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MONSTER

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Item: Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2017

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, Drama, Single Player

AvailableAug 7, 2017

PlatformNintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperNinja Theory

Overview

From the makers of Heavenly Sword, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, and DmC: Devil May Cry, comes a warrior’s brutal journey into myth and madness. Set in the Viking age, a broken Celtic warrior embarks on a haunting vision quest into Viking Hell to fight for the soul of her dead lover. Created in collaboration with neuroscientists and people who experience psychosis, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice will pull you deep into Senua’s mind.

Elsewhere

8.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice impresses with its haunting narrative that intertwines mental illness and Norse mythology, earning accolades for its emotional depth and immersive storytelling. Critics praise its empathetic portrayal of Senua's struggles, despite some pointing out issues with narrative clarity and character development. While the dialogue can feel generic, the game’s ambitious approach and emotional resonance position it as a standout achievement in interactive storytelling. Overall, it’s a gripping experience that leaves a lasting impact on players, despite its flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

96%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice has garnered significant praise from critics, who highlight its deep emotional resonance and thoughtful exploration of mental illness intertwined with Norse mythology. Many reviewers, such as We Got This Covered and GameSpot, commend the narrative for its immersive quality and the way it effectively conveys Senua's internal struggles. Critics like PlayStation LifeStyle and God is a Geek emphasize the emotional depth of Senua's journey, describing it as a painful yet beautiful exploration of love, loss, and the challenges of living with psychosis. The game’s ability to engage players on a personal level, as noted by Nintendo Insider and CGMagazine, showcases the developers' commitment to portraying mental health issues with empathy and care. However, not all reviews are uniformly positive. Some critics, including Metro GameCentral and DarkStation, express concerns over the narrative's clarity and focus, suggesting that it can feel muddled and overly explanatory at times. The character development of Senua is also critiqued, with some reviewers noting that it takes time for her to become fully realized, which can detract from the initial engagement with the story. Additionally, the dialogue has been described as generic by some, which may undermine the emotional weight of the narrative for certain players. Critics like Everyeye.it and Push Square point out that while the themes are serious and relevant, the execution can sometimes feel burdensome or lack depth. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a favorable view of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, with many acknowledging its ambitious storytelling and emotional impact. While there are valid criticisms regarding narrative clarity and character development, the majority of reviewers appreciate the game’s unique approach to mental health and its integration with Norse mythology. The game is recognized as a significant achievement in interactive storytelling, with critics like Impulsegamer and New Game Network highlighting its ability to evoke empathy and challenge perceptions of reality. Despite some shortcomings, the story is largely seen as a compelling and engaging experience that resonates with players, making it a noteworthy title in the realm of video games.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice delivers a gripping narrative and satisfying combat that integrates Senua's mental state, praised by many critics for its depth and clever environmental puzzles. However, the gameplay is marred by repetition, simplistic combat, and dull puzzles, leading to a disjointed experience. While it excels in storytelling and emotional impact, players seeking varied gameplay may find it lacking. Overall, it’s a compelling narrative ride, but not without its flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

72%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice has received a mix of positive feedback from various critics, particularly regarding its narrative integration and combat mechanics. Many reviewers, such as Nintendo Life and GameSpot, praised the combat for being satisfying and responsive, with elements that require players to engage with enemy movements and timing. Critics like Wccftech highlighted the unique mechanic of Senua's mental state influencing gameplay, which adds depth to the experience. Additionally, the environmental puzzles have been noted for their clever design, as they often tie into Senua's psychological struggles, creating a cohesive narrative experience that resonates with players, as pointed out by Gameblog.fr and PlayGround.ru. Despite these strengths, several critics voiced concerns about the gameplay's repetitiveness and lack of depth. Reviewers from Everyeye.it and Vandal criticized the puzzles for being dull and the combat mechanics for being overly simplistic, leading to a sense of monotony. Critics like Game Informer and Metro GameCentral mentioned frustrating elements, such as unclear consequences for failure and awkward pacing due to the disjointed nature of combat and puzzle-solving. The linearity of the gameplay was also highlighted as a drawback, with some critics feeling that it detracted from overall engagement and variety, as noted by The Games Machine and BaziCenter. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice offers a unique narrative-driven experience with satisfying combat mechanics, it suffers from repetitive gameplay elements and a lack of depth in both puzzles and combat. Many reviewers, including those from IGN and Digital Trends, emphasized that the game's strengths lie in its storytelling and psychological themes, but the gameplay mechanics could benefit from more complexity and variety. As such, while the game is recommended for its narrative and emotional impact, it may not appeal to players seeking a more varied gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice wows with stunning visuals and emotional depth, praised by critics for its AAA-quality graphics despite being from a smaller team. Unreal Engine 4 powers its gorgeous animation and immersive environments, but the Nintendo Switch port suffers from blurriness and lower resolution, while some PS4 players note minor graphical issues. Overall, it's a visual triumph that proves indie teams can produce breathtaking graphics on par with big-budget titles.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

