Thoughts on Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

[@cowthedestroyer]

Rags your still forever our good boy. You deserve a treat but im too poor. All i can do is watch your videos and rub your belly to support you.

[@Rags]

A richer man could give more, but he could never give as much.

[@eniggaracer]

Rags nigga quit with Jaytech crapgamer and nxtgen720 fuck those and u

[@enderzLIVE]

what

[@azizx2796]

i could tell you but i won't. f u speaker from destiny

[@cowthedestroyer]

Rags you couldn't of put it better any other way maybe some day i can support our favorite dog to produce more quality content for years to come.

[@muchwow5866]

It's an indie game? Fuck, this looks really beautiful.

[@AzariusR]

Its more of a Double A game or so, which the game still looks sorta decent but without the big budget like AAA game does, but the guys behind it is Ninja Theory. They have been always wanted to make a game by themselves and they did it.

[@muchwow5866]

HellomynameisRyanfirstoutindeedgooglelikesmesomuchtheybotheredmeuntilmynamewasthislong well good for them

[@jriibzmodus4792]

made by around 20 people

[@EatWave]

It may be an indie game but they are the industry veterans who created Heavenly Sword (minus Rhianna Pratchett of course).

[@David_Quinn_Photography]

Napoleon Bonaparte indie doesnt = quality indie means its a small dev team, IMO indies are one of the best qulity games. Just a few of my indie games I play quite a bit are PUBG, witcher 1-3, and stardew.

[@alexandrosmirza5405]

This game puts most AAA games in shame.

[@SwiftNimblefoot]

Well, these days graphics engines are so advanced even small studios can do better graphics.

[@TinkyTheCat]

One thing that blew my mind was learning that the woman who plays Senua is just a regular Ninja Theory employee - to my knowledge she hasn't gone to acting school and was originally just meant to be a stand-in while they searched for an actress.

[@yokohaloless2286]

What, really?? Holy crap cuz she was friggin amazing as Senua!

[@bipstymcbipste5641]

@@yokohaloless2286 Melina Jurgens, she earned the award she got

[@timosyska9894]

bby the things i heard she herself has experiences in that spectrum of mental illness and thus she could feel herself into that roll. But dont pin me down on that.

[@shotomantis6450]

I was watching this and I went wow this is amazing, then I realized that she is rowing on one side and somehow goes foward

[@mandiblemedia814]

I've been doing a let's play of Hellblade, as a first reaction and no research going in. I am super happy with how the story-telling in the game is done. I am still not done, but I am about 5 hours in, and I feel the love that the devs put into every single bit of detail they have put in everything. There is a really good amount of fast-action and tense, slow paced atmosphere. I am glad that you really enjoyed it.

[@martenwahlstrom2001]

I just finished the game. Holy shit I'm glad I bought this game. I don't have a lot of money to spare being a college student with no real income. So I rarly buy games new but wait for price drops or sales. But when I heard about this game and got to know what it was about I just said fuck it if this game is even half as good as it seams then I can totally justify buying it now when it's new. Man what an experience. I urge anyone who is even remotly intrested in the game to buy it and play it as soon as possible. It's truely a masterpiece.

[@DarthQuaalude]

Beautifully done video on what looks like a beautifully made game. Thanks for sharing Rags!

[@maskoblackfyre]

Feminists: "Gamers hate women, strong female characters and only want naked chicks in games" Rags: "Hellblade is an amazing game" Feminists explode

[@colecoke6996]

Theres no logic only emotions for them

[@wakkjobbwizard]

Y’all don’t know what you’re talking about

[@mikecotton-russell9401]

for all the gimmicks and things that are integrated in games today, Hellblade still remains one of the most immersive experiences I've ever had in a video game. Even after playing it through 3 times. Great video, even if I'm coming to it late!

[@watchALLthethings]

Just played this for the first time after wanting to for years, and wow. I played it all through the night into morning. Couldn't put it down. I've never fell in love with a character so quickly. It's such a major achievement in storytelling and characterization. It's so heartbreaking and hopeful. Huge props to Ninja Theory and Milena Jeurgens. Marvelous job and deserves more attention. So long as you understand what this game is and take it for what it is, the repetitiveness and basic combat is hardly worth criticizing. You're playing it for the experience and the story and the message. I know it may not be for a lot of people, but if that's up your alley, you gotta play it. All in one go, preferably. You'll never forget it.

