playing Hellblade in 2024

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice (2017) is a game I enjoyed when it released. With Hellblade 2: Senua's Saga releasing soon, I figured it was a good time to revisit the OG.
check out my new Friends Per Second Podcast: linktr.ee/friendspersecond
Yell at me on twitter: bit.ly/3gdkPqD​​​​
Instagram: bit.ly/3uUh9Ot

[@jeffhodges4086]

This was the first game I played where I truly felt I played alongside someone's performance. The work Melina Juergens did as Senua is a brilliant display of acting.

[@acidreighn]

and she wasnt even an actor, at all.. (apparently she is now, lol dont blame her.) she worked for Ninja Theory as video editor/photographer or some such.. and while demoing their tech, they liked her so much, they just up and asked her to do the role and she accepted.

[@landonewts]

She is AMAZING.

[@lyndonmarquis414]

True dis…

[@propps2253]

She is a perfect example of method acting, it's rare to see real emotions and facial expressions in movies or games.

[@philth7587]

​@@acidreighn Yeah it's crazy that someone who never pursued that career could be so amazing in their first role

[@thestudman99]

Subtle touches like the voices telling you when to dodge really sold the immersion, especially with headphones. It's like we were in Senua's head

[@coldchillin8382]

You gotta have headphones for sure. Been awhile but I remember the vibe and sound design were well done as well as the immersion, but the actual gameplay wasn’t that great.

[@uforocker1488]

I played Hellblade for the first time 2 months ago and I absolutely loved it! I’m super excited for the 2nd game!

[@JakeBaldino]

I hope they nail it

[@oliverpilgrim5391]

@@JakeBaldinogame comes out next week, you haven’t gotten a review code yet Jake?

[@drgonzo123]

I did the same thing. The Plague Tale sequel really hit hard too.

[@nickstark8479]

If you liked the first game I think you'll like the second also.

[@matthewjalovick]

I played Hellblade around the same time I played the first Plague Tale (about two-ish years ago) and both of those titles changed how I view creativity in narrative development. Absolutely love when developers… well… get weird with it. Hopefully Satya doesn’t get too weird with his finances and cut Ninja Theory 🙃

[@Anthonysk9]

Plague tale was GOOD!!!!!!

[@carlopardo-]

Me too! I played them one after the other. I recommend you to try Bramble The Mountain King

[@matthewjalovick]

@@carlopardo- I’ll look into it :) thanks for the recommendation.

[@melonmelon2848]

Short length, not full-price and good story, we need more of these!

[@fabolousjada5070]

Better hope it sells or Xbox will axe ninja theory

[@sumireravenclaw8034]

short length and not full priced goes in the same sentence. lol for a game that's like 4-8 hours i still really wouldn't want to spend enve 40-50 for these days.

[@acidreighn]

@@fabolousjada5070 meh, let Sony pickem up then. Heavenly Sword and Hellblade were Sony exclusives at one point. I think theyre a great studio at what they do. Heavenly Sword was kinda rough, but really showcased where gaming was going, early on, in the PS3 life cycle. Everything they've made since has been a banger imo. (Enslaved, DMC, HS stands out) I thought DMC was awesome btw... it wasn't "DMC" but still a sick character action game, all its own.

[@krispybowgod9656]

@@sumireravenclaw8034I sometimes spend 150+ dollars for a 4 hour round of golf. If it’s good entertainment it’s good entertainment people need to stop associating length with value or we will keep getting 200+ hour Assasin creed games with zero soul or creativity

[@shifterzx]

​​@@sumireravenclaw8034I swear every time someone talks about the length they make it shorter and shorter. 4 hours now! lol Hellblade 1 is supposed to be '8 hours', but that's if you can speed run the thing and know exactly what to do. No first timer is going to play that way. I probably spent a good 12-15 hours on the first one and unlike other longer bloat filled games, this one left a long lasting mark on me. Quality over quantity. Sadly the game industry rarely does both

[@sithstalker6936]

I love Hellblade so much. The accolades trailer where they have the testimonials from people who hear voices in real life is one of my favorite trailers in any game

[@stuartmorley6894]

I hear voices and it's the closest I've seen a game get how it can be. I know Jake wasn't that bothered by the sound design of the voices but it certainly came close to showing (well hearing) what it's like to non voice hearers.

[@DustinGunnells]

Highly underrated, very stylized, just not a typical game that you'd really call a game. It's more like an experience with gameable elements.

[@neilcognito]

Treating hellblade like a gamey-game will always lead to disappointment. It's not that, every system and even the repetition is tailored for a reason. Everything in the game is to aid the narrative being told. Which in itself is told non-linearly for a reason.

[@87CREW]

​@@neilcognito I couldn't have said it any better! 👌🏾👍🏾

[@hectorosbornerodriguez9683]

This game was (and is) AMAZING. Playing with headphones is a must. Those voices in your (her) head are always with you and make you question everything. I had not compare it to Alan Wake 2, but now that you say so, both are unique and the story keeps you wanting more. Must play!

[@ED-209UHD]

Anyone that doesn’t play with a gaming headset with any game has issues 😂

[@patrickclark9642]

Combine a studied depiction of schizophrenia with a literal interpretation of ancient myth, and use technology to manipulate the sensorium to simulate psychosis/nightmarish fantasy, and you get one of the best pieces of magical realism in the medium of video games. The mental journey is so rad, I'm definitely going to play the sequel at some point.

[@builtfrom3D]

One of the best or should I say memorable game I've ever played. And Im glad u mentioned that "there's nothing like it" in today's games

[@Snyde70]

Druth is my truth. That character was so rad. I'll miss him if he's not in the sequel.

[@gleam6370]

I finished hellblade 7 years ago and it’s still etched into my brain. One of the most impactful games I’ve played. The ending hit me hard

[@DV-ou1yu]

Ending was so good

[@Cheddar_96]

Played this back when it released, I’m replaying it this week to refresh my memory before number 2 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@beatnrg]

The band that is doing the music for Hell blade two is called Heilung, and if you don’t know who they are check them out! They are absolutely amazing!

[@geecrispy9809]

Mad love for you Jake. Keep kicking ass in your batman lair!

[@batmanarkham321]

👍

[@geecrispy9809]

​@@batmanarkham321I was not expecting a reply but boy am I happy to have gotten one! ❤

[@Colonel_Satan]

I refuse to believe this is 7 years old. I remember playing it on release.

[@toptiertech7291]

I hear 7 years ago and I think 2012-2014. Not 2017 😂

[@felipebusnardo8023]

For me it was the “if i die too much it’s game over” feeling… the voices and the dark segments… that just got me in the edge of mu seat all the time. What a game!

[@srikanthrao991]

I played this game for the first time this week. The puzzles were a bit tedious at times, however the combat is pretty good and the story is excellent. Would definitely recommend it especially if you have gamepass!

[@BucklingSwashes]

I replayed it about a year ago. What I remember surprising me most during this second playthrough was how much I ended up actually enjoying the combat. It's one of those systems where it's fairly simple, but has a lot of hidden depth. Positioning, in particular, is much more important and valuable than I originally realized, and understanding how to manage multiple enemies by positioning yourself to see them and timing your movements, blocks, and attacks to dispatch them quickly ends up giving it a unique and fittingly tense rhythm. I'm very curious to see how combat works in the sequel.

[@lyndonmarquis414]

You’re right about the eye-contact from Senua - I don’t think I ever properly understood that before. This game is absolutely unflinching and because it does not spare her, she will not spare you. I love this game so hard.

[@colonelb]

I loved the game and can't wait for the sequel. One of the things I appreciate without spoiling anything is how the ending isn't the ending you'd expect from a "traditional fairy tale ending". There is a very obvious expectation regarding Dillion that doesn't happen and instead you get what I refer to as, "the therapist's happy ending" - which if you've played the game you know exactly why I say it like that - the ending she gets is the ending that a therapist would want for their patient dealing with her trauma. And I think that is a really wonderful thing to see in any conversation about mental health and the five stages of grief and finding acceptance. Jake if you've not seen it, Ninja Theory's channel has an Accolades trailer where they spotlight many of the amazing positive "thank yous" they got from fans who felt like their own struggles with mental health were finally seen. It's DEFINITELY worth checking out and will give you chills. Cheers

[@JakeBaldino]

Thank you for this! That accolades video was fantastic. I really hope similar things happen with the next game. It seems really good for people

[@geecrispy9809]

Replaying it right now!

[@geecrispy9809]

It really is a great game though. Mechanically it can get a tad... tedious. But the immersion is great

[@fabolousjada5070]

@@geecrispy9809cope

[@corey2232]

I forgot how good Hellblade still looks for a 2017 game. Can't wait to play Hellblade 2, if only for the story & sound design alone.

[@landonewts]

The sound design is/was incredible

[@natewillis448]

Crazy how it came out earlier than God of War 2018 and can be argued was first to bring together what made the 2018 reboot unique: The (mostly) one take camera angle and how upclose it can be, the graphical fidelity of environments, good narrative and norse mythology.

[@thelotion7569]

Fantastic review, Jake. Excellent use of word play. Describing the voices as a symphony, in particular.

[@pauld4138]

I replayed it for the first time since it came out, only this time in PC VR. It had its issues in some places, a little jankiness here and there, but I do have to say that it definitely added another layer and was well worth it. It brought a whole new sense of being with Senua on her journey and being IN the environments with her. I’d recommend checking the VR version out, it was a trip (or might I say, a ‘journey’).

[@allbarg9445]

I played it in VR for my first playthrough, it’s a unique experience, also fights are much more visceral that way, totally recommend!

[@simong1967]

At the time of release I was astonished with how good it looked and sounded, Ninja Theory really did an excellent job with the story and Melina was absolutely incredible as Senua, yes the puzzles got annoying but the fights were great, I know it picked up a lot of criticism for how there was no lock on and attacks seemed to come from out of knowhere, but I'll repeat (paraphrase as I don't remember word for word) what I said in a letter I sent to Official Playstation Magazine - I felt that's how it would feel for Senua with her mental health troubles and not really being a warrior. The story gripped me from start to finish and I'll be honest Saga is what made me jump ship from Sony to XBox and so far the game has lived up to what I hoped it would be! We need more short story driven games rather than 100+ hour epics and with Microsoft's money and the move to Unreal 5 Ninja Theory have done an incredible job!

[@HikariBae]

totally agree! u ve capture verbally what i feel about that art . great video ! i've recently played it again , hits everytime !

[@soulstech414]

I just got done with senuas sacrifice last night... and I loved it.. idk how I feel about the ending but overall it was a very emotional and mentally draining experience.. I loved it.. i wish I could play hellblade 2 but I only have a ps5.

[@HondEpic]

Love this game a lot and I'm very excited for the second one. What I love about it is that you as the player are basically another voice in Senua's head, the distant/silent voice that guides her (that's how I interpret it anyways). Definitely plan to replay it soon just before Saga releases. I forgot to tie my shoes, sorry Jake

[@jimharvey4026]

I played Hellblade last summer and absolutely loved it! The sequence where you follow the voices in the dark water area still sits with me, I'm so excited for the sequel, hope you like it too Jake

[@DaBuddhaHMz]

Hellblade and Shadow of the Colossus are two of the biggest examples of ways to show that games can be different; that they don't have to be the player vs hordes of enemies, that stories can be told in subtle and amazing ways. Those are two of my top ten best games of all time.

[@ethanwald2616]

Absolutely loved this game and immersion of playing with headphones on! Looking forward to the sequel!

[@DarkForce2024]

I actually JUST started Hellblade for the first time. I'm only about 20 minutes in but it seems like a good story, which is the main thing I look for in a game. I've had it on my list for a while but my list of "wants" is so huge that sometimes things sit for years (or forever). Anyway, great video Jake, I always feel informed, entertained, and just generally in a good mood after your videos.

[@khs511]

Masterpiece. People are STILL sleeping on this.

[@TheKennyg138]

Senua’s Sacrifice is genuinely one of my favorite games from the last gen, I was surprised by its quality and just fell in love with the care they showed in depicting mental illness. I am so damn excited for the follow up (even if I’m buying a shiny new gaming laptop to avoid having to buy it on Xbox)

[@JK7992]

Played it almost 4 years ago and absolutely loved it! This game is art!

[@ignacio633]

Well you’ve done it Mr Baldino. Now I want to go back to this game and experience it all over again.

[@TheCivildecay]

I loved how all the fights felt like a struggle for survival, and not a powerfantasy. Also the horror section was really well done

[@michaellarkin125]

ive been looking forward to this game for years, cant believe its finally here.

[@exmatilda982]

I'm actually planning to replay Hellblade in the next couple of days to get ready for the sequel. This game is one of my favorites of all time despite the simple gameplay. I loved the story of Senua and the progression of her character. also I'll never forget that last boss fight with the epic music in the background. crossing my fingers for a dope sequel to this awesome game.🤞💙

[@jirizarr_21]

I played this game for the first time back in January and I loved it. The story was deep, and emotional. The soundscape was unsettling and immersive. At the time I felt it was a masterpiece. And for storytelling I still think that's the case. But your point after the puzzles and game mechanics is spot on. Looking back that is definitely a part I was not a fan of as much and I am glad it was only about 7 hours to complete.

[@nissanmanfred]

Helll of a game especially that sea of corpses and going down to fafnir oh my god. gold

[@indiezona4797]

Hellblade is one of my all time favourites. It sat on my backlog forever and when I finally played it I remember gushing to all my friends about how good it is and that there's no reason they shouldn't play it. I love it so much I did a 100% deathless playthrough in one sitting and uploaded it to KZbin because I wanted other people to see how good the game is.

[@lokeleenP]

Senua surprised me when i played 5 yrs back. Everything was as it should be and giving different experience, something absolutely fresh. The game had its epic moments. If a games or parts of it stays in ur head ypu know devs did something different and good

[@michaelstarratt4868]

When the Passarella death squad song kicks in? One of the better endings I’ve experienced

[@AJ-jq3hm]

It's an alright AA walking simulator.

[@Soulcommander]

Thanks Jake as a game collector there are so many games I have not played and now my interest has really perked on this particular game that I do have. Let's get some pizza sometime!

[@soknheith3259]

I love the first game. Having a psychosis myself, I discovered a lot playing it. And apart from it being a psychological masterpiece, it tells such an amazing and utterly terrifying Nordic tale of Senua's immense struggle and retribution. Through out the whole game, we hear about Ragnarok and how it is inevitable to later find out that, in a way, Senua becomes Hela herself. This ending implies many meanings, but all the myths are real in Senua's world. I'm just so excited for the sequel and all the little hints about Gods and Senua antagonizing them in the trailers. When she said "I know you" to that giant in 2021 game awards display, I was out. Hellblade 2 might be the best northern saga ever told, on top of it being such a ground-breaking profound piece of art about psychic disorder and uncontained suffering behind it. I know I'm gonna love second part as well.

[@SnackAttack77]

Just replayed it the past couple days for 2's release didn't love it as much as I did back when but still loved it!

[@dominicanag1032]

I’m definitely planning to replay this game prior to playing the sequel which comes out next week. I’m looking forward to see where the story goes.

[@SoloDoloPyro]

Loved the video very authentic.

[@phatmasterq]

i think i saw ur before u buy and was immediately drawn. i played it. i was soo moved. and i'm not a story-guy, i skip cut scenes- but not here. the scene she finds his body... goosebumps. i am really hoping the sequel goes well for them. i'll try it for sure. hello from australia & keep up the good work JB

[@TheMeccio]

It's one of those games where I felt like the characters' swings of the sword were MY swings of the sword, almost like being a kid again and watching anime. It stands up on its own for what it is. I worry the sequel will be too long.

[@aryansharma5175]

When I didn’t have the money to afford a PS5 and just had a Series X, this game was my fill for the “Norse god of war” vibe.(I played this in 2022) I love this game so much and I’m so excited for part 2. Great Action, Great narration and my god, for a 2017 launch, the game holds up so damn well in terms of graphics!

[@kitsu5013]

Hellblade is definitely an amazing journey i always recommend to anyone with access to it. The love put into this game is immense and i definitely loved it too.

[@WilliamSmith-ex9et]

I’m playing it right now!! Just beat Fenrir! Tough fight! I had played it an hour around release thought “meh”(but ALWAYS noted the quality and knew i would return to it)and went back to it yesterday-glad i did!!! I love it! They REALLY drip feed Senuas backstory to great effect.

[@TheRaven8]

I have a that plays out similarly. And this game is so helpful and cathartic. I pull it out to remind myself why I'm still trying to live

[@benjaminb4407]

I played this at about the same time as breath of the wild, and Hellblade was much more what I was looking for in a Zelda game than BotW was.

[@irvingbodden5981]

Loved hellblade 2 This is what NEXT GEN needs to look like. Hoping more games like this is done across the board. Combat in hell blade 2 is ridiculously intimate, in your face and gory. Exactly how I envision battles were done during those times.

[@glasgowjohn7831]

it absolutely holds up i bought a series x to play starfield but i was so disappointed with that im glad this was there. you are correct about the fighting it becomes repetitive and a bit grinding towards the end but its still a cracking game. looking forward to the sequel

[@iortizjunior]

Literally just finished beating Hellblade 1 for the first time a few a minutes ago. Definitely one of the best games I ever played. The sound design is incredible. The atmosphere, level design and cinematography is amazing. Loved the story and music as well. Only thing that was a little annoying was the combat and the targeting. I did enjoy the last ending fights though; by the ending it really good at dodging and partying and I was just bodying the enemies and it actually felt like I was fighting for Senua’s life. Can’t wait for the sequel next week.

[@murcielagoXO]

You're doing miracles for Hellblade 2's marketing with this video.

[@26Lettaz]

One of my top-10 games of all time for sure.... such an horrific, mind-bending, heart-pumping experience. Really want to play it again, but honestly - the way it pulled me in, and how nightmare-ish the whole story is - I'm still recovering 😅

[@DrVenture45]

I never played Hellblade, but (finally have a decent gaming PC) I think I'll dive into it. It's funny, but most of the games I've recently tried were via your channel and Gameranx and despite some titles being several years old, they feel new and exciting to play. Thanks!

[@dalantemaes3277]

I actually played this for the first time last year; off one of your recommendations. It was incredible! As some one who has experienced drug-induced psychosis, I thought they did a really good, and respectful job of covering it as a semi realistic metaphor. Can't wait to see how the sequel does in 6 days.

[@Liam_Oliver]

I finally got around to this a couple of months ago, and can't believe I put it off for so long, I was surprised at how good it looks for it's age and, playing in the dark, the look and sound really pulled me in. Needless to say, I *really* enjoyed this game, enough to have seriously considered buying an Xbox X to play the sequel, more than once. Which will look weird next to a full PlayStation collection. I *really* hope M$ drop this on PlayStation, I will happily pay full price for it, day one. They deserve massive credit for how well they pulled off such a complicated issue, it's something that varies massively from sufferer to sufferer, but (as someone who has MH issues) they nailed that side of it.

[@charlieswan1514]

Man I still remember being stuck in that dark maze after the bridge collapses, getting so frustrated 😂

[@nanodrummer]

Love the shirt !

[@seanl7503]

I just finished it for the first time today and im stoked for the new one

[@patrickwesen4409]

Been ready for hellblade 2 since the teaser

[@XYZ__-mv2vg]

I recently bought a Truthear zero and I also got a copy for hellblade .The game sounds incredible with proper audio output and the story is pretty good too.

[@acidreighn]

Absolutely loved Hellblade, waiting for HB2 to drop on steam so i can start playing. I played through HB1 on PS4 at least twice, (enough to 100%) played through on PC, and then played through the VR ver. on PC (which was a hella trip, especially if you have OLED lenses)

[@RenderedRay]

Oh you should have played it in VR, it makes the game so much more. I played it flat when it first came out and replayed in VR a few years later and found being in the environment with Senua gives even more depth. I wish that the second game would have VR, such a shame it doesn't.

[@MrPhroz]

On it (again). It feels great (again)!

[@Avenrise]

I played the game for the first time a couple of weeks back as I never had a PC that could run it until this year. I always knew I'd play it eventually so avoided spoilers, reviews and even ratings. For me it was a stunning experience and that's the key here- experience. It was less a game and more an interactive story for me and while I felt engrossed in that story due to the amazing visuals and stunning acting it did frustrate me when it came to the game part of the... game. The combat felt deliberately limiting, the puzzles the same throughout, lots of walking (which is fine) but with little to marvel at along the way. I'm looking forward to the sequel but going into it a little muted as a result of expecting more of the same.

[@SKINNY_HUMAN]

Absolutely loved hellblade. Pumped for the next chapter ❤

[@peterginobbi5657]

Man this is kinda a coool idea…. Play old games you loved and see how they stack up today make a video just like this

[@TraitorVek]

I Enjoyed it Jake. I came across it completelety by accident back when. I made a load of KZbin vides about it as far as I remember. Enjoyed it VERY MUCH! I'd Give it about an Early Nineties Score.... Maybe 92% - For The Record

[@puckguts7728]

I was just telling my wife that I wish there was a game that felt like an A24 horror film And Hellblade is totally it! Definitely gonna replay it before the sequel comes out I'm so excited!

[@Mrchair905]

It’s a beautiful game with a fantastic story, one of the few games that actually made me cry. I can’t wait for Hellblade 2.

[@AndrewDirect_]

I played it when it came out but now you make me wanna replay it 😂

[@DanWMiller]

I wanted to jump to your defense at the end that I think you're smart and then the thumbnail of you spraying cologne into your mouth popped up lol

[@choopduhnoops101]

Dude the Blood Money shirt is on point

[@Moonlitriffs]

Played this game for the first time like a year or two ago, loved it

[@landonewts]

I sat next to a friend while she played the original Hellblade, and I remember thinking it was incredible. The acting, art and sound design, how they handled the character’s mental state… just amazing. But the puzzles were - for my friend - daunting. And if they were hard for her, they would have totally stumped me. I suck at puzzles. That said, I’ll likely play Hellblade 2, and will have no qualms going to the Internet to help me solve any puzzles that take me out of the game. I’ve gotten used to that.

[@dannypassion]

I can't wait for part 2

[@Boss_Fight_Wiki_muki_twitch]

Even though Hellblade has combat, it's reminds me more of point and click adventure games like Detroit Become Human.

[@danamclaughlin217]

Definitely want to recommend watching xbox podcast from this week with Ninja Theory and in Iceland as well as xboxon Henry did a great piece with Ninja Theory and Melina...love your stuff Jake I always love to know your takes even if I may not always see them the same way I really like your oppinions!!

[@joseortizreflects]

Fingers crossed for Hellblade II.

[@mistertwistyy3085]

Played it for the first time this year, and I think these kinds of games do a lot for the public perception of video games. We know they're an art and that games tell incredible stories, but many don't see that side of gaming. Hellblade, like several other games recently, really did a lot to push the bounds of the medium, and I think that really helps people see the potential that games have as a vehicle for creative expression.

[@robrobob]

I don't often disagree with your reviews but on this one I have to say, the flaws you pointed out weren't flaws at all for me. I really enjoyed the combat, it was so satisfying for me. The puzzles were a lot of fun and a lot of them were quite challenging (not boring). What really brought it home for me was the storytelling and performances of the actors and voice artists. Her story is so so good, but it's also all the myths and legends being told along the way too. Played in the dark with headphones on, it somehow manages to be a truly terrifying and beautiful experience all at the same time. For me, this game was easily a 10/10 and I'll definitely be playing Hellblade 2.

[@Pat43489]

The fact it's often on sale for 3-4$ is insane value.

[@sirbergio29]

This was quite possibly the most intimate, emotional, and terrifying journey I've taken in a game. It takes this form of digital storytelling to new heights. It's in my top 10 of all time--easy. My female partner even wanted to watch me play it, which never happens.

[@DamakriaStudios]

I bought the PS4 to play TLoU2 and never played it but bought Hellblade and damn it was an amazing experience. Been waiting so long for the sequel (My PC will cry tho).

[@lotusoflife2486]

Played for the first time a couple of weeks ago and it blew me away.

[@damonyates8035]

For me no other game has as much atmosphere and general immersive feel as Hellblade, I just love how there’s no HUD or tutorial or crafting or skill trees or collectibles or any of that stuff. I have such fond memories of just enjoying the incredible soundscapes of each level, the Norse mythology stories were really interesting too. And the trials of Odin were just epic. Oh and the soundtrack 😍

[@Number704]

Hellblade is an amazing game, I'm still trying to get around to replay 2017 as well...

[@ryangoatz7393]

The first trailer was like a metal music video