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Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

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

2017

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

AvailableAug 7, 2017

PlatformXbox One, PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

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

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The story of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. Many praised the game for its exploration of mental health and psychosis, with several critics highlighting the realistic depiction of these conditions. Critics such as NintendoWorldReport and Game Informer commended the game for its intimate and compelling portrayal of Senua's struggle with mental illness. TheXboxHub also noted the strong writing and satisfying story arc, with a particularly beautiful ending. The game's focus on Senua's inner struggle and the physical threats she faces in a hellish landscape was lauded by Easy Allies, who described it as an emotional journey that redefines interactive storytelling. While the majority of critics had positive opinions about the story, there were a few criticisms. Telegraph mentioned that the game veered too much into the supernatural, losing sight of its initial premise of exploring intense mental illness. However, this was a minority opinion, and most critics did not find this to be a significant issue. Additionally, Screen Rant noted that the narrative required close attention to piece together, which some players may find challenging. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the story of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is exceptional. The game's exploration of mental health, particularly psychosis, was widely praised for its realism and respectful portrayal. Critics such as Impulsegamer and CGMagazine emphasized the empowering and compelling nature of the story, while Game Informer and GameSpew highlighted the mature and dark depiction of mental health issues. The majority of critics found the narrative to be engaging, thought-provoking, and emotionally impactful, making it a standout aspect of the game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice wowed critics with its raw portrayal of mental health struggles, praised for realism and emotional depth. Some critics found the supernatural elements distracting, but overall, the game's narrative was hailed as exceptional, empowering, and thought-provoking. A must-play for those seeking a dark and immersive storytelling experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

