After finishing the brief from Ninja Theory, I was excited to dive into Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II which was kindly provided by Xbox Studios. Having not played the original, I was initially concerned that I wouldn’t be able to follow the storyline. However, the developers anticipated this and provided a prelude from their first title as the opening scene. This thoughtful inclusion sets the stage for the journey ahead, ensuring that new players can seamlessly immerse themselves in Senua’s world.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is the highly anticipated sequel to the award-winning Senua’s Sacrifice. In this installment, Senua returns for a brutal journey of survival, navigating the myths and torments of Viking Iceland. Tormented by the voices in her head, each vying for control, Senua battles to save those who have fallen victim to the horrors of tyranny, beginning with the atrocities committed by the Northmen as your journey starts on the water as a slave. Senua uniquely experiences the world through the voices in her head, including the haunting presence of her father’s voice, fighting, and clashing seamlessly as you move through the world, creating a deeply immersive experience. This audio masterpiece not only enhances the gameplay but also draws you intimately into Senua’s intense struggle.

Before the game begins, a brief flash on the screen provides a rundown of the controls needed to navigate the world, and this information is always accessible from the pause menu. On the Xbox Series X, the controls are intuitive, and the force feedback enhances the experience, adding a tactile dimension to those tense moments, and making the gameplay even more immersive.

Absolutely stunning is the only way to describe the environment in Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II. The camera angle makes you feel like you are watching a movie in a cinema, no HUDs, no health bars, nothing – just pure goodness. From the very first storm, where you find yourself washed up on a desolate beach, to the breathtaking visuals as you journey through the rugged mountains, the game’s visuals are nothing short of amazing. The developers’ masterful use of reflections, combined with the visible cold breath emanating from Senua, sweat, and blood dripping from the head, all create an atmosphere that is both immersive and visually arresting.

Every detail, from the play of light on the water to the intricate textures of the landscapes, is meticulously crafted, leaving no room for criticism. The result is a world that feels profoundly real, drawing players deeper into Senua’s harrowing journey and making each moment a feast for the senses. No detail is spared, and you find yourself constantly darting your eyes around, eager to take in more of the stunning scenery. The combat feels polished and is easy to learn in a short time as you are thrown into the deep end. The deeper you get into the story, the harder you work to block and counter.

The surprises don’t stop at the visuals, the sound design in Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is equally top-notch. The developers strongly recommend wearing headphones to fully immerse yourself in Senua’s journey, and it’s easy to see why. The auditory experience is meticulously crafted, with every whisper, footstep, and ambient noise contributing to a profoundly immersive and atmospheric gameplay experience.

The use of binaural audio technology creates a 3D soundscape that enhances the psychological depth and emotional intensity of the game, making you feel as if you’re right there alongside Senua, experiencing her struggles, the voices in her head, and the ghosts around the landscape, it becomes quite unnerving.

Ninja Theory has absolutely hit the mark again with their second title in the series, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, creating a stunning masterpiece that takes gamers on an unforgettable ride and draws them deeply into Senua’s harrowing journey. From the moment you start, you are enveloped in a world that is both visually and audibly breathtaking. The meticulous attention to detail in the environment, from the storm-lashed beaches to the misty mountain vistas, is complemented by a top-tier sound design that demands the use of headphones for full immersion.

The narrative is gripping, filled with emotional depth and psychological complexity, as Senua battles not only external foes but also the tormenting voices within her mind. Each element of the game, from the art direction to the character development, is crafted with such care and precision that it blurs the line between game and art. Ninja Theory has delivered a game that is not just to be played, but experienced, making Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II a must-play for action and adventure purists.

Written by: Mikey B