While Hellblade II boasts stunning visuals that truly showcase the true potential of next-gen graphics, it feels like a significant downgrade compared to its predecessor.
The game delivers a cinematic experience that is visually captivating, filled with epic moments reminiscent of Norse and Celtic mythology and folklore. However, the gameplay itself, which was already simple in the first title (but effective, fun, and well-balanced for a narrative-driven game), has been sacrificed on behalf of total cinematic immersion.
Even in the very few moments when the game allows the player to engage in combat, the movements and strikes are extremely scripted and simplified, directed at one enemy at a time, lacking any complexity whatsoever. The puzzles, which were already relatively easy in the first game, are ridiculous in this one and feel like they were shoehorned in just because they had to include it.
As a big fan of narrative-focused games, including walking simulators with minimal interactivity, I can't help but compare Hellblade II to its predecessor and feel a noticeable change for the worst in terms of gameplay. When playing a sequel, players expect improvements in all the aspects they enjoyed in the first title, and that's not what happened here. The imbalance and difference in quality between the narrative and interactivity are quite glaring, and, unlike with my experience in Senua's Sacrifice, I can't help but to feel robbed of a proper and complete gaming-cinematic experience.