Hellblade 2: A Controversial Journey of Visual Brilliance

by Frank McDougall
in Featured, News, PC, Release, XBOX
on 21 May 2024

Hellblade 2 reviews have arrived, and it seems that Ninja Theory’s ambitious undertaking has divided the gaming community. While many praise the game’s breathtaking visuals and immersive storytelling, others criticize its lack of gameplay depth.

PCGamesN gives Hellblade 2 a glowing 9/10 review, praising it as an “impeccable story of coming to terms with trauma,” filled with moments of beauty and strength. Such high praise begs the question: is this one of the best games of 2024?

Unfortunately, not all reviews have shared the same sentiment. VG247’s three-star review highlights the game’s tendency to keep players passive during its most impactful moments, leaving them wanting for more control. The balance between story and gameplay seems to have tipped too far toward a “walking simulator” experience.

Forbes echoes this sentiment with its 7/10 review. While it commends the Viking fight sequences and one-take shots reminiscent of John Wick, it criticizes the long periods of aimless walking. Reviewer Paul Tassi admits that this style of storytelling may simply not be his preference.

Opinions also diverge on the game’s puzzles, which draw similarities to those in Senua’s Sacrifice. XboxEra gives them high praise, considering them a welcome break from intense moments. However, Forbes finds them lacking in variation, with only one puzzle standing out as somewhat interesting.

With a current Metacritic score of 81, Hellblade 2 mirrors its predecessor’s average review score. While Ninja Theory has elevated the Senua experience in every aspect, this improvement hasn’t been fully reflected in the overall score. Clearly, evaluating Hellblade 2 is not a straightforward task, and ultimately, players will have to experience it themselves to determine its true worth.

Luckily, Hellblade 2 is available on day one through Xbox Game Pass, making it accessible to a wide audience. Alternatively, it can be purchased on the Xbox Store for $49.99/£49.99. Although we haven’t had the opportunity to try Hellblade 2 yet, stay tuned in the coming days as we decide whether it deserves a spot on our list of best Game Pass games and best Xbox games overall.

For more updates on this week’s big releases, check out the latest XDefiant preseason patch notes, which address the broken Splinter Cell class just in time for launch. And don’t forget to follow our Google News feed to be the first to know when our Hellblade 2 impressions go live.

Additional Facts:

– Hellblade 2: A Controversial Journey of Visual Brilliance is the highly anticipated sequel to Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, which was released in 2017. The original game received critical acclaim for its unique storytelling and portrayal of mental health.

– The development of Hellblade 2 has been marked by controversy, particularly surrounding its announcement trailer. The trailer featured a depiction of a human sacrifice, which sparked debate about its appropriateness and potential for cultural insensitivity.

– The game is being developed by Ninja Theory, a British video game developer known for their focus on narrative-driven experiences. They are also known for their dedication to providing accurate depictions of mental health.

– Hellblade 2 is set in a fantasy world inspired by Norse mythology and follows the story of Senua, a warrior on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. The game aims to delve deeper into Senua’s psyche and explore themes of trauma and resilience.

– The sequel is expected to push the boundaries of visual fidelity, utilizing the power of next-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X to deliver stunning graphics and realistic character animations.

Important Questions and Answers:

1. What is the controversy surrounding Hellblade 2?
– The controversy surrounding Hellblade 2 mainly revolves around its announcement trailer, which featured a depiction of a human sacrifice. This sparked debate about its appropriateness and potential for cultural insensitivity.

2. What is the gameplay like in Hellblade 2?
– While reviews have been divided on the gameplay depth of Hellblade 2, it has been described as a mix of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. Some reviewers have criticized the game for its tendency to keep players passive during impactful moments.

3. How does Hellblade 2 compare to its predecessor?
– Hellblade 2 is said to elevate the Senua experience in every aspect, but the overall score on Metacritic mirrors that of its predecessor. This suggests that while there have been improvements, it hasn’t been fully reflected in the reviews.

Key Challenges and Controversies:

– The controversy surrounding the announcement trailer of Hellblade 2 has raised concerns about cultural insensitivity and the portrayal of sensitive topics in video games.

– The balance between storytelling and gameplay depth in Hellblade 2 has divided reviewers, with some praising the immersive storytelling while others find it lacking in gameplay variety.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

Advantages:
– Hellblade 2 features breathtaking visuals and immersive storytelling that some reviewers have considered to be impeccable.
– The game tackles sensitive topics like trauma and mental health with a focus on accuracy and representation.

Disadvantages:
– Some reviewers have criticized Hellblade 2 for lacking gameplay depth, particularly during impactful moments where players feel passive.
– The puzzles in the game have drawn mixed reviews, with some considering them as a welcome break and others finding them lacking in variation.