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. danderso
    Jul 30, 2018
    6
    I love the atmosphere and graphically and sonically Hellblade is astonishing, especially on the XBOX X.
    However, I am puzzled to understand the love that this game gets from a pure gameplay perspective.
    Senua is plodding. Creeping across the landscape at a snails rate, even with the run button depressed. It is extremely obtuse. It is often extremely unclear what you have to do    I love the atmosphere and graphically and sonically Hellblade is astonishing, especially on the XBOX X.
    However, I am puzzled to understand the love that this game gets from a pure gameplay perspective.

    Senua is plodding. Creeping across the landscape at a snails rate, even with the run button depressed.

    It is extremely obtuse. It is often extremely unclear what you have to do and where you have to go. Lining up shapes to progress through gates? Who thought that was a good idea?

    I honestly do not understand the logic behind this poor gameplay mechanic. It makes no sense in the framework of the game. It's tedious and repetitive. If you compare these "puzzles" to games created with a similar structure such as Rise of the Tomb Raider, it makes Hellblade even more difficult to like.

    My esteemed fellow reviewers have extolled the virtues of many of the better elements of the game but I cannot agree with many of the scores given, as much as I have tried to love this game I actually find the puzzles are terrible and the combat rather dull.

    I have tried to persevere with this game on several occasions and I just cannot see past its flaws and enjoy the narrative, regardless of how much I admire the strong characterisation.    … Expand
  4. jeffbizloc
    Aug 2, 2018
    5
    Got half way through before I was tired of walking and watching. Just was a hard to play game and not my type of game. We really need a new category for games that are more interactive videos. I watch TV for that sort of activity.

    Pros: - Looked really good - The puzzles and combat at there core were not bad Cons: - Tough game to play, just not a fun game based on its theme -    Got half way through before I was tired of walking and watching. Just was a hard to play game and not my type of game. We really need a new category for games that are more interactive videos. I watch TV for that sort of activity.

    Pros:
    - Looked really good
    - The puzzles and combat at there core were not bad

    Cons:
    - Tough game to play, just not a fun game based on its theme
    - Lots of tedious walking
    - Not much gameplay overall    … Expand
  5. guywithbeer
    Feb 2, 2019
    7
    I played this interesting game for a couple of hours only and definitely did not get anywhere near the end.

    The graphics are very atmospheric as is the audio. The game seems to be fairly linear but with some open world design. Not sure if this is it how it plays all throughout though. The story and narrative was very interesting, definitely for mature audiences. I personally    I played this interesting game for a couple of hours only and definitely did not get anywhere near the end.

    The graphics are very atmospheric as is the audio.

    The game seems to be fairly linear but with some open world design. Not sure if this is it how it plays all throughout though.

    The story and narrative was very interesting, definitely for mature audiences.

    I personally found the combat too difficult on the normal setting, but my preference is for shooters so those who play more melee based games will likely not have much problem with the combat here.

    I would have liked to see some helpful hints for the player at least in the first few minutes of the game even if this would break the immersion level that is otherwise generated by the overall experience.

    Overall worth trying out if you are a mature gamer and enjoy third person action games with a very high element on the narrative.