92%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising the game's stunning visuals and artistic direction. Reviewers like Digital Trends and Eurogamer Italy highlight the game's gorgeous animation and high-quality visuals, noting that it resembles a AAA title despite being developed by a smaller team. The use of Unreal Engine 4 is frequently mentioned as a key factor in achieving the game's striking visual fidelity, with critics such as Impulsegamer and Hardcore Gamer emphasizing the impressive character animations and motion capture that enhance the emotional depth of Senua's character. The environments are often described as beautifully crafted, contributing to an immersive experience that effectively conveys the game's dark themes, as noted by critics like Slant Magazine and Critical Hit. However, some criticisms do arise, particularly regarding the graphical fidelity on certain platforms. Critics who played the Nintendo Switch version, such as 3DJuegos and Everyeye.it, pointed out that the port sacrifices some graphical quality, resulting in a blurrier appearance and lower resolution. Additionally, several PS4 reviewers, including LaPS4 and GRYOnline.pl, noted that while the graphics are good, there is room for improvement in environmental textures and that some graphical bugs can detract from the overall experience. Clipping issues and moments where visuals can appear plain were also mentioned by GamesBeat and DarkStation, indicating that while the graphics are impressive, they are not without flaws. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice features exceptional graphics and visual design, with many praising its ability to convey deep emotional narratives through its visuals. Critics like Easy Allies and Gamer.nl highlight the game's ability to create a hauntingly beautiful world that enhances the storytelling experience. While there are some criticisms regarding performance on certain platforms and minor graphical issues, the majority of reviewers agree that the game stands out as a visually stunning achievement, showcasing the potential of smaller development teams to deliver high-quality graphics that rival larger budget titles.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice boasts groundbreaking sound design, particularly praised for its binaural audio that immerses players in Senua's psychological struggles. Critics highlight how the 3D audio enhances narrative depth and gameplay, while the haunting orchestral score amplifies emotional tension. Despite minor criticisms on voice mixing and background music, the consensus deems its audio elements as a core, masterful component of the game's overall experience, marking it as a standout achievement in video game sound design.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

94%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice have been widely praised by critics, with many highlighting the exceptional use of binaural audio that immerses players in Senua's psychological journey. Reviewers from outlets like IGN and PC Gamer emphasized how the 3D audio creates a profound sense of presence, allowing players to experience Senua's inner turmoil through the haunting voices in her head. Critics noted that this auditory element not only enhances the narrative but also provides gameplay hints, making the experience deeply engaging. The atmospheric music, described as haunting and impactful, complements the sound design, further enriching the emotional depth of the game. Critics such as PlaySense and The Games Machine lauded the orchestral score and its integration with the sound effects, which effectively heightens the tension and emotional stakes during gameplay. Despite the overwhelming praise, some critics pointed out certain shortcomings in the sound design. Digital Trends mentioned issues with voice mixing and audio sync that detracted from the overall experience. Additionally, IGN Spain noted that while the ambient sounds and voices were well-executed, the background music was perceived as lacking. Video Chums also acknowledged that while the voices effectively communicate Senua's mental state, some players might find them annoying. This mixed feedback suggests that while the sound design is largely successful, there are areas where it could be improved to enhance the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the sound design and music in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice constitute a masterpiece, with many asserting that it is one of the game's standout features. The innovative use of binaural audio and the compelling voice acting contribute significantly to the game's emotional impact and immersive quality. Critics from outlets like Hardcore Gamer and DualShockers emphasized the integral role of sound in shaping the player's experience, making it clear that the audio elements are not just an accessory but a core component of the narrative and gameplay. With the majority of reviews celebrating the audio experience as groundbreaking, Hellblade stands out as a remarkable achievement in video game sound design.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics are raving about the voice acting in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, especially Melina Juergens' powerful performance as Senua, which captures her emotional turmoil and enhances the game's narrative depth. The immersive audio design effectively connects players to Senua's journey, making the voices in her head integral to the experience. While some note a lack of multilingual support and question Juergens' professional background, these critiques don't overshadow the overall acclaim—her performance is hailed as award-worthy, marking it as a standout feature in gaming.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

