20 Most Anticipated Video Games Of 2024
14. Senua's Saga: Hellblade II
Platforms: Xbox Series X and Series S, PC
The first Hellblade was a flawed diamond but if the sequel smooths out its rougher edges while retaining the atmosphere it should be a real treat. If by "treat", you mean "harrowing psychological nightmare".
From the moment protagonist Senua delivered an impassioned monologue directly into the camera, the first Hellblade burrowed its way into the psyches of those who played it. Ninja Theory's mind-bending tale of grief, depression and psychosis was a standout even amongst the heavy-hitters of 2017, but it wasn't perfect.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice very much felt like a game developed on a budget, as its short run-time and lack of enemy variety ultimately worked against it. The upcoming sequel, however, definitely isn't short of a bob or two, with the released trailers looking utterly stunning.
If Ninja Theory deliver on the promise shown by the original Hellblade, expect Senua's Saga to be the 2024 equivalent of Alan Wake 2 - a mind-bending psychological horror that receives a stupendous amount of critical acclaim. (Though hopefully it'll do better than Alan in the commercial side of the equation...)