    Well done Ninja Theory.    … Expand
  6. Azat
    Nov 11, 2019
    10
    I really liked the game. unusual plot, enticing. Excellent compared to other games.
  7. tobivv
    Jul 2, 2020
    7
    + Visually stunning, satisfying combat, original story, unique environments.
    - Slow movement, tedious puzzles
  8. 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
  9. Slckaer
    Jan 7, 2021
    7
    Nice visuals, no HUD and a 60fps option makes this game nice to play. That being said, the game is linear and has multiple non-logic puzzles. You must do action A before you can do action B... combat also didn't feel fair a some points and 6 hours is on the short hand. Final verdict: mediocre game
  10. kuiony
    Apr 27, 2018
    7
    Really great game except for repetitive game play. Only people who love story driven games should play this game
  11. 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.
  12. Magma17
    Apr 13, 2018
    7
    Gráficos de qualidade, atmosfera e áudio incrível,mas infelizmente não tem uma jogabilidade digna,inimigos são os mesmos do início ao fim,com pequenas variações de escudos dano e resistência.
    Os quebra-cabeças são repetitivos,é legal apenas nas primeiras duas vezes,mas ao avançar se torna uma tortura,já que os cenários vão ficando mais abertos,e o pior de tudo,isso é o melhor que o jogo    Gráficos de qualidade, atmosfera e áudio incrível,mas infelizmente não tem uma jogabilidade digna,inimigos são os mesmos do início ao fim,com pequenas variações de escudos dano e resistência.
    Os quebra-cabeças são repetitivos,é legal apenas nas primeiras duas vezes,mas ao avançar se torna uma tortura,já que os cenários vão ficando mais abertos,e o pior de tudo,isso é o melhor que o jogo consegue trazer em relação a jogabilidade,já que os combates são lentos,simples e chatos.
    A estimulação auditiva e visual com um bom conjunto de fones de ouvido é a principal razão pela qual este jogo não foi completamente ruim para mim,Boa atmosfera e narrativa assustadora. Um dos melhores nessa categoria. Eu não me arrependo de jogar, mas eu tive que me forçar a cada quebra-cabeça e horda de inimigos que encontrava.
    Outro jogo com foco na narrativa,nada além disso.    … Expand
  13. Atrocitylone
    Dec 29, 2019
    4
    Prepare for a lot of walking, running and voices. Game could have been much better but too much focus was on just telling the story rather than mechanics. However, when those mechanics do come into play you the player, if you dont know what's going on or what to do, you will be punished for it.
  14. 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
  15. emporio2866
    Feb 15, 2019
    7
    Игра очень понравилась, хоть и короткая!
    Великолепная графика - Ninja Theory умеют работать с движком Unreal на уровне Epic Games, только в прошлой игре Endlaved была третья версия, а тут уже четвёртая.
    Художественная составляющая на таком же высоком уровне, как и качество текстур! Игра просто оргазм для глаз. Звук - тут не рассказать, это надо слышать... он бесподобен!!! Актёрская    Игра очень понравилась, хоть и короткая!
    Великолепная графика - Ninja Theory умеют работать с движком Unreal на уровне Epic Games, только в прошлой игре Endlaved была третья версия, а тут уже четвёртая.
    Художественная составляющая на таком же высоком уровне, как и качество текстур! Игра просто оргазм для глаз.
    Звук - тут не рассказать, это надо слышать... он бесподобен!!!
    Актёрская игра главной героини также выше всяких похвал, за что актриса и получила заслуженный приз.
    Графика, звук и актёрская игра создают потрясающую атмосферу безысходности.
    Геймплей представляет собой симулятор ходьбы с решением головоломок, разбавленный несложной, но зрелищной боёвкой.
    Сюжет простой и всё, что я о нём могу сказать будет спойлером, но он неплохой.
    Игра проходится за 10 часов, но она и не корчит из себя AAA-проект и стоила на старте 2200 кажется, а не 4к, так что претензий ноль, чего не скажешь о Last Guardian!
    Платина простейшая, так как сложность не влияет ни на что и можно играть на лёгком, хотя я прошёл на харде и в боях даже был челлендж ближе к концу.
    Очень советую купить, ведь это очень необычный проект, созданный независимой студией и изданный ей же, а не под крылом крупного издателя. Поддержите, она того стоит!
    Оценка не 10 и 10, потому что 10 из 10 - это Last of Us и Witcher 3, а эта игра просто хорошая... не раздавать же всем десятки, как это делает один "худощавый непродажный блоггер", у которого чуть ли не каждая Call of Duty 12 из 10:)

