10 Recent Video Games That Totally Divided Players

Though Hellblade II was broadly well-received by critics, the player response has been decidedly more polarised. 

While many embraced it as a gorgeously cinematic and refreshingly short action-adventure sequel, there were just as many left utterly underwhelmed by it.

For everyone bowled over by its cutting-edge visuals, enigmatic story, and Melina Juergens' sublime performance as Senua, there were those unmoved by gameplay perceived as lackluster - especially the dumbed-down puzzle segments and repetitive combat engagements.

After roughly five years of development, many fans of the original Hellblade were left expecting much, much more than a visually stunning but fundamentally shallow five-hour experience.

But again, on the other side, a lot of players also found its modest length and refusal to overcomplicate itself a pleasant surprise in an industry that too often makes sequels bloated affairs bogged down with needlessly complex gameplay systems.

It's a game that's sure to inspire debate for the rest of the year and beyond, from those who consider it Game of the Year-caliber to others who deem it a colossal letdown.