A complete showcase of graphics that finally represents Xbox Series X's generacion properly.
Hellblade 2 feels like the achievement that Ninja Theory was aiming for and that's why it's a great game. The absurdly realistic graphics combined with the same, but improved, elements of the first game transform this sequel into a unique game experience. Differently from most blockbuster games from big publishers, this one has a more touching "less than ten hours" story than most of the "more than 200 hours with a lot of repetitive activities" games.
Not only they pushed the graphics, but also challenged how the game's industry can use audio once again, making the game suck you into an immersive experience with more voices and variations. Performances also help to keep the audio at a high bar, especially from Senua's actrees.
When a studio has a clear vision, it's more likely that the game will be great. However, a clear vision can frustate some expectations, like the fact that combat from the first game is not improved, aside from the more cinematic experience and real time high quality graphics. Ninja Theory can be accused of adopting the strategy "if it's not broken, don't fix it", but having a simple combat it's not necessarily a bad thing for a story driven game that aimed for simplicity since the beginning.
As strange as it may seem, Hellblade 2 has one of the most complex and beautiful messages in it's simplistic soul. Personally, as a player, I'm not like Senua, but I understand her a lot. Enough to want to say "thank you" to her when the credits started.
Hellblade 2 feels like the achievement that Ninja Theory was aiming for and that's why it's a great game. The absurdly realistic graphics combined with the same, but improved, elements of the first game transform this sequel into a unique game experience. Differently from most blockbuster games from big publishers, this one has a more touching "less than ten hours" story than most of the "more than 200 hours with a lot of repetitive activities" games.
Not only they pushed the graphics, but also challenged how the game's industry can use audio once again, making the game suck you into an immersive experience with more voices and variations. Performances also help to keep the audio at a high bar, especially from Senua's actrees.
When a studio has a clear vision, it's more likely that the game will be great. However, a clear vision can frustate some expectations, like the fact that combat from the first game is not improved, aside from the more cinematic experience and real time high quality graphics. Ninja Theory can be accused of adopting the strategy "if it's not broken, don't fix it", but having a simple combat it's not necessarily a bad thing for a story driven game that aimed for simplicity since the beginning.
As strange as it may seem, Hellblade 2 has one of the most complex and beautiful messages in it's simplistic soul. Personally, as a player, I'm not like Senua, but I understand her a lot. Enough to want to say "thank you" to her when the credits started.