Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice™

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice™

August 7, 2017
NINJA THEORY LIMITED
4.7/5.0(25,000 reviews)

Genres

SimulatorHack and slash/Beat 'em upAdventureIndie

Themes

psychologicaldarkmedievalfantasytragicintimatemystery-solvingexploration

Mechanics

linearstory-drivencutscenesvoice-actingcombatmelee-combatblocking-parryingpuzzle-solvingexplorationplatforminghidden-secretscollectibles

About This Game

Hellblade is less an action game than a guided descent into one shattered mind. Ninja Theory built Senua's journey into Viking Hell with neuroscientists and people who experience psychosis, then wired it for binaural audio so the voices in her head circle the player's own skull. The result is a tightly authored, roughly seven-hour vision quest where art direction, performance and sound do nearly all the heavy lifting.

Critics and players converge on the same verdict: the storytelling, atmosphere and Melina Juergens' lead performance are extraordinary, work that earned the game five BAFTAs. The persistent caveat is that the mechanics underneath are slight, with combat that stays simple and rune puzzles that grow repetitive. This is a game for anyone who wants an emotional, cinematic experience rather than systemic depth, and a likely letdown for players chasing a meaty combat loop.

Highlights

  • Award-winning narrative and character development
  • Groundbreaking audio design utilizing binaural audio technology
  • Stunning visuals and art direction inspired by Norse mythology
  • Exploration of mental health themes with sensitivity and depth
  • Challenging combat mechanics that focus on timing and strategy
  • Developed in collaboration with neuroscientists and people with lived experiences of mental health issues
  • Rich lore and environmental storytelling that enhances immersion

Platforms

PS4

Multiplayer

Single Player Only

Game Information

ESRB Rating:ESRB Mature

Gameplay

Modes
Single player
Perspective
Third person

Time to Beat

Rushed:6h
Main story:8h
Completionist:10h

Player Reviews

Good

Overall player feedback for Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing its compelling story, exceptional sound design, and emotional depth, often comparing it to an interactive film. However, some players criticized its repetitive gameplay mechanics and slow pacing, which led to mixed experiences for certain individuals.

Pros

  • Incredible storytelling and emotional depth
  • Outstanding sound design and voice acting
  • Visually stunning graphics and atmosphere
  • Unique portrayal of mental illness
  • Strong character development, particularly Senua

Cons

  • Repetitive gameplay mechanics and puzzles
  • Some technical issues and bugs reported
  • Slow pacing may not appeal to all players
  • Limited combat depth compared to action games
  • Some players feel the gameplay experience is overshadowed by its artistic elements

Based on 100 reviews from steam

Screenshots

Gameplay Video

HELLBLADE Senua's Sacrifice - Valravn Boss Fight #1 (1080p 60fps) PS4 PRO

DLC & Editions

The Hellblade Bundle
The Hellblade Bundlebundle

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice™ — Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice™ worth playing?
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice™ has a good reception from players, holding an average score of 4.7 out of 5 across 25,000 reviews.
How long does it take to beat Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice™?
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice™ takes around 8 hours for the main story and about 10 hours to fully complete.
Is Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice™ single-player or multiplayer?
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice™ supports single player.
What platforms is Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice™ available on?
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice™ is available on PS4.
When did Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice™ release?
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice™ released on August 7, 2017.
What is Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice™'s age rating?
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice™ carries an ESRB rating of ESRB Mature.