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HELLBLADE: SENUA'S SACRIFICE
review | PLAYSTATION 4
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Publisher: Ninja Theory.
Developer: Ninja Theory. Released: August 2017. Genre: Hack 'n' Slash. Other versions: PC; XONE; SWI. Posted 17th February 2026. By Shane Battams © 2026 |
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There used to be middle-market space where more experimental harbouring the production values of a AAA title thrived, but with increasing costs and changing trends in gaming, it seems that the divide between AAA and indies is wider than ever. In 2017, Ninja Theory attempted to bring these games back with Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. Boasting outstanding production values while telling the tale of a woman suffering from psychosis as she claws to bring her husband back from Viking hell, it’s a memorable and emotional adventure that those with an open mind should find excellent, especially at its modest price point.
Hellblade follows the titular character, Senua, as she enters the Norse underworld in an attempt to rescue her lover. Unlike traditional historical action games like God of War, it isn’t a tale of glory and vengeance but suffering and struggle. Senua is stricken with mental illness and psychosis, as the voices inside her head argue, causing her constant pain. It never feels like the world we trek through is on solid ground, with dark imagery and metaphorical nightmares leaving players on edge. It’s a haunting, engrossing experience, one that’s often nightmarish and shocking, yet feels feels thoughtful and considerate in its execution. It’s perhaps one of the strongest stories of the eighth generation. Special praise must also go to Melina Juergens, whose outstanding motion-captured performance serves as the glue that holds everything together.
Despite its more modest production values, Hellblade looks fantastic, capturing Senua's at-times nightmarish mental state
Senua’s Sacrifice is an action-adventure which mixes puzzling, combat and story. A lack of loading times sees each nightmare flow seamlessly into the next, firmly rooting players in the experience. The pacing deftly balances quiet time, enjoyable puzzles, and combat encounters, while even some noticeable backtracking during the first third doesn’t dampen the experience. Building up to the exciting final-act crescendo, players will likely see the end credits in around nine hours, which admittedly isn’t the longest journey. That said, Hellblade doesn’t outstay its welcome, and it’s more forgivable considering the cheaper price tag compared to bigger budget experiences. Additionally, with the prospect of collectables that reward a hidden ending, players may find themselves diving in a second time.
It really must be said how impressive Hellblade’s presentation is, despite its status as an independent production. Senua’s motion-capped performance is breathtaking, as each individual emotion is brought to life without feeling uncanny as in some games. Though a tad linear at times, the environments are breathtaking, with excellent lighting, uncomfortable details and some truly gut-wrenching visages, whether it’s a corridor of hanging bodies, the frightening river of death, or the claustrophobic tunnels. The icing on the cake is, this comes without performance compromises. The sound is fantastic, utilising binaural audio which especially comes to life with headphones. The sounds of madness all around you are genuinely terrifying. The music is powerful, capturing both the quiet terror and the fierce fire of combat. The enemies are freaky too, as they scream with the power of a death metal singer.
It really must be said how impressive Hellblade’s presentation is, despite its status as an independent production. Senua’s motion-capped performance is breathtaking, as each individual emotion is brought to life without feeling uncanny as in some games. Though a tad linear at times, the environments are breathtaking, with excellent lighting, uncomfortable details and some truly gut-wrenching visages, whether it’s a corridor of hanging bodies, the frightening river of death, or the claustrophobic tunnels. The icing on the cake is, this comes without performance compromises. The sound is fantastic, utilising binaural audio which especially comes to life with headphones. The sounds of madness all around you are genuinely terrifying. The music is powerful, capturing both the quiet terror and the fierce fire of combat. The enemies are freaky too, as they scream with the power of a death metal singer.
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Although it isn’t the sole focus of the experience, the gameplay deserves praise. The combat is brutal, with Senua auto-locking onto nearby foes and being able to utilise a light, heavy and stun attack as well as parry and block. It seems simple, but progression sees the enemy count increase, you’re forced to change your tactics against enemies with shields, larger attacks, and even some tough bosses, it can become joyfully intense. It is incredibly visceral, with enemies being left with sword slices in their skin and fountains of blood colouring the screen, adding weight to every strike. The only downside is the close-quarters camera, which has a tendency to get stuck on walls or behind environmental scenery. Despite the dread you feel against the horrors of this nightmare, though, the combat is a joy.
The puzzles are pretty varied, and feel smartly integrated around the story’s tone. It’s all about Sena twisting the environment to her advantage, such as doors which require special symbols to unlock. Here, you’re forced to adjust your position, as well as objects in the environment, to create these symbols. There are also occasions when you can utilise special gateways to change the properties of the world, such as restoring steps to climb up or removing a gateway blocking your path. They’re not the deepest puzzles you’ll ever see, and certainly can’t compete with games which focus on brainteasers, but they keep the pace well balanced with some necessary quiet time. It also masterfully reflects how Senua’s perception twists and warps around her.
The puzzles are pretty varied, and feel smartly integrated around the story’s tone. It’s all about Sena twisting the environment to her advantage, such as doors which require special symbols to unlock. Here, you’re forced to adjust your position, as well as objects in the environment, to create these symbols. There are also occasions when you can utilise special gateways to change the properties of the world, such as restoring steps to climb up or removing a gateway blocking your path. They’re not the deepest puzzles you’ll ever see, and certainly can’t compete with games which focus on brainteasers, but they keep the pace well balanced with some necessary quiet time. It also masterfully reflects how Senua’s perception twists and warps around her.
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While it isn’t for thrillseekers or those looking for straightforward answers (the ending in particular will leave you with more questions), Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a fantastically dark experience which takes a graceful look at topics such as mental illness, guilt, and grief while experimenting with the pricing formula in conjunction with production. Gameplay also holds up, with sharp combat and smart puzzle design which, while not outstanding, has been integrated into the story with care. The game feels remarkably well made considering how few people worked on it, and fairly priced for what you get: a compelling, replayable story. Unless you’re dead set against story-driven adventures or are sensitive to the dark subject matter, this one is well worth your attention.
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VERDICT
"Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a fantastically dark experience that takes a graceful look at topics such as mental illness, guilt, and grief while integrating the gameplay and the story with care." OVERALL: 8/10 |
OTHER GAMES WITH THOUGHT-PROVOKING STORIES REVIEWED
My Memory of Us (2018, PlayStation 4)
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A Plague Tale: Innocence (2019, Xbox One)
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