Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

I hear voices in my head
They council me
They understand
They talk to me...
God of War felt like Disney after playing this.
The Hellblade series is a great example of what can happen when you give a female protagonist a personality instead of D cups.
This is not a game series, this is art! The most beautiful and terrifying games that l've ever played. The games just sucked me in its twisted and engaging story. Also, you get used to them (even if it probably isn't a good thing) but the voices were extra unsettling at the beginning. The fact you get used to them being part of the simulation of real psychosis. You just start trusting and taking them for granted.
This game and its predecessor are important. What Ninja theory did with these two games transcends gaming. As a person that has intimate knowledge of mental issues, not in hearing voices, but in other areas of self doubt, in losing someone close to depression and as a friend of a girl that had a dark voice following her on her right side since the age of five up until the present day, like a crying child portait by Giovanni Bragolin, this game is something special.
I can tell you that Ninja Theory has done something incredible with these games, they’re grotesque and beautiful, and most of all something real with real meaning behind it all. These are full fledged games, that they've made created because they want these to be experienced... It is a great feat. To take such a chance, and not just make damn good games and experiences, but give it such an important context...
This behavior needs rewarding, it needs to be spotlighted.
The sequel like the first one is not a gamer's game. It's a cinematic experience that overloads your audio and visual senses. If you don't particularly care for these kinds of experiences, Hellblade II will do nothing for you. If you play games specifically for the "gameplay", the Hellblade series would ultimately be a waste of time. They’re very much the "art house cinema" of video games. It requires a very specific set of tastes, specifically tastes of people who are sick of video games that are purely just about the gameplay. Sometimes it's nice to play a game where it just wants to tell a story. Having a break from collecting 100 annoying artifacts, unlocking map fast travels or having to hunt and forage materials so you can advance.
Sometimes simplicity in gameplay elements is a boon in disguise. It ensures the story and atmosphere have room to breath and take center stage. If anything else Hellblade 2 shows again people are having difficulty accepting what a "game" can be for an audience. It doesn't matter if its running time is long or short, if its open world or lineair, has replayability or not. It doesn't matter if this is a walking sim or a game filled to the brim with expected upgradable skill trees. Hellblade 2 doesn't need to be a game for everyone, but it can be a game for you. Those that liked or loved the first game know what they are in for.
Story-wise I think it’s important to adjust perspectives when trying this game. Comparing HB1 to 2 isn’t going to do either game justice. HellBlade II is focused around Senua beating back OTHER’S darkness for them, to reach them. She’s beaten back her own darkness, and now she uses that to help others. I think it’s a beautiful change in narrative direction. Another reason I love it and love Senua even more is the fact that she doesn’t have to. The first game is necessary, Senua HAS to get through this. MUST come to terms with things but cannot stop until she reaches her destination. In this new game Senua CHOOSES to help others even though it hurts her, even though she could choose not to. But she knows their pain and wants to help them end it. First game is about closure, second game is about purpose.
On a personal note these games also helped me with the suicide of my sister. I've used these games to explain to friends how it's like because they just don't get it. The way they handled such a delicate issue, and portrayed something that varies massively from person to person in such an encompassing way impressed me massively. When you really listen to what is being said it can be therapeutic.
That's what people don't get about this series. It's not a typical "gain xp, unlock this, explore this area, get new fighting mechanics" type game. It has those elements sure but ultimately it's an interactive experience that many people struggling with grief, depression, and anxiety can all relate to. It's more than a soulless product meant to get you hooked on battle passes and highscores or speed runs. It's not Dark Souls or Witcher or whatever people expect from this game.
It's strictly about emotional connection in a way that I think a lot of people can't appreciate or relate to or rather don't have the patience to. It's simply shameful that cinematic games are so absurdly criticised just because they're not littered with pointless collecting tasks, endless side quests, sprawling skill trees, thousands of combat combos and an empty open world, but instead deliberately focus on a linear narrative for once and therefore don't last 40h+.
Finally, HellBlade II is exactly what I wanted... which is more HellBlade. It's not for everyone but this one is definitely for me. Honestly one of the best games l've played in a long time. If you're a gamer that likes a story and decent puzzles, this is your game. If you get through it, you will never forget it, and you'll be glad that you did. And thank's again to Ninja Theory... Bravo. These are rare gems in gaming history, and even though they might be overlooked somewhat... I just had to tip my fedora to them. Truly something special. Special games, for special people, which are thinkers in their head and warriors in their heart.
Play it. Feel it.
100000/10