98%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice has been overwhelmingly praised by critics, with many highlighting the exceptional performance of Melina Juergens as Senua. Reviewers such as IGN, GameSpot, and Forbes have noted how Juergens' portrayal captures a wide range of emotions, effectively conveying Senua's internal struggles with psychosis. Critics like PSX Extreme and Critical Hit have described her performance as exceptional and award-worthy, emphasizing that it adds significant depth to the character and enhances the overall narrative experience. The immersive quality of the voice acting, with voices seemingly coming from different directions, has been commended by VideoGamer and GameCrate, who noted how this design choice enhances the player's connection to Senua's journey. Additionally, the voices in Senua's head are described as integral to the gameplay, providing commentary that enriches the emotional weight of the story, as pointed out by GameSpot and TheSixthAxis. While the majority of reviews are positive, there are a few critiques worth noting. Some critics have mentioned that the game does not feature voice acting in other languages, which could limit accessibility for non-English speakers, as highlighted by 3DJuegos. However, even in this critique, the quality of the original performances is acknowledged. Additionally, while the lead actress is not a professional, as noted by Vandal, her performance is still regarded as commendable, suggesting that there may be some reservations about the technical aspects of the voice acting, though they do not detract significantly from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a masterpiece, contributing significantly to the game's emotional depth and immersive experience. Reviewers like Xbox Tavern and Digital Trends have praised the performances as some of the best in gaming, emphasizing that the voice acting not only enhances Senua's character but also serves as a crucial element of the narrative. The combination of Juergens' powerful performance and the innovative voice design has left a lasting impact on players, making it a standout feature of the game that resonates deeply with its audience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice" impresses with strong technical performance across platforms, especially on PS4 and Xbox One, but suffers from bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay. The Nintendo Switch version excels in optimization but struggles with lower resolution and frame rate drops. PC gamers enjoy high-quality visuals but face minor audio issues. Overall, while the game showcases ambitious design and achievements, performance inconsistencies mean players might experience varying quality depending on their platform.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

52%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

Positives: Across various platforms, "Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice" has garnered praise for its technical performance. On the PS4, critics like IGN and LaPS4 noted that the game runs smoothly, with IGN highlighting enhanced resolution and frame rates on the PS4 Pro, contributing to an immersive experience. The Nintendo Switch version, while facing some limitations, has been commended by critics such as Nintendo Insider and Hobby Consolas for maintaining a stable 30 frames per second and showcasing the game's strengths despite hardware constraints. On the Xbox One, reviewers like BaziCenter and Generación Xbox acknowledged the game's impressive technical performance, with options for graphics and resolution that enhance the overall experience. Meanwhile, PC players, including those from Vgames and Hardcore Gamer, reported smooth gameplay with high-quality graphics, indicating that the game is well-optimized for powerful hardware. Negatives: However, the game is not without its issues across the platforms. Critics on Xbox One, such as XBLA Fans and TrueAchievements, reported various technical problems, including bugs and glitches that can disrupt immersion. On PC, Digital Trends and GameSpot pointed out issues like audio sync problems and caption discrepancies that detract from the overall experience. The Nintendo Switch version received mixed reviews, with Everyeye.it and Switch Player noting lower resolution and frame rate drops, particularly in portable mode, while Metro GameCentral mentioned that some graphical compromises were necessary. On the PS4, while many reviews were positive, critics like GamesBeat and Destructoid highlighted issues like clipping and camera problems that could affect gameplay, indicating that not all experiences were seamless. Overall Consensus: The overall consensus among critics is that "Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice" delivers a commendable technical performance across all platforms, but with notable caveats. While the PS4 and Xbox One versions generally perform well, they are marred by occasional bugs and glitches, as pointed out by critics like DualShockers and Jeuxvideo.com. The Nintendo Switch version, despite being praised for its optimization, struggles with graphical fidelity and frame rate stability, as noted by multiple reviewers. On PC, while the game shines with high-quality visuals, it still faces minor issues that can affect the experience. Ultimately, the game is recognized for its ambitious design and technical achievements, but the varying degrees of performance across platforms suggest that players may encounter different experiences based on their chosen system.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics largely agree that Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a powerful, one-time narrative experience with limited replay value. While some elements like collectible lore and a Photo Mode may tempt players to return, its linear structure, short playtime, and emotional intensity make multiple playthroughs unappealing for most. The game's focus on storytelling overshadows the need for replayability, cementing it as a memorable, yet singular journey.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

