Hellblade 2 is a game that should be more honest with itself. Solving third-rate puzzles that don't provide any challenge, or facing enemies in scripted combat from the beginning to the end of the game, doesn't do him any good. And I think that's the point that so many people are missing. In fact, Hellblade 2 would not be better with wider and deeper gameplay, but rather, with a greater absence of it.
Senua's Saga's greatest strengths are the moments when the game sets out to be a unique and bizarre experience, rather than its gameplay-focused segments. It's been a long time since I felt genuine anxiety playing something, and Hellblade 2 gave me that, whether with extremely uncomfortable sequences that cause a feeling of claustrophobia, dread and disgust, or just with Senua deliberating, disturbed and lost with herself and her thoughts, insecurities, and fear of whatever lies ahead.
I already had this thought when I played the first game, and it only intensified and became more serious when the developer releases a sequel seven years later, with one hell of a generational leap, and delivers something extremely similar, not to mention simpler and less meaningfull than the previous one.
There's no shame in developing a cinematic and interactive game focused completely on the narrative and remarkable moments. I can only hope that, if we are ever going to have a third game, Ninja Theory has a more aligned vision of delivering ONLY what Hellblade in its essence truly is, or at least should be.
Senua's Saga's greatest strengths are the moments when the game sets out to be a unique and bizarre experience, rather than its gameplay-focused segments. It's been a long time since I felt genuine anxiety playing something, and Hellblade 2 gave me that, whether with extremely uncomfortable sequences that cause a feeling of claustrophobia, dread and disgust, or just with Senua deliberating, disturbed and lost with herself and her thoughts, insecurities, and fear of whatever lies ahead.
I already had this thought when I played the first game, and it only intensified and became more serious when the developer releases a sequel seven years later, with one hell of a generational leap, and delivers something extremely similar, not to mention simpler and less meaningfull than the previous one.
There's no shame in developing a cinematic and interactive game focused completely on the narrative and remarkable moments. I can only hope that, if we are ever going to have a third game, Ninja Theory has a more aligned vision of delivering ONLY what Hellblade in its essence truly is, or at least should be.
2 Comments
@SirKashmir
The narrative in this one is more expository. After all, it takes place in the world of men, not Hel. However, when Senua's allies start to have some development and you become attached to them, the game is suddenly in the final stretch, a shame.
The narrative in this one is more expository. After all, it takes place in the world of men, not Hel. However, when Senua's allies start to have some development and you become attached to them, the game is suddenly in the final stretch, a shame.
SirKashmir
28 days ago