Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

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.

'Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice (2017)' is a phenomenal game. It's incredibly immersive, putting you squarely inside the head of its schizophrenic protagonist and keeping you there throughout. Every aspect of the game works to put you in her head-space; it really is remarkable. The piece's excellent sound design conveys the hallucinations, delusions and intrusive thoughts that plague its hero, making them an integral part of the experience. The gameplay does this, too, as the voices will often warn you of danger or give you a hint. This is a great way of conveying both sides of the equation, portraying mental illness as something far more nuanced than the 'monster' it is so often reduced to. The game sees the lead character embark on a quest to bring back her dead lover, alternating between combat and puzzles as it tells its amazing tale. Whether or not Senua's journey is entirely physical is irrelevant; it's totally real. It feels real, too. The battles, while not overly complex, are often gruelling and ominous, a feeling that is bolstered by the affair's potential 'perma-death' (the validity of which doesn't really matter). The whole experience can be described as gruelling and ominous, actually. It's amazingly atmospheric and surprisingly emotionally resonant. Ultimately, it's utterly captivating, a triumph in every aspect. It may only be short, around seven hours in total, but it's certainly worth your time. 9/10

Congratulations Ninja Theory, this is absolutely incredible. Hellblade is one of the greatest games I have ever played, I hope you all have given this game a chance. One of the most compelling stories set in a stunningly beautiful world. With a backdrop of Norse mythology, you'll follow Senua as she seeks to find something she once lost. This harrowing game will test you in ways you'll never think possible. I give Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice a masterpiece/10. Do give this wonderful game a shot, you will not be disappointed.

Combat mechanics can at times feel a step behind what the player is intending but other than that, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a beautifully crafted story-driven title. The mature subject matter requires an open mind and allowing ones self to become immersed in the world that Sunua is experiencing.

Upon completion of the game I encourage players to watch the mini-documentary (can be accessed from the main menu) as it details the developers inspiration and motivations for tackling a subject that to this day is still not totally understood.

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.