Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice Review: 3 Ups & 2 Downs

1. It's Not Very 'Fun'

This entry is obviously connected to the previous one and stands in opposition to the premise of the game.

Hellblade is not supposed to be a 'fun experience', but a very real simulation of psychosis. The binaural microphone used to record audio and the research involved in creating the game - interviewing not only esteem professors, but people suffering from mental illness as well - are praiseworthy. Taking on the topic itself is brave and praiseworthy, as well.

That said, the problem is that Hellblade is more like an interactive movie with some very fun gameplay elements. In his video, WhatCulture Gaming Editor Scott compares it to a student project, and that seems the best way to describe it. The fighting is fun, although the recyclable enemies are a bit of a disappointment since there's really not that many of them, as opposed to the puzzles, which are too many and although fun at first, become frustrating.

Granted, Hellblade is supposed to be a frustrating, confusing experience, and it succeeds at that, however a video game should be enjoyable as well.