If you know what Hellblade is about, you know it’s not a typical action game – it’s a cinematic, psychological journey that prioritizes atmosphere and storytelling over complex gameplay. Maybe you’ll never play it, but I still have to share this – I’ve just finished Hellblade 2.
Pros: breathtaking audiovisuals – from incredibly detailed environments and cinematic camera work to top-tier sound design; probably the most beautiful game on Unreal Engine 5; immersive atmosphere; epic combat; a psychologically well-crafted story; engaging characters; full Czech subtitles; collectibles that expand the world and lore; replayability through alternative story perspectives; film-quality performances; authentic environments captured with photogrammetry; and binaural audio that makes you feel like you’re truly inside Senua’s head.
Cons: could have been a bit longer; very linear; the slower, atmosphere-driven pacing might not be for everyone.
Verdict: Hellblade 2 is an experience that comes around only once in a long while. Don’t expect it to play like other games – it’s its own thing, not made for the masses, and proudly walks its own path. For anyone who loves strong narratives and cinematic presentation, it’s an absolute must-play. For me personally, one of the games of the year.

I loved this game for what it is, and for what it is not trying to be. I was not sure how they would continue Senua’s story after the first game, but this direction was unexpected and it worked.
Visually, it is unreal. A pure spectacle. Every scene feels heavy, intense, and carefully crafted. The story is mesmerizing and pulls you in completely. It left me wanting more, but at the same time it feels complete in its own way.
This is not a game you compare to others. It is its own thing. A one of a kind experience that you will not get anywhere else.
Worth it On Sale, suffers from Bad Unreal Optimization There should be an option to turn of RTX completely it should not be the norm but sadly that's the direction Devs are going and i Don't like it.
8/10

More like a walking simulator with a few puzzles but a good walking sim with excellent visuals and audio. Rather short took just under 8 hours to do so I would get on sale

Yes, it's true... compared to the absolutely great first game, this one and its story is psychologically less profound, shorter, less varied and fighting has gotten worse.
Nevertheless, the mise-en-scène, the atmosphere, the graphics and the sound are absolutely fantastic! The game is still a great experience and if you liked the first game, you'll probably like this one too. Just buy it during a sale and you'll be fine.

It needs to be played for storytelling, not gameplay. The way the story is handled is impeccable.

My feelings after finishing the game are mixed. Compared to the previous installment, this one definitely felt weaker. The length of the game didn’t bother me, but the story was missing something – perhaps more depth or stronger emotional moments.
The best and at the same time the scariest experience for me was sneaking through the cave. The sense of claustrophobia, the echoing sounds, and the overwhelming darkness – absolutely perfect. Unfortunately, the game's ending was a disappointment. It felt rushed and didn’t give the story a proper conclusion.
The combat also didn’t quite click with me – I much preferred the system from the first game. On the other hand, the finishing moves were a nice improvement, as was the way fights flowed together seamlessly, with enemies dynamically interacting and pushing each other around.
Visually, the game is stunning – the graphics are beautiful and detailed. The sound design was excellent, but unlike the first game, I missed a memorable track that would stick with me, like Illusion by VNV Nation.
A major highlight is the New Game+ mode, where the story is told from the perspective of the characters you meet along the way – adding a fresh take on the narrative.
Overall, I’d rate the game a 7/10. It’s a solid experience, but not worth the full price. However, with a 50% discount, I’d definitely recommend it.