Hellblade is a really good game!

[StokedUp]

Jaicee said:

I just wanted to take a moment to recommend Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice this morning. I've just completed it and found it to be an exceptional game! I went in expecting a standard-issue Dynasty Warriors type hack n' slash game with a generic revenge plot, but instead found myself playing what was primarily an atmospheric exploration game about navigating psychosis. Hellblade treats the mental illness it addresses with a surprising amount of sensitivity and seriousness, with the game play mainly revolving around deciphering what's real and what isn't.

Honestly, the combat and puzzle elements are secondary and frankly feel shoe-horned in to me just to make the experience feel more traditionally "gamey" than it's really meant to. For my part, I think this would've been an even better game without those elements. It's still really powerful though!

The world needs more highly creative, independently-developed games with strong and poignant stories to get these kinds of budgets, to which end I really hope this game gets rewarded with success.

Just thought I'd give it my formal recommendation.

Someone who understands this game! Thank you. It's not just an amazing game it's important one, through the subject matter it's tackling and also showing that smaller studios with great minds and work can create a hell (no pun untended) of an experience through a great story driven game. Also the audio team have done a f**king awesome job with the 3D sound and voice acting for the voices in Senuas head (you really must wear headphones to experience it 100%).

I havnt completed it yet as I'm really taking my time enjoying it. You might say the combat felt shoe-horned but I actually find the combat massively satisfying. I love how Ninja Theory have managed to create a good feel of weight and impact behind Senuas attacks, each one feels like it was a important blow to the enemy.

I really recommend the game but it's for people who can appreciate the work that been put into the story, Audio and atmosphere.