    PS
    Игру дали на Xbox по подписке Game Pass, который по акции стоил всего 30 рублей на месяц и я с удовольствием ещё разок пробежал. Оценку поднял на один балл, ибо графику для One X очень заметно подтянули и сделали аж 3 варианта выбора: лучше графика в 30 кадров и 1080p; такая же графика, как на PS4, но в 4К и 30 кадров; такая же графика в 1080p, но в 60 кадров. То есть работу провели очень хорошую и обновили игру под более мощную консоль, за что респект разработчикам и + 1 балл в оценке!    … Expand
  16. strollbeltMX
    May 24, 2018
    9
    excelente juego, es algo diferente y me gusto su jugabilidad e historia y su final no me lo esperaba.
  17. StyxWitcher
    Apr 21, 2019
    6
    #Hellblade #RPG #action
    https://vk.com/adventurestocollapse
    Том II: "Приключения в Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice завершены". -Начинаем мы за кельтскую героиню Сенуа которая отправляется в Скандинавию в мир Мертвых...ради спасения своего возлюбленного Диллиона из рук Хель, носящая с собою его голову. -Спутниками путешествия возглавляют душераздирающие голоса до видений... проклятие    #Hellblade #RPG #action
    https://vk.com/adventurestocollapse
    Том II: "Приключения в Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice завершены".
    -Начинаем мы за кельтскую героиню Сенуа которая отправляется в Скандинавию в мир Мертвых...ради спасения своего возлюбленного Диллиона из рук Хель, носящая с собою его голову.
    -Спутниками путешествия возглавляют душераздирающие голоса до видений... проклятие охватившее ее под названием "Гниль" которая разрастается с каждой смертью, черная метка.
    -Брось вызов Богам.
    -Панические страхи до взгляни страху в лицо.
    -Путь закрыт Семью Печатями открывающими с помощью Рун, вашего бурного воображения.
    -Камни Воспоминаний поведают вам историю.
    -Взгляните Зрением найдя иллюзию для преображения в материю.
    Мысли в слух.
    -Наконец то завершилось путешествие.... Cенуа убивают мечем Грама...тьма, в которой она перерождается в Хель или Хель завладела душой Сенуа .... шестое чувство подсказывает мне что Сенуа является Хелью. В конце концов она сбрасывает голову Диллиона в бездну.
    -Сюжетная игра, которую я перепроходить не собираюсь, но ощущения от испытанного не безразличны.
    Я потратил два дня в разбирательствах ради прохождения, выскакивали ошибки мешающие прохождению которые решил изменениями в файлах, спас интернет. Пиратская версия GOG 1.03. Да у меня еще компьютер горяч, в этом наверняка еще заключалась проблемка, так или иначе после изменений в файлах, прошел за два дня.

