Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Review: A Technical Masterpiece Weighed Down by Mediocrity
In many ways, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is the perfect embodiment of its troubled protagonist, Senua. The game, a sequel to 2017’s Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, follows the Pict warrior Senua as she battles against the cruelty of reality and her own mentality. Despite overcoming personal grief, Senua still struggles with her psychosis, leading to conflicting visions and beliefs unique to her. The game beautifully portrays the contradicting nature of psychosis, with mesmerizing horror visions and haunting audio. However, these contradictions are also evident in the game’s design, failing to blend a mythological epic with the psychological depth of the original.
Ironically, Hellblade II’s identity crisis mirrors that of its developer, Ninja Theory. Known for stylish action games like Heavenly Sword and DmC: Devil May Cry, Ninja Theory took a different route with the release of Hellblade in 2017, delving into a personal and psychological character study that resonated deeply with players. However, Hellblade II falls short in comparison, lacking depth and engaging gameplay.
The gameplay in Hellblade II is lackluster and insulting to its adult audience, with combat that feels dumbed down and unexciting. The introduction of new characters adds little to the narrative, failing to create authentic connections and depth. While the game’s technical achievements are commendable, the overall experience falls short of expectations.
Despite its flaws, Hellblade II shines in its technological prowess, offering impressive graphics and audio that elevate the experience. The game’s moments of intensity and visually stunning scenes showcase its potential, making it worth a try for players looking for a unique gaming experience. Hellblade II is available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows, and Steam, offering a visually striking journey for players to explore.