39%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

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

The critics' opinions regarding the gameplay of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice are varied, with both positive and negative aspects being highlighted. Several critics praised the combat mechanics, describing it as visceral, engaging, and satisfying. They appreciated the depth and complexity of the combat system, with elements such as timed deflections, rhythmical elements, and chaining attacks. Critics such as Pure Nintendo, Switch Player, and Easy Allies specifically mentioned the satisfaction derived from the combat experience. TheXboxHub and PlayStation Universe also commended the combat, highlighting the range of bosses and the use of Senua's psychosis in boss fights. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about the repetitive nature of the combat. Video Chums, Destructoid, and CGMagazine mentioned that while the combat initially felt enjoyable, it became dull and repetitive over time. They felt that the combat mechanics were simplistic and lacked depth, which detracted from the overall experience. Nintendo Enthusiast and GameSpew also felt that there was not enough combat in the game, leaving them wanting more. In terms of puzzles, opinions were divided. Critics such as Impulsegamer, TrueAchievements, and COGconnected appreciated the challenging and rewarding nature of the puzzles. They found them well-designed, diverse, and satisfying. However, NintendoWorldReport, Video Chums, GamingTrend, and Push Square expressed dissatisfaction with the puzzles, describing them as tedious, basic, repetitive, and hindering the overall experience. They felt that the puzzles became frustrating, leading to aimless wandering and obscure solutions. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice offers a unique and memorable gameplay experience. The combat, despite some repetitive elements, is generally praised for its depth, satisfaction, and integration with Senua's character and psychosis. The puzzles, while receiving mixed reviews, are appreciated by some critics for their challenge and connection to the protagonist's mental state. The gameplay's ability to immerse players in Senua's journey and the rich, fascinating world is acknowledged by TheXboxHub. However, the repetitive nature of both combat and puzzles is a common concern among critics, with some feeling that it detracts from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the gameplay is generally regarded as a significant part of the game's incredible narrative journey, as highlighted by NintendoWorldReport and Game Debate.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice gameplay. Positive feedback on combat mechanics includes praise for depth and satisfaction, while some critics find it repetitive and lacking depth. Puzzle opinions are divided, with some finding them challenging and rewarding, while others consider them tedious and hindering. Overall, the game offers a unique experience integrating combat with Senua's character, although repetitiveness is a common concern. The gameplay contributes significantly to the narrative journey according to critics.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, with many considering it to be visually stunning and impressive. They commended the level of detail and expressiveness of the protagonist, Senua, as well as the well-detailed character designs and striking setpieces. Critics such as TheXboxHub and Xbox Achievements specifically mentioned the game's realistic characters and beautifully rendered Norse world. The use of live actors integrated into the environments was also highlighted by GameSpew as enhancing the story scenes. Additionally, the game's environments were described as varied, gorgeous, and capturing a sense of dread and misery by CGMagazine, PlayStation Universe, and Screen Rant. While the overall sentiment towards the graphics and visual design of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice was positive, there were a few criticisms mentioned by some critics. The game's graphics and frame rate on the Nintendo Switch were noted to suffer a hit, resulting in a slightly washed-out appearance according to Impulsegamer. The graphics on TVs were also mentioned to be not as great by Nintendo Enthusiast. Game Debate pointed out that the main character being extremely close to the camera and sluggish movements may be a result of high system requirements or an aging graphics card. The Washington Post also mentioned occasional cracks and graphical issues, such as pop-in graphics and a marionette-like head movement of the protagonist, as well as a potential game-breaking error. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the graphics and visual design of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice are very good. The majority of the critics praised the game's visuals, with stunning landscapes, impressive character designs, and atmospheric lighting that pull players into the dark spaces of the game's world. The graphics were described as visually impressive, beautiful, and even photo-realistic by multiple critics such as TrueAchievements, Easy Allies, and Push Square. The use of visuals to convey Senua's struggles with her mental condition and create a unique atmosphere was also highlighted by Slant Magazine. Despite a few minor criticisms, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with critics acknowledging the impressive visuals and design choices made by the development team at Ninja Theory.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice wowed critics with its stunning graphics and visual design, praising the level of detail, expressive protagonist, and beautifully rendered Norse world. While some noted graphical issues on the Nintendo Switch and TV screens, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with critics lauding the game's impressive visuals and atmospheric lighting that immerse players in its dark world.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (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 received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. The use of binaural audio and voices in the game was widely praised, with many critics highlighting the immersive and unsettling experience it created. Critics such as Nintendo Enthusiast and Pure Nintendo commended the outstanding voice acting and recommended playing the game with headphones for the best experience. The voices in Senua's head were described as constant companions, providing guidance, confusion, and depth to the game's mechanics, as noted by Game Debate and GameSpew. The motion capture and sound design were also lauded, with NintendoWorldReport and TheXboxHub praising the impressive quality and multilayered voice effect achieved through the use of a multi-direction mic. While the majority of critics had positive opinions, there were a few who mentioned potential negatives. Video Chums noted that some players may find the voices annoying, and Telegraph warned that the assault on the senses could be triggering for some individuals. However, these criticisms were overshadowed by the overall positive sentiment towards the sound design and music of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice. In conclusion, the Sound Design and Music of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice received high praise from critics. The use of binaural audio and voices created an immersive and unsettling experience, with outstanding voice acting and motion capture contributing to the game's overall quality. The majority of critics highlighted the importance of playing with headphones to fully appreciate the constant voices in Senua's head. While a few critics mentioned potential annoyances or triggers, these criticisms were minor compared to the overwhelmingly positive consensus among reviewers. Overall, the sound design and music of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice were considered exceptional, contributing to the game's atmospheric and impactful narrative.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics raved about the sound design and music in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, praising the binaural audio, outstanding voice acting, and immersive experience. Some minor criticisms included potentially annoying voices and triggering effects for some players, but overall, the game's audio was hailed as exceptional and crucial for its atmospheric narrative.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. Many critics praised the performances, particularly that of Melina Juergens as Senua, the protagonist. Critics such as Hobby Consolas, Nintendo Enthusiast, and Xbox Achievements all highlighted the outstanding voice acting, with Nintendo Enthusiast even recommending playing the game with a headset to fully appreciate the experience. The performances were described as memorable, relatable, and flawlessly delivered, bringing the characters to life and effectively conveying the emotions and mental anguish of Senua. The voices in Senua's head were also commended for adding to the immersive experience and enhancing the storytelling. While the overall sentiment towards the voice acting in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is overwhelmingly positive, there were no negative opinions mentioned in the provided reviews. It is important to note that this analysis is based on the opinions of the critics provided, and there may be other reviews or perspectives that express different viewpoints. However, the absence of any negative comments suggests that the voice acting in the game was generally well-received and highly regarded. In conclusion, the voice acting in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice has been widely praised by critics. The performances, particularly by Melina Juergens as Senua, were described as outstanding, remarkable, and even comparable to Academy Award nominees. The voices in Senua's head were also commended for their contribution to the immersive experience. The absence of any negative opinions suggests a strong consensus among the critics that the voice acting in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice was of exceptional quality.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics unanimously praise the exceptional voice acting in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, highlighting Melina Juergens' performance as outstanding and memorable. The voices in Senua's head add to the immersive experience, with no negative opinions mentioned among reviews, indicating widespread acclaim for the game's voice acting quality.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of technical performance, the critics had mixed opinions regarding Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice on the Nintendo Switch. Hobby Consolas praised the game for running smoothly at a stable 30 frames per second, while Nintendo Enthusiast described it as running stunningly well. NintendoWorldReport also commended the port by QLOC, stating that the only noticeable difference from the original versions was a low resolution. These positive reviews indicate that the game performs admirably on the Switch, providing an enjoyable experience for players. However, there were also some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Impulsegamer noted that the game suffered from a hit in frame rate when turning or moving abruptly, and Switch Player mentioned the possibility of FPS drops during more complex segments. These criticisms suggest that while the overall performance on the Switch is commendable, there are instances where the game's technical performance may falter. Moving on to the Xbox One version, TrueAchievements highlighted the lack of loading screens and clever UI design, indicating a positive technical performance. On the other hand, the PlayStation 4 version received some criticism from Destructoid, who mentioned technical issues such as camera problems and enemy repetition. The Washington Post also mentioned occasional graphical issues and a potential game-breaking error, further suggesting technical performance problems on the PS4. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice generally delivers a solid technical performance across all platforms. The positive feedback from critics such as Hobby Consolas, Nintendo Enthusiast, and TrueAchievements indicates that the game runs smoothly and provides an immersive experience. However, the negative aspects mentioned by Impulsegamer, Switch Player, Destructoid, and the Washington Post suggest that there are occasional technical issues that players may encounter, particularly on the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 versions. Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment leans towards a positive technical performance for Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice.

