.    … Expand
  12. Gangstazero
    Jul 16, 2019
    9
    Ninja theory really did something else with this game. This may not be a game for everyone buy for the ones who would like to embrace this tale of Senua and her strungel with her mental illness and accepting her beloved death will find something amazing. There is no other game which makes you feel the stugle of psychosis as this one.
  13. TrentRey
    Apr 11, 2018
    9
    In progress: Well so far the game is very well crated and the story is very intense. I love the gameplay and combat. It keeps me engaged in the storytelling aspect of it. I love the character of the story. She has so many layers to her. She is a character with strong wants and needs. This doesn't feel like a video game when I play. This is one of the few games that know how to make gamersIn progress: Well so far the game is very well crated and the story is very intense. I love the gameplay and combat. It keeps me engaged in the storytelling aspect of it. I love the character of the story. She has so many layers to her. She is a character with strong wants and needs. This doesn't feel like a video game when I play. This is one of the few games that know how to make gamers to feel what the character is feeling. It's very powerful and hopefully, more games are made in this fashion.… Expand
  14. fedez
    Jun 30, 2018
    10
    Un juego excepcional, diferente, nuevo y con una historia genial. Es un juego que debes de jugar al menos una ves en tu vida.
  15. DeseHache
    Feb 15, 2019
    9
    Esta es la historia de Senua, Ninja Theory logra construir la personalidad mas bien definida que yo he visto en un videojuego.
    Encontrarse en la piel de Senua durante esta aventura te va a hacer sentir emociones intensas.
  16. Cifre
    Aug 7, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This title is, simply put, a master piece. The way it manages to create a whole world through the lenses of a main character that suffers from a mental disorder (psychosis) is INCREDIBLE.The storytelling is impecable. The acting and the motion capture of Senua is CRRRRRAZY! And while it’s true that it has some minor flaws regarding playability (sometimes the controls felt a bit rigid), overall the title is so good and refreshing that it barely made a difference for me. One of the best gaming experiences that I have had in the past years.… Expand
  17. sd11
    May 20, 2018
    8
    Very enjoyable, great graphics and hugely atmospheric. A single playthrough took me around 8 hours. My only slight gripe is there is no replay value, so 8 hours is somewhat limited. Otherwise highly recommended.
  18. Abhorrence
    Jun 10, 2018
    10
    This game does not need a review, it speaks for itself, but I will say this. take out 8-9 hours of your life and play this game in one sitting, don't forget to use headphones.
  19. rubensmiranda
    Dec 12, 2018
    10
    In spite of the mechanics of game a little cloying the story instigates us to continue. The character design is a show, Ninja Theory is to be congratulated, the facial expressions of Senua is unprecedented.
  20. tecGoblin
    Jul 16, 2018
    9
    Amazing acting, amazing sound, amazing storytelling. It's full of sentiment and fear, with interesting puzzles and scary moments putting you into the mind of the protagonist. It shines at telling a story about psychosis and people's reaction to it, in a totally unique way.
    You might have heard about the matter of permadeath - if you die too many times, your progress is wiped. That said,    Amazing acting, amazing sound, amazing storytelling. It's full of sentiment and fear, with interesting puzzles and scary moments putting you into the mind of the protagonist. It shines at telling a story about psychosis and people's reaction to it, in a totally unique way.
    You might have heard about the matter of permadeath - if you die too many times, your progress is wiped. That said, the default difficulty is "auto" so it succeeds at keeping you at the edge of your seat without actually destroying your progress. Switch it to easy if you die too much early, or at the last two levels where the game has some absurd battles. These battles are the only thing keeping the game from being perfect: they work very well when they tell a story, but in (thankfully a few) parts the game seems to believe too much in its (average) battle mechanics and ends up throwing at you waves upon waves of enemies in totally uninspired arenas.
    Last, on Xbox One (X) it's a visual treat for a "AA" game, and it ends with my favourite band (VNV Nation). How can I not like it? :)    … Expand
  21. Wellbrasil
    Feb 16, 2019
    10
    História diferente e bons gráficos, o jogo é curto e tem muitos enigmas meio difíceis de decifrar, isso pode cansar e os chefes não são muito difíceis.
  22. Platypuss1010
    Jun 27, 2019
    9
    This game is a beautiful piece of art and an intriguing piece of storytelling. I spent much of my time playing this title feeling very uncomfortable, but that its part of it’s charm. It took about 8 hours for me to finish this on the “auto” difficulty and I enjoyed about 90% of that time very much. It is a very narrative driven game. If you expect anything other than a beautiful narrativeThis game is a beautiful piece of art and an intriguing piece of storytelling. I spent much of my time playing this title feeling very uncomfortable, but that its part of it’s charm. It took about 8 hours for me to finish this on the “auto” difficulty and I enjoyed about 90% of that time very much. It is a very narrative driven game. If you expect anything other than a beautiful narrative driven experience you will be sorely disappointed. The gameplay in Hellblade is best when it is story telling and worst during combat. At times the combat can be long and repetitive. There are certain enemies that put you in a “dodge-slash-dodge” loop that is almost unbearable at times. I suggest turning the difficulty down to “normal” and just simply enjoying the story for the best experience. The “auto” difficulty can become really monotonous and frustrating at times. The story and cinematics are horrifying and beautiful at the same time. This is not a “horror” game but there are intentionally terrifying sections sprinkled throughout the experience. Not everyone will enjoy this game. It definitely has a serious and mature tone. For myself it was well worth the time and I would suggest it to anyone who enjoys any amount of narrative focused game play. Ninja Theory did a fantastic job, in my opinion, and this game has set a new bar for narrative experiences in gaming.… Expand
  23. djevis94
    Jun 27, 2019
    10
    I started this game with doubts because I had been told that it was boring and overrated but no, it has been a whole narrative experience that few games have given me mixed action with survival horror zones and with puzzles in the first hours of the game.
    the combat is a hack and slash but without teaching you to fight you have to learn your attacks although it is not a very difficult    I started this game with doubts because I had been told that it was boring and overrated but no, it has been a whole narrative experience that few games have given me mixed action with survival horror zones and with puzzles in the first hours of the game.
    the combat is a hack and slash but without teaching you to fight you have to learn your attacks although it is not a very difficult thing but I have loved it. for me one of the best works of ninja theory.    … Expand
  24. alejandra09
    Apr 16, 2018
    10
    Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a harrowing journey into the fragility fantastic
  25. OwtDaft
    Apr 6, 2019
    8
    + Amazing soundtrack.
    + Great combat that you can't just hack and slash to win.
    + Decent puzzles.
    + Very good graphics for budget game.
    - Though the puzzles are good they are reused a lot.
    - Some pretentious gibberish dialog in places. Trying to sound deep but sounds cringy.
  26. runn67
    Aug 3, 2018
    9
    This game was dark, gorgeous and thrilling. Plus, there was so much mythology I had never heard before, it made it really interesting. I recommend to any one, give this a try.
  27. SauRoNZA
    May 14, 2018
    9
    What a phenomenal and unique experience this was.

