Random Video Game Review - Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

 

Now this is a most interesting game. Developed and published by Ninja Theory, this has been described as that one Indie title that has that triple A quality about it. A lot of work clearly went into this I must say, especially as the last game I played that was wholly developed by Ninja Theory was that Devil May Cry game that while got its share of hate, it's actually not as bad as people make it out to be. As for the last game that was only partially developed by them, that honour goes to Disney Infinity 3.0 which they made a level pack for if I remember correctly. Well a lot of praise has been given to this game and with a sequel on the way, no better time than now to take a look. So let's go:

It's the late 8th century, and we get to play as a Pict warrior from Orkney called Senua (portrayed by Melina Juergens) who arrives at the border of Helheim on a quest to save the soul of her dead lover, Dillion (portrayed by Oliver Walker) from the goddess Hela. As we play the game, Senua starts hearing voices of various beings, including a Narrator (portrayed by Chipo Chung) who is aware of the player and often breaks the fourth wall. Two types of gameplay exist in this game, with one focused on exploration and the other on puzzles and things that would need to be solved in order to progress. There are some fights in the game with the gameplay being your typical use a certain button to perform a certain move, whether that's a heavy or light attack or even a dodge or parry. With certain items acquired later on, attacks can be more powerful and all that. Also, unlike your typical game, this one's tutorials come in the form of whispers that explain the mechanics. The whispers are from being called The Furies and care very deeply for Senua when she takes damage and so forth.

The game is a very well-made game, especially considering it's triple A quality despite being an indie title. It does really well to emulate psychosis which is a very real mental health condition and surprisingly for an indie title, it's very realistic with its graphics. It's probably one that is best played once due to how it is presented and the fact that it can be considered too cinematic. But very well done Ninja Theory and looking forward to what you give us next whether its another Devil May Cry game or something else. 9/10