TL;DR

technical performance

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice receives mixed technical performance reviews across platforms. Critics praise smooth gameplay on the Nintendo Switch, with some frame rate issues noted. Xbox One version lauded for seamless experience, while PS4 version criticized for technical glitches. Overall, the game delivers solid performance, but occasional issues may affect gameplay on certain platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

25%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice are varied. Some critics, such as TrueAchievements and GameCrate, highlight positive aspects of the game that could encourage replayability. TrueAchievements mentions that the game has an easy completion with unmissable achievements, which could incentivize players to replay and aim for a higher completion rate. GameCrate also mentions that there are additional scenes and lorestones to discover, providing extra content for players who want to delve deeper into the game's world. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about the replay value of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice. Impulsegamer, Video Chums, and PlayStation Universe all mention that the game lacks replay value. Impulsegamer states that the game is short and may not be replayed unless the player loved the story, suggesting that the gameplay itself may not be compelling enough for multiple playthroughs. Video Chums echoes this sentiment, mentioning the short campaign and minimal incentives to replay. PlayStation Universe adds that the lack of side-quests or collectibles limits the reasons to go back to the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice has limited replay value. While there are some positive aspects, such as easy achievements and additional content to discover, the general sentiment is that the game's short length and lack of incentives to replay make it less appealing for multiple playthroughs. Critics like Shacknews and Telegraph express little desire to replay the game, further emphasizing the limited replayability. However, it is worth noting that despite the lack of replay value, critics like Xbox Achievements still consider the game worth the price, suggesting that the overall experience and quality of the game compensate for its limited replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the replay value of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice. Some highlight easy achievements and extra content that could encourage replay, while others criticize its short length and lack of incentives to replay. Overall, most critics agree that the game has limited replay value, with few reasons to go back for multiple playthroughs. Despite this, some still find the overall experience and quality worth the price.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