    For some reason I confused Ninja Theory and Team Ninja and kind of ignored this game based on my typical dislike of Japanese origin games. Only with the Xbox launch did I actually watch a trailer and the realise it’s made by the much overlooked Enslaved guys and British in nature. The price was also right and so I bought it    What a phenomenal and unique experience this was.

    For some reason I confused Ninja Theory and Team Ninja and kind of ignored this game based on my typical dislike of Japanese origin games.

    Only with the Xbox launch did I actually watch a trailer and the realise it’s made by the much overlooked Enslaved guys and British in nature.

    The price was also right and so I bought it immediately.

    And what a ride it was and worth so much more than it’s asking price.

    Combat is reminiscent of Infinity Blade on iOS and I’m sure many people will dislike it but I thought it served its purpose perfectly of pacing the game nicely and just breaking the puzzle fatigue that often gets you down when you are wrapped into those too long.

    Also thought the overall length was perfectly balanced to keep me engaged just long enough and then wrap it up at the climax of my willing participation where often games push it just a bit too far and I’m bored and feel forced through the last twenty percent.

    The binaural audio with the voices speaking to you and the game world sound is superb. The voices themselves add an amazing gameplay element as they help you but also sometimes betray you and so you constantly question their motives.

    I consider myself mentally stable but this psychological thriller element got to me in many places where I found myself questioning what I should or shouldn’t do based on their input.

    There were moments in this game where I had goose bumps or cold shivers without anything actually happening and that tells me everything about it’s mental impact. I don’t remember a single shock monster closet moment and that’s too it’s credit.

    One section was literally the most intense single moment I can recall of any game or other medium I’ve ever played.

    The game works is beautiful at first and then becomes more and more demure over time and quite drab towards the end. This might very well be intentional design though to portray how Senua loses herself along the way.

    Loved the setting of the game as well and their are little homages to Enslaved in all the designs as if that was just the test drive towards this title.

    Highly Recommended.    … Expand
  28. Lodrian
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    Imresive atmosphere!
    The history is captivating and the graphics amazing. Is a fresh air in narrative games, linear like a movie, but is a true inmersive experience!
  29. osprey
    May 19, 2018
    9
    Loved this game and agree with all the positive reviews this game is getting. The lore stones that tell an additional story which is super enjoyable and makes collectibles more than just collecting are terrific. I don't think the game is too short or repetitive in any way. I also think the acting was superb.
  30. Wut1234
    Aug 9, 2021
    10
    Tense combat system stunning enviornment, a technical masterpiece. What else i could ask for?
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best Xbox One Game of 2018
6
#6 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2018
19
#19 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. 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
  2. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    May 26, 2018
    90
    A sensitive portrayal of mental illness and rigorous combat: Hellblade is almost perfect. [June 2018, p.84]
  3. XBLA Fans
    May 10, 2018
    100
    As a game, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is the cross between a puzzle-lite walking simulator and a brutal action-adventure. Despite some mild design and middling technical flaws, it balances both aspects rather well. As a narrative, this is one fantastic experience. It’s an honest, challenging look at battling mental illness that will stick with you long after the credits roll. It’s as beautiful as it is soul-crushing, making it a must play for anyone who still has a soul to crush.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »