Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

I am blown away by this game. I cant fully put it into words of how well this game was made and thought through.

I am not usually into sword fighting games but this came up on Xbox One as a free download with my gamer pass. I'm glad I gave it a chance because it is amazing. The story and voice actors did such a good job. The voices didn't sound like they were reading a script. It was like I was watching real people in a real movie. I have experienced so many games with bad stories and bad acting, so this was a breath of fresh air. Also the characters and scenery in it are super creepy at times! Which I love. Great job. I will be looking to see what other games they have done after I post this.

This wasn't just a game. This was an experience. Those looking for typical hack and slash games can feel free to stay away from this title. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is about story and experiencing that story from Senua's perspective. Always. You'll never get a moment to step outside of her skin and see if what she just went through was real or just another battle in her unhealthy mind. The game is absolutely stunning but its gorgeous graphics are secondary to the AMAZING sound that is pinnacle to the experience and so very well done. When its award season rolls around Ninja Theory will undoubtedly sweep this category. The puzzles are well done, especially in the latter stages. If there is one thing keeping the game from being perfect, its that the same combat that starts the game is the same combat you'll experience at the end of the game. That said, I can't recommend this game enough. I hope many creators follow Ninja Theory's blueprint for "AA" games.

Whew, where to start?

I just finished the game, and it clocked in at 6 hours. Now as a game, especially for 29.99, those are not great numbers. However, as a memorable experience that was like nothing I ever played before? Worth it.

You are playing a story, more a passenger than a pilot. The fights are not deep, but they are fun and very tense with hints of permadeath and save wipes cropping up if you suffer too many defeats. The puzzles are cool, not terribly challenging, but enough to give you some good "AHA!" moments.

The main reward comes in the story and the emotional ride. The main character suffers from several forms of mental instability, but since its back in the Celt days, it all becomes swept into a blanket description of "The Darkness."

This is where this game really hit me personally. I live with Bi-Polar Depression, Severe Anxiety, and mild Schizophrenia. I had to take breaks from the game because it really nailed these conditions in the game. Constant whispers, doubt, mania, self hate, and misleading thoughts plague you the majority of the game. People who don't suffer from these types of conditions can gain an light understanding of what people who do go through on a daily basis. It was rough for me in spots, but overall, incredibly rewarding and a one of a kind ride.

This piece of interactive art is an absolute musthave for all the connoisseurs.

Ninja Theory really went where no one has gone before...at least not this well. Amazing, horrifying, touching. This is a must play with headphones when your kids are sleeping.