[@Killer_Space_2726-GCP]

Because you've talked so highly of this game, I decided to give it a try, as it's on Game Pass. I did not regret it at all. I did have a few complaints, such as the lack of a chapter select (I missed only one lore stone and it was 3/4 through), and a few deaths that seemed cheap (but avoidable). I also accidentally broke the end, and to anyone reading this comment just go into phito node and turn Senua's visibility on if it's off in cutscenes. The experience changes everything.

[@markvonahnen4565]

Thank you for this recommendation. As a person who suffers from mild to moderate psychosis, I think I'll be able to relate to this experience. Also, the way you address psychosis is one of the most compassionate ways I've ever seen. You're not like "Oh, psychotic people are totally insane". No. Despite never even meeting someone who experiences psychosis, you have one of the most compassionate ways of talking about it. You are an amazing person. I know you'll probably never see this but the way you describe this game made me feel like someone understood me. Not as a psychotic, but as a fellow human being. Honestly, thank you so much. You've had my respect for a while but now I think you've earned something more, my thanks. Thank you Rags.

[@hillbillysamurai]

This game blew my mind and i still play it due to the fact that theres always more to the story than you originally found. So much detail and thought in every tiny detail. Its 10/10.

[@mobbsy2758]

I love that Dillion, my favourite track on the OST is in the background being played in some parts. Also, hi Rags! Looking forward to the new video coming soon you mentioned on EFAP the other week. Also, eventually Mando. I would be the same in needing a break from working on that too. Keep up the good work doggo!

[@MelonTartVA]

I don't have psychocis, but I do suffer from a mental condition that effects my life, so I greatly respect Ninja Theory for portraying a mental disorder in a realistic way.

[@atypicalatoms9425]

People ask if video games are art. Senua's sacrifice IS the answer. .......yes.

[@Talon3000]

What a beautiful game. I had a really good feeling from the start where the first credits went not to the lead producer or a CEO but to the psychological and historical advisors. **Possible Spoiler** Damn. That ending song. I love the band anyways but that song included in a game like this after THAT ending?... it brought me to tears, man. Amazing.

[@carsonbeach3115]

Always look forward to the next rags video

[@mirceabotescu5143]

This, ladies and gentlemen, is how reviews should be done. Funny when a doggo explains it better than hoomans. Cheers Rags.

[@TiciTotyTony]

Best Audio experience in any game this year....the audio is fucking insane

[@GamingGardeningAndLayingSiege]

It's taken me a long time to get to this review. Too long. It's nice to finally hear your thoughts on it Rags. Thanks very much fine doggo.

[@nihsel]

@Rags you can cycle your focus between enemies, yes. I played with a controller and you cycle by pushing right analog sideways (to the side you want to shift focus to). I'm sure there must be a key to cycle on the keyboard too.

[@marcboggio]

I played it on a PS4 Pro, with a good 4K HDR TV and almost most importantly, cranked 7.1 surround and it was as phenomenal as Rags says. My PC is no slouch either, so I may even pick up the Steam version to give it another playthrough in a couple of months- it was awesome.

[@littlebear5261]

I wonder why 16 people thought to downvote this video? I think it's a really good game review, and on top of that you don't spoil the story.

[@conormassey6290]

I've been following this game since I first read about it in an article when I was in Afghanistan in 2013. As It's release drew nearer, it became increasingly apparent to me that this game would either fail spectacularly or hit the nail on the head. Within the first thirty seconds of this video I knew with certainty it would be the latter of the two and bought it immediately. We'll see how it does when I play it tomorrow.

[@colekmiecik]

Well Rags, I was on the fence about this game, you've convinced me to buy it. Cheers m8

[@Jedislayer_]

Just finished the game today. My gawd everything about this game is underrated seriously ninja theory went out of their comfort zone to deliver such a great experience.

[@JoJo-rx8lr]

I enjoyed this game almost as much the second time I played it as the first time, that’s how interesting this story mixed in with Norse mythology is!

[@jakexdilla]

I haven't played this game and haven't seen any play through of this game (I don't own PC or PS4) but this seems like such a great game. Your presentation in your content is top notch and I'm glad I subscribed when you released your Battlefield 1 is Sexist video. You're so underrated man.

[@Aramey44]

Looks like one of those I can watch in its entirety on KZbin and not miss much of content.

[@chocokittybo]

The way you described the combat, the focus on one thing and the inability to change it until it happens to change really reminds me of the time I went into full on paranoid psychosis. The combat system really sounds like it plays into the themes rather than takes away from it just based on what you've said about it. It doesn't sound fun, but it sounds realistic to what the game is trying to present.

[@SMACKu2b]

This game is another shining example of Indie games delivering to you an experience rather than a AAA game delivering a product.

[@IshtheStomach]

Rags, I tend to dig on your no nonsense style, and how often you tear into games. I was a little worried when I saw a thumbnail where you were reviewing what I'm thinking is my GOTY. it's been a bit divisive, because people look for different things in games. I'm glad you come to games for some of the same reasons I do. Personally I enjoy storytelling in any medium, especially when characters can draw me in emotionally. This has that in spades. couple that with the the amazing visuals and cutting edge sound design-- the total lack of HUD, tutorial, and systems like inventory or crafting or character management... the lack of screens that take you out of the game world, it heightens the immersion spectacularly. you said it doesn't feel like you're playing a video game, in a positive way. I think a more specific way of pointing out this strength is that it doesn't use common video game elements which detract from the narrative immersion. It gets away from tropes that we've all grown to accept, for better or worse. thank you for the thorough review.

[@ravenseeker8267]

You can switch between targets by clicking the Mouse Wheel, just FYI everyone. So Rags, no she doesn't lock on only 1 target before she decides to lock onto another, the switch button is on the bloody mouse itself between your fingers. Also the game has replay value to me, i want to go through it again atleast once more i want to experience it from the begining again.

[@Yunfei81]

Very good 'review', Rags. First I was kind of afraid you would bash the game :) I watched somebody play Hellblade. It's nothing I would play, but I can appreciate the direction they went as I think people can never have enough education or insight or whatever you like to call something that lets you delve into someone elses mind. There is an alarming lack of empathy nowadays. Maybe stories like Hellblade help.

[@antoniomiller367]

This may very well be the first Rags video I can't finish.

[@GM-qi8pw]

watched two minutes of the video. stopped, bought the game, finished the game, came back. thank you Rags

[@FalloutNight0]

Damn, Alice really did fall down the rabbit hole this time.

[@someman8772]

representation of mental disorders/disabilities is a lot more important than diversity of skin color. these things actually affect you as a person.

[@kvn95ss]

33:46 Me too. I had all the same emotions you said - I wanted her to succeeded, I empathize with her. Senua feels soo much like a real person and not just a bunch of pixels that dance to your input. You care for her. You are as vulnerable as her. And most importantly, she _sees_ you and _accepts_ you. It's an unparalleled experience indeed.

[@artilleryjay3697]

I was on the fence, after (while) watching this I went ahead and got it. The game looks phenomenal!

[@Reloaded2111]

I'm in love with this game and these devs. Watch their dev diaries, see how passionate they were about the game. They knew Hellblade won't be cancelled, and that was their motivation to put their heart and time into this game. They had a clear vision of what they wanted to achieve. And it clearly shows. Hellblade might not be the best game of 2017, but it may be one of the most important games of this year. It demonstrates what indie devs with small budget and a small team can really do. This actually isn't even a game, it's a masterpiece, an art.

[@josh223]

you know when rags calls out a game its the real deal

[@feedthecreature]

You can switch targets in combat, but that's about it for combat camera. The key is listen to the voices.

[@captaintofu4926]

The soundtrack you have used in this video fits very well. As well as the essay, as usual, good job rags. Although I think you gave away too much concerning permadeath. And by the way, you can manually can change the target. There IS a way to swap. Look at the controll panel in the options! Replay Value: There are a few secrets. Faces of as (spoiler) that talk to you. I found 2. I replayed it to get the story straight, and it helped. It cleared it up - especially about the monoliths. Might you tell me, whats the name of the soundtrack?

[@josheh4]

You're voice is a buttery wave of delight.

[@MrLazEBones]

Ugh, goddamnit Rags. I could only watch this video for 3 minutes listening to you gush about how amazing it is. Cause I don't wanna see anymore footage or hear anything about it now. I have to go buy it and experience for myself with no knowledge other than people like you are gushing about it for some reason. I played Undertale with absolutely NO exposure to it from the internet and it made me bawl like a child, and based on what you've said in 3 minutes I think this game might be similar in experience. So, plugging my ears and closing my eyes until it finishes downloading on Steam.

[@neonvalkyrja]

i know we have different illnesses, but a lot of whats told in this game i found very real, very similiar to the way i see things. senua has psychosis, i have depression. i dont hear voices or have hallucinations, but i feel the anguish, the pressure, the desire to give up and the moments you feel strong.

[@marajade2932]

" Riding throught thunder and lightning once again. We slayed the beast, we brought an end. Now we have left the kingdom of the dammed. Heros of the day, legends forever!"

[@reggiecantrell6193]

Wear headphones to really experience how much work went into the dynamic sound

[@chazdoomy1512]

It looks really interesting. Its nice to see quality win in this pre-order culture.

[@azreth7190]

The one thing I don't like about Rages review is him telling me how I will feel about this game.

[@ArcticCitadel]

Rags is sitting here "How do I explain how I connected to this game? How can I properly explain the incredible feelings I got from this game.." And I'm sitting here thinking. "Bro, I understand every damn word you're saying. Amen amen and amen."

[@Ike_of_pyke]

Always loved Ninja Theory, they've got a style to them that always sticks out and narratives always feel interesting. With this it feels like an unfettered narrative with this "Indie AAA" style

[@capyblanka3828]

The last game where the overarching review was 'I can't really tell you about the game, the less you know going in, the better' was Undertale, which very quickly wore out its welcome in my experience. That, plus the 'It's a game you can only play once, since it's about the story' has me really wary.

[@LudaMcCool]

Good review, you sold me the game without ruining anything... defiantly putting this on my list to buy.

[@Tuskone]

Rags I switched to controllers early in the game, cause the mouse control was off for me, so I don't know the keybinding, but you can definitely switch targets in combat.

[@kalathos0042]

i agree with your bit on high end hardware. the sounds used in the game are so much better on surround sound. it really dose make you jumpy at every sound you hear from behind you.

[@rimshee]

Based on your suggestion, I'm getting it and will be moving up my headphone purchase to use with it. keep up the good work!

[@sod7294]

Great video Rags! Think you handled it well without spoiling anything. Fantastic game and glad I experienced it!

[@adamdoukkali367]

I have always loved games, but the part about them I've always loved is trying or being able to fully experience the narrative, I really do hope that the middle market makes a come back because I really want more games like Hellblade

[@Daniel_C_Griffin]

What has really gotten to me so far is her relationship with Dillion. You see just how bad she was, not just her illness but how the village viewed her,and then this one guy tried to help her, and viewed her Psychosis as a part of her painting. And just how much he meant to her, *Spoiler here lads* - - The blindness trial especially.

[@kylematthiesen7749]

my favorite Rags video to date!

[@booduswoodus7302]

rags if you reply i'll find you a cute shiba wife

[@Rags]

Maybe I want to be the wife?

[@booduswoodus7302]

then i can be the husband i make a mean pancake!

[@chrishansen7004]

Rags then you have the kinkiest shit ever known

[@goxy287]

lmao

[@weirdbutcool78]

I literally cried at the end. Favorite game of the year.

[@CabooseIsGod]

I have been looking for a new FPS Shooter game to play for a while now, for some reason i enjoy the type of game similar to WARframe, where it is heavily endgame/ raid stuff, like a RPG Fps Hybrid, but I like other shooters like dirty bomb, csgo, overwatch etc. was wondering should I wait for Destiny to come out on the PC or are there any other really good games out there at the moment in this genre?

[@HMan2828]

So a couple of points... Combat is not really that boring. You can chain moves for combo-like effects. In your video though your difficulty seemed very low, the enemies were dying much faster than in my gameplay. Play it on hard. You can choose which enemy you are locked on in combat with the right stick. There are collectibles. Senua's mothers face carved into the environment, the lorestones are also not that easy to spot in some areas. The game runs also surprisingly well on the cheapest hardware. I have a 79$ G3258 dual core with no HT @ 4.2GHz on a 100$ motherboard, with a GTX960 2GB and DDR3 and I never went below 60FPS @ 1440p.

[@GavinLensink]

I thought I was the only one who really liked this game, and I'm glad it moved you so emotionally like it did for me. Hellblade is also one the prime examples that games can give you an experience that a movie or book can't. The voices, narrative, and hell the way the game portrayed Senua's psychosis is something I've never experienced in movies or books.

[@ineedmuhmemes6771]

Rags the type of dog that feeds you a bowl of dog food while he eats your diner

[@Liberator130]

Great review, Rags! I completely agree, although for myself, I'd say "narrative focused" rather than "cinematic". Not because I don't think the description is apt, but the fact that the word has be coopted to mean soo many different things, including a good number of narrative connotations.

[@nebula7178]

I like how hes talking about cinematicness as the hair majorly clips. But seriously looks really cool.

[@christopherbarth9426]

I just finished this game. I looked at it before your review. Your Review made me want to get it. As I just finished it. OMG Graphics, and sounds, and Story. Then watching the Feature afterwards. yah. WOW.

[@donnde]

Sorry Rags, but you can swap. I played it on my PC with a controller and i could switch with the right stick. Anyway! Nice video! ;)

[@IBESMusic94]

An actual trigger warning that's used correctly because of the subject matter. Good job. Good video.

[@CptCold]

I was on the fence about buying it until i watched this. Thx Rags!

[@InOtterSpace]

Your voice is so soothing, daddy Rags.

[@dcollie20]

Yea Rags enjoyed your review an due to the emaculate design an dread to this masterpiece the combat is basic an upclose personal.In my opinion it is visceral an brutal because even though its basic,It reflects Senua's inner and soulish struggle",a absolute beast of a game real talk!!

[@paulreckless]

Well said. I really enjoy the way you explain your opinion.

[@goatgod2009]

One does not simply walk away from Hellblade. - Gandalf

[@silas9673]

This is a good commentary/review, however Rags I would have to say that the pauses in your speech can get a little long sometimes and I recommend adding some music to make it less awkward in the earlier parts. That's just my opinion, thanks!

[@mrsalty1019]

I'm so glad you made this video Rags. I know how much your subscribers trust your opinion (me being one) that I know this will help people give this a chance. I was saddened to see the hate some people were giving this game because they expected something else. And I tried for a while to fit this game into a genre like you were but I gave up so I just call it an experience. And it was an amazing one that I'm still pondering things.

[@russelldyson4739]

I am a simple man I see a notification that Rags has uploaded I click it and grab the lotion

[@GeraltORivia]

Russell Dyson #Originality

[@lombo9742]

you stole this from lonk

[@russelldyson4739]

More like #IDidn'tAlreadySeeThisSomewhere

[@lombo9742]

no.

[@lombo9742]

but I don't play undertale I just need a name and sans was the first that I thought of EDIT: ignore my grammar english is not my mother language

[@The_Griefer]

I recently purchased the game on my PS4 pro, and it was amazing. Not graphics wise but the story itself was quite deep. If you managed to have headphones while playing this game, you might've gotten chills. I really love how this game Focused on story. Most games will have a campaign but after that, it's either multiplayer or leaving the game. This is one of those games where I want to replay it for the fun and chilling moments it had. Horizon Zero Dawn is a good example. For me I quite say that the game is good.

[@williamdeimos2354]

im pretty sure this game was meant to be played with a controller. i had the same problem you mention in combat, not being able to switch targets when i used mouse and keyboard. but when i tried it with my xbox controller the right stick switches seamlessly from target to target. there could be a key mapping option for it i haven't checked, but im cool using a controller with this game, super op precision isn't needed here lol. great review

[@NotAFakeName1]

At 12:44 the only other example I can think of for a thing that handled mental illness this way is Fight Club. Except Fight Club is about split personality disorder, and split personality disorder doesn't even exist, so it may not even count. There's also Flowers for Algernon, a book/movie, but that's about being retarded, not being insane. And it isn't very specific about what mental illness the main character has from what I can remember.

[@yoshi24800]

What about Night in the Woods?

[@TURBOMIKEIFY]

I'm really wanting to click on TheRadBrad's video right now, as it's the next video to pop up. But, I'm going to wait. I'm glad to see what the developers have done with mental illnesses. I have (mild) schizophrenia, so I can, more or less, feel for what Senua goes through. This has a level of respect for a gaming company that many companies will almost never reach, even though I haven't played it, but I'm simply taking your word for it Rags. The fact that the AAA companies are getting outdone by Indie companies in a fashion like this, is really crazy. Now, I can't agree with you 100% when it comes to more developers doing games of this stature, more deep games- games that tell a story in the mind of someone different than the rest of society. I feel that they're stuck on their "we gotta make money, so let's make games that people want!" spiel. They'd try and make a game of this nature, but destroy it because they'd put in elements that they "think" people would want because of what people have bought from them in the past. Naughty Dog, being a AAA company (I think), could pull it off, as they did amazing with The Last of Us. But, who am I to jump to conclusions?

[@7dayspking]

+Michael Turner-Smith ....A game has to be an interactive movie or story based to be 'deep'? I think gaming is outright not for you. I wish you luck with battling your illness though.

[@alwaysluvedtobeluved]

This reminds me of the cartoon "The Max" on M Tv's Odessies. You never knew for sure if Max was delusional about the Amazon type world or the modern-day type world because some things seemed to cross over. You were emerged in the story and was never quite sure what was real and what wasn't real. I would love to play this game just to get a feel of that world.

[@Command720Z]

Rags, I'm not sure about PC but when I was playing on PS4, I was able to switch the camera between enemies by moving the right stick left or right.

[@Pine2142]

"You see the world through Senua's eyes" but it's third person? Massive immersion breaker for me

[@piersgroube4619]

But, no matter how many times you die, you never lose your progress. Some youtuber (I forgot who) died Fifty times and never lost their progress. What happens is once the rot hits the elbow, every time you die, it gets pushed down, then grows again to give the illusion it's still growing. In short, they lied.

[@yokohaloless2286]

THANK YOU!! I just finished this game and it was against what I thought was my better judgement because of all the pompous negativity thrown at it. Senua's emotions and journey are visceral and real in ways I've never seen a game actually capture. I was struck by the intimacy of her staring you in the face and the way she comes to understand her condition in relation to the world around her. I didn't even mind the long segments between combat because the voices she hears always have something to say. Beautiful game ♡

[@MagnusDerg]

Rags I could change targets using my side mouse buttons, I first saw it in controls. You mentioned how you couldn't change the cam in the vid. But I don't think you can fight free cam

[@MagnusDerg]

I always look forward to your vids and tweets

[@kohlmorris131]

Maybe Senua looks you in the eye because you’re one of her hallucinations and you’re just a presence that follows her.

[@tohothewriter8002]

While psychosis is a possible mental condition, it isn't an all encompassing thing for hearing voices. I have done some research and it is leaning more toward schizophrenia than psychosis. But I'm not saying this to take anything away from Ninja Theory, because it isn't an easy subject to adress or make a game about, so congrats to them for doing such interesting work with passion.

[@EliamDar]

I don't know why is so many people saying this, but Senua's lock on enemies can be changed. I played it on PC with a XBOX controller.

[@g0atboy207]

30 bucks isn't just throwaway money for me, but you convinced me

[@marcboggio]

DmC is on sale on Steam right now if anyone wants to check out Ninja Theory's previous game

[@floridafool]

Good music and story? I'm sold.