    Оценка: 6 из 10.
    Жанр: action-adventure
    Год выхода: 2017 г.
    Платформы: Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
    Режим: Однопользовательская игра
    Разработчик: Ninja Theory
    Дизайнер: Ninja Theory
    Сценарий: Ninja Theory    … Expand
  18. Lejzros
    Dec 20, 2019
    10
    This game cannot be described.
    You have to play it. The story is masterpiece...
  19. Cristiancs100
    Jul 19, 2020
    6
    No es mal juego pero el sistema de combate es malo y los puzzles se hacen repetitivos
  20. Bobrovschi
    Jun 23, 2020
    10
    Take a look Naughty Dog, beautiful story game with a strong female protagonist should be like this masterpiece.
  21. Aftrthought051
    Mar 6, 2019
    2
    Imagine getting a new game, tearing it open and that eager anticipation to play welling up inside of you. Now keep that obsession, but now imagine before you play, you have to swim 300 laps,,,,,,with a weighted vest,,,,,,and for every 2 minutes of swimming you have to just sit there treading water for 5 minutes. Oh, and before you even start to swim, tread water for 10 minutes. That'sImagine getting a new game, tearing it open and that eager anticipation to play welling up inside of you. Now keep that obsession, but now imagine before you play, you have to swim 300 laps,,,,,,with a weighted vest,,,,,,and for every 2 minutes of swimming you have to just sit there treading water for 5 minutes. Oh, and before you even start to swim, tread water for 10 minutes. That's about as close to an analogy of playing Hellblade that I can give you. This game tries to tell some epic tale but unfortunately it only does justice to that infamous John Carmack quote from 1993: "A plot in a video game is about as useful as a plot in porn". I'm paraphrasing but you get the idea. The first thing you are greeted to when you play this game is a painful opening cinematic of the protagonist slowly rowing down a river as we listen to the voices in her head. The "whispers" of the voices in her head. Multiple ones. All talking at once. This is like playing a game where the main protagonist suffers from multiple personality disorder and you need to experience this because then you can hashtag how progressive you really are and virtual signal all your friends down in the dirt. You can't skip the cinematics which is equally painful since you will only care less about the plot as you carry on. The opening sequence takes a good 10 minutes to get through. No fast forward. No pushing a button to skip. I mean, imagine watching your porn, but you can't fast forward to the good parts? Porn on an eight track where you have to endure their terrible acting skills with an equally awful plot that the producer's cousin wrote. The good part of this game is that like any great porn movie, once you get to the action sequences (aka "the fighting" aka THE ROOT OF YOUR FLIPPING GAME!!!!), it is awesome. Great counters with pleasing results. Unfortunately, Ninja Theory thinks its storytelling is so grand that it doesn't need much combat. No tutorial either, but I guess that's a lazy way to say, "we make our games hard". No, you make your game like crap and tools praise you for it. This game is not difficult. What is difficult is staying awake as you so numbly and mindlessly wander from section to section to fulfill god awful puzzles that lack any imagination or intelligence to solve. The puzzles rely on you pushing a button, to focus in on some random stuff, and then "POOF!" The magic door is unlocked. Ooooo, I looked at something intently. I'm so smart. Yes, this is my first review ever for Metacritic because after playing this terrible game, I had to see what others said about it. I was horrified when I saw so many high scores praising this game. Coming from professional critics, I get it. Their job is to suck ass. But when I see such a high score from users, one begins to truly question the motives and legitness of Metacritic. Such a shame. I would personally rather have my nuts bashed in with a baseball bat by a naked Betty White because this game gives me worse visions than seeing her wrinkly body parts flap side to side as she hits me, and frankly I would get more pleasure from the sensation of having my nuts hit than playing this game. Nope, not into BDSM either. This game is a terrible porn movie that some tools are trying to pass for art. Move along. There is literally nothing to see here but a terrible game released at a bargain bin price to try to entice some poor souls to pay for it.… Expand
  22. 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.
  23. Filluc
    Dec 31, 2018
    4
    The game is extremely boring and repetitive. Jogo muito repetitivo e com péssima jogabilidade.
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. mattp1986
    Jul 9, 2020
    0
    Boring repetitive gameplay, story is ambitious but falls flat by the midway point. An 8 hour experience that gets boring after about 2-3 hours. Don't get all the hype and 9/10s this game received. Overhyped.
  27. greywolfe1214
    Aug 2, 2020
    3
    This was probably the most underwhelming game I have ever played. The only reason I am giving it a 3 is because it looks beautiful and the acting is decent. The game is about as boring as they come. I beat it in about 5 hours and I had to push myself to finish it because of how repetitive it is. I understand that many people liked it so more power to them but IMO the combat is atrociousThis was probably the most underwhelming game I have ever played. The only reason I am giving it a 3 is because it looks beautiful and the acting is decent. The game is about as boring as they come. I beat it in about 5 hours and I had to push myself to finish it because of how repetitive it is. I understand that many people liked it so more power to them but IMO the combat is atrocious and the puzzles are laughably easy. The sound design is interesting but overall wasn't as impactful to me as many found it to be, i found it interesting for about 5 minutes before I just ignored them as you would ignore background noise. I actually forgot about this game until I heard about the second one being announced, so I wanted to give my two cents to anyone looking to buy this game in anticipation of the sequel.… Expand
  28. 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
  29. Eglin
    Aug 14, 2019
    3
    In summary, Hellblade is a really bad Dark Souls clone. I expected great things from the game, having enjoyed previous games from Ninja Theory and encouraged by the progression of quality, but Hellblade marks a significant detour on their path. The first thirty minutes of the game are like an unskippable cutscene except less interesting. And the game only gets worse from there. WhenIn summary, Hellblade is a really bad Dark Souls clone. I expected great things from the game, having enjoyed previous games from Ninja Theory and encouraged by the progression of quality, but Hellblade marks a significant detour on their path. The first thirty minutes of the game are like an unskippable cutscene except less interesting. And the game only gets worse from there. When playing the game, I constantly felt that the design decisions were made with THE DESIGNERS in mind instead of THE PLAYERS. Unskippable slow-walk sequences are a great example and TBH, the whole game feels like one giant and unskippable slow-walk sequence. Not recommended and a bad enough game to take Ninja Theory completely off of my radar.… Expand
  30. 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.
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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

All reviews »
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 »