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Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 Looks Solid, but Microsoft’s Messaging Has Been Questionable

It feels like Microsoft can't decide whether Hellblade 2 is a AAA megaton or an arthouse sequel.

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gamingbolt.com
Terry_B806d ago (Edited 806d ago )

Lets be honest. Its mainly a walking simulator. Just like the first game..maybe there is even less combat and an even bigger focus on cinematics and listening to her inner voices while walking.

Big pros are just the excellent graphics, designs and the music of Heilung.

806d ago Replies(2)
DarXyde806d ago

Correction:

It WAS a walking simulator.

Specifically during the timed exclusivity window on PS4 and before being acquired. Now it's a megaton.

That aside, I think it's a AA game given a AAA budget. Ninja Theory is doing what they do, but with more resources. Can't really complain about a talented studio having more scratch to work with (and it is cheaper, though that digital only nonsense needs to go).

I don't know what it is, but I just don't have fun with their games. They're not at all bad and they're well made with attention to quality (Heavenly Sword might be an exception: beautiful for its time but it ran really rough and the game wasn't fun, at least you to me). Just can't really get lost in them. Never knew why. Still don't know.

CrashMania806d ago

The first was one of the most boring games I've ever played. Slow walking, glyph puzzle, walk, glyph puzzle, boring combat, walk, run from fire, glyph puzzle, walk, boring combat, run from fire, walk, rinse repeat.

And yes I played it long before it was ok Xbox or MS bought the studio.

805d ago
Markusb33805d ago

megaton ? so ground breaking sales then ? at a $50 download only title ? that has already been said to be the same length as the last ? dont sequels attempt to improve upon the previous title and try do more?

DarXyde805d ago

Markusb33,

If ever there was a whoosh...

In fairness to Hellblade II, I'm sure we don't know everything. At the same time, it doesn't look to be breaking anything that made people enjoy the first game. Implying a sequel is worse because it's the same length and digital only is a bizarre take, at least to me. It sucks that it's digital only, but that doesn't make it worse. It just doesn't. If it's broken and glitchy, that is objectively worse. Willing to bet that's not the case though.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 805d ago
VenomUK806d ago (Edited 806d ago )

THIS was the game used to promote the power of the Xbox Series X at its reveal back in 2019. Then every showing there was intentional focus on this being bigger and better. Then this year Microsoft revealed it would be a shorter experience, around seven hours -so why only reveal that in 2024? It suggest a change of plan and that behind the scenes there was some development hell and the game is shorter to ensure it’s released this year.

The twist (my speculation) might be that Hellblade III, made from what was originally going to be the second half of Hellblade II, could just need polishing and be ready to release 2025-2026.

Crows90805d ago (Edited 805d ago )

A change of plan??? I don't think so...it was never going to be this big AAA game. The premise that Microsoft has improved any game by purchasing them is evidently wrong....just look at the recently released ones.

MS is great at deception...that's all.

805d ago
YourMommySpoils805d ago

It wasn't development hell. All them developers were just high on weed, meditating with spiritual yoga.

anast806d ago

"Heilung" is great music.

Terry_B805d ago

Its a great project. Seen them live twice already since their first tour back in 2019.

anast805d ago

Nice. Danheim and of course Wardruna put out some good stuff too.

805d ago Replies(3)
Ironmike805d ago

So lis death stranding fact nearly all games have u walking towards something the game recieved a lot critical acclaim

Terry_B805d ago

I never played Death Stranding and don't care for it. But this comment section is about an article regarding Hellblade II and not any other game.

805d ago
Ironmike805d ago

I just stated mt that all games are walking simulation then if u go by ur logic as there's puzzles bits of platforming in this game

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 805d ago
isarai806d ago

I mean they released the fact that it's the same length as the 1st game and is digital only. That seems like a pretty rock solid indicator that it's not really gonna be a "AAA megaton"

Barlos806d ago

Digital only?! Well that's me out then

Nyxus805d ago

Maybe if/when it comes to PS5 it can get a physical version. Like what happened with Hi-fi Rush and Pentiment.

Ironmike805d ago

And how do come to that conclusion by game length and digital only but what if game is amazinng

helicoptergirl806d ago

I know one thing, it's not a "megaton".

805d ago
806d ago Replies(2)
Profchaos806d ago

It won't have wide market appeal even if it's very good and highly reviewed because the subject matter at heart is a hard sell for many

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40°
8.0

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II (PS5) review | One More Level

Senua's story continues on Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.

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onemorelevel.org
80°

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 Enhanced - PS5/ PS5 Pro/ Xbox Series X/ Steam Deck

Thanks to a brand new Enhanced Edition we're now able to enjoy Hellblade 2 at 60fps on console - addressing a criticism of the original release. This upgrade lands on Xbox Series X, and also coincides with the game's debut for PS5 consoles - where PS5 Pro in particular stands out for its offering of two upscaling modes. We test every mode and platform here - plus Steam Deck - with extra insight into how it was all achieved courtesy of a trip to Ninja Theory's studio.

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digitalfoundry.net
darthv72271d ago

The game was great looking to begin with. I can't quite tell what was cut to improve the performance, but its now even better playing.

Popsicle269d ago

Per video:

PS5 Pro - has best performance (stable 60fps), resolution, and maintains most visual effects utilized in quality mode even in performance mode. Also can switch between TSR and PSSR upscaling tech. Both upscalers require a lower base resolution to reach an upscaled 4K presentation on the Pro.

Series X - has 2nd best resolution and worst performance, but dips from 60fps are minor and are in the VRR range. Some visual effect reduction in performance mode when compared to quality mode.

Base PS5 has the lowest resolution, has the 2nd best performance with very minor dips from 60fps. As such, any dips also fall within the VRR range. Some visual effect reduction in performance mode when compared to quality mode.

Darkseeker269d ago

Looking at gameplay videos, I don't think I've ever seen games as boring as Hellblade and Hellblade 2.

CrimsonWing69269d ago

Watching games vs playing games

40°

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced Is Out Now

I’m Melina from Ninja Theory, the actress who plays Senua in Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.

I’m beyond excited to finally share that Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II has arrived on PlayStation 5. It’s been a long, intense, and deeply personal journey, and bringing this sequel to PlayStation truly feels like coming home.

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senuassaga.com