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

Overall, the majority of the critics had a very positive opinion of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, with many considering it to be a visually stunning and emotionally engaging game. The game's unique attributes and dedication to raising awareness of mental health were praised by several critics, such as NintendoWorldReport and Push Square. The game's incredible visuals, deep combat mechanics, and unsettling atmosphere were also highlighted by critics like Shacknews and COGconnected. The storytelling and narrative were highly regarded, with critics like Game Informer and CGMagazine commending the game's powerful and painful portrayal of mental illness. The production value and remarkable storytelling were also mentioned by TrueAchievements and Washington Post as standout features of the game. However, there were some criticisms raised by a few critics. The repetitive gameplay, particularly in combat and puzzles, was mentioned by Video Chums and Destructoid as a downside. Game Informer also noted frustrating gameplay mechanics that hindered the overall experience. Additionally, some critics, such as Telegraph and Screen Rant, felt that the game's imbalance and veering into the supernatural detracted from its initial premise. The lack of replay value and potential technical issues were also mentioned by Video Chums and Washington Post as minor drawbacks. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a visually captivating and emotionally engaging game that successfully tackles heavy themes. The majority of the critics had a very positive opinion of the game, with many considering it a masterpiece and a unique experience. The game's stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, and immersive atmosphere were highly praised. While there were some criticisms regarding repetitive gameplay and minor flaws, these were overshadowed by the game's overall impact and the important message it conveys. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is widely regarded as a must-play for those interested in a unique and thought-provoking experience, as it pushes the boundaries of what players may expect from games.

TL;DR

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging game that tackles heavy themes and mental health awareness. Critics praise its unique attributes, incredible visuals, and powerful storytelling. Some criticize repetitive gameplay and minor flaws, but overall, it's considered a must-play masterpiece that pushes boundaries in gaming.

MONSTER

Reviews

196 reviews found

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

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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NZGamer

PlayStation 4

Aug 24, 2017

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

The game is emotionally brutal and may not be for everyone, but it celebrates the courage needed to face psychosis.

Hobby Consolas

Nintendo Switch

Apr 14, 2019

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

The review concludes that Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a visually spectacular game on the Nintendo Switch, with a different adventure gameplay that may be challenging but adds to its appeal. It is described as an adventure that leaves a lasting impression.

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Switch Player

Nintendo Switch

Apr 22, 2019

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

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a superb experience unlike any other on Switch, with a limited yet focused scope.

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VideoGamer

PlayStation 4

Aug 10, 2017

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

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is described as beautiful, discomforting, and compelling. It challenges what players may expect from games and is highly recommended.

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ZTGD

Xbox One

Apr 24, 2018

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

Hellblade is an amazing achievement in game design that everyone should play. It showcases what talented developers can achieve and supports mental health research through its sales.

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Easy Allies

PlayStation 4

Aug 14, 2017

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

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a unique achievement in interactive storytelling, with engaging combat, rich mythology, and a profoundly emotional tale.

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Aug 11, 2017

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

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a haunting journey through Viking infested lands seen through the eyes of a mentally disturbed individual. An incredible achievement that could have lasted longer.

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GameCrate

PlayStation 4

Aug 15, 2017

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

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a well-made game that tackles sensitive topics effectively. It is a memorable experience that will stick with the player.