90%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice reveal a nuanced perspective on the game's design. Many reviewers, such as Hardcore Gamer and Digital Trends, appreciate the game's focus on delivering a singular, impactful experience rather than traditional replayability. Critics like GameCrate and LaPS4 highlight that while the game can be completed in a relatively short time frame of around seven to nine hours, engaging elements such as collectible lore stones and the emotional depth of the narrative may encourage some players to revisit the game. Additionally, the inclusion of features like a Photo Mode, as noted by Ragequit.gr, suggests that there are some incentives for players to return, particularly for those who enjoy exploring the game's rich visual storytelling. However, the consensus among critics leans heavily towards the notion that Hellblade lacks significant replay value. Reviewers such as Video Chums, Twinfinite, and GameSpot emphasize the game's linear structure and minimal gameplay variety, which contribute to a feeling of repetitiveness and limit the incentives for multiple playthroughs. Critics like Impulsegamer and Xbox Achievements point out that the game's short length and lack of side quests or collectibles diminish the desire to replay it. Many reviewers express that the emotional intensity of the experience, while compelling, may deter players from wanting to engage with it again soon after completion, as noted by Gamer.no. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is crafted as a one-time, narrative-driven experience that may not cater to players seeking extensive replayability. While some reviewers acknowledge the potential for revisiting the game due to its emotional weight and storytelling, the majority agree that its linearity and short campaign limit the reasons to replay. Critics like GameSpot and Critical Hit encapsulate this sentiment by stating that the focus on narrative and emotional engagement overshadows the need for replay value, making it a memorable but ultimately singular journey for most players.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

84%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

15%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is predominantly positive, with many reviewers highlighting its technical achievements and emotional depth. Critics such as DualShockers and GameSpot praise the game for its powerful narrative and immersive audiovisual design, emphasizing its unique exploration of mental illness. The game's ability to blend storytelling with compelling combat is frequently noted, with Metro GameCentral and Everyeye.it acknowledging its status as a technical masterpiece. The emotional impact of the game resonates deeply with players, as seen in reviews from Critical Hit and Game Informer, who describe it as a worthwhile experience that offers a unique journey into the complexities of mental health. However, despite the acclaim, several critics point out notable shortcomings in gameplay mechanics. Reviewers like Destructoid and Game Debate express dissatisfaction with the combat system and puzzle design, suggesting that these elements detract from the overall experience. Some critics, including Everyeye.it and Hardcore Gamer, mention that while the narrative is compelling, the gameplay can feel frustrating or underdeveloped. This mixed feedback indicates that while the game excels in its artistic and narrative ambitions, it may not satisfy players seeking a more traditional gaming experience. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a significant achievement in the gaming landscape, particularly for its storytelling and emotional resonance. While there are criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics, the majority of reviewers, including Push Square and PC Gamer, agree that the game is a must-play for those interested in deep narratives and psychological themes. The combination of its artistic vision and the serious subject matter it tackles elevates it beyond conventional gaming experiences, marking it as a contemporary classic worth exploring.

TL;DR

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice earns widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and groundbreaking storytelling, with critics hailing its exploration of mental illness as powerful and immersive. However, gameplay mechanics like combat and puzzles receive mixed reviews, frustrating some players. Despite these flaws, many agree it’s a must-play for those drawn to rich narratives and psychological themes, cementing its place as a contemporary classic in gaming.

MONSTER

Reviews

202 reviews found

100

Ragequit.gr

Aug 23, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is hailed as a benchmark in narrative-driven gaming, combining art and technology to deliver a profound and immersive experience.

Read full review

100

DualShockers

PlayStation 4

Aug 14, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is an incredible and emotionally affecting game that masterfully combines audio-visual design with a powerful narrative about mental illness. It is a masterpiece worth experiencing.

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100

Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 4

Aug 10, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a masterfully executed piece of art that transcends traditional gaming experiences, leaving a lasting emotional impact on players.

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100

XBLA Fans

Xbox One

May 10, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite technical flaws, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a must-play for its powerful narrative and emotional depth, making it a unique experience in gaming.

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100

TheXboxHub

Xbox One

May 10, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a must buy for all gamers, especially those who love character, story, and adventure. The performance, design, and journey are all amazing and the gameplay is hugely enjoyable as well, with a little bit of a challenge thrown in for good measure.

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100

Gamer.no

PlayStation 4

Aug 15, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a unique and intense experience that masterfully blends psychological horror with action, offering a journey that is both beautiful and harrowing.

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100

TrueAchievements

Xbox One

Apr 18, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is an amazing game with remarkable storytelling and production value on par with AAA experiences

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XboxAddict

Xbox One

Apr 20, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a groundbreaking title that masterfully combines storytelling, visuals, and audio, making it a must-play experience.

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GamesBeat

PlayStation 4

Aug 7, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite some technical flaws and repetitive elements, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a powerful and emotionally engaging experience that successfully explores themes of mental illness, supported by strong character development and impressive visuals.

PlayGround.ru

Aug 24, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is described as a masterpiece that transcends traditional gaming experiences, offering a profound exploration of mental illness and emotional depth.