340°

Ninja Theory Shares New Visual Tech Being Developed For Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II

Ninja Theory : Anamorphic cinema lenses give films a painterly, dreamlike look. So how can we recreate the same look in a Senua's Saga: Hellblade II?

darthv72588d ago

Please tell me they havent been spending all their time on getting the camera effects right first? I want to see more of the game than the bite size they did some time ago.

Lightning77588d ago

I doubt it. They're building out the rest of the game as well this is just one of the features. I'm aching for more gameplay, more importantly a release date.

VenomUK588d ago

Surely this is going to be a Christmas 2023 release?

coolbeans588d ago

Yes. All of NT's accumulated time has been spent on anamorphic lenses and they don't apologize.

LordoftheCritics587d ago (Edited 587d ago )

On N4G you have to add /s

Zeref588d ago

I’m expecting this game to be more of a visual showcase with a story at this point. And I’m fine with that tbh, the game looks insane!

Then they can share the tech with other Xbox teams.

If it has great combat and other gameplay mechanics then that’s the cherry on top.

Profchaos587d ago

@venom surely it's insane to be any longer to than 2023 considering it was the first announced game for the xsx.

Maybe they just have to delay to the end of the two year parity plans as no chance this could run on a x1

Lifexline587d ago Show
ChubbyBlade587d ago

I don’t think you understand how game development works…

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 587d ago
Lightning77588d ago

This game sounds more and more cinematic. If they keep the trend of showing the game off at the VGA's then I wanna see more action and fighting . If not then this is looking more. Like a walking Sim then anything.

onisama588d ago

they already showed a boss fight with a giant

ooquis587d ago

Lol, is that your definition of a "boss fight"? What do you do in Elden Ring?

porkChop588d ago

Cinematic means walking sim now? The first game was cinematic and was by no means a walking sim.

onisama588d ago

it was beautiful for game made by 12 person!! now they got 120 emplyee lets see what they can do with the sequel

Eonjay588d ago

No. Those are two different things but a game can be cinematic while also be a walking simulator. Walking Sim is a type of game and cinematic is a type of presentation. You can have a cinematic action game or a cinematic RPG. And yes you can have a cinematic walking sim.

Zeref588d ago (Edited 588d ago )

I definitely consider the first game a walking sim. Pretty sure I can count the amount of fights on 2 hands

But that doesnt mean it wasn’t a great game. I loved it!

I’m okay with Hellblade 2 being more of that

ChubbyBlade587d ago

And what’s wrong with walking sims?

onisama586d ago

i have never seen a beautiful game with great story made by a small team of 12 person like this.....but bro if a studio is aquired or belong to MS you will find people critisizing them for a reason and for no reason....i hope those guys talking like that can make a game like that with a small team

RedDevils587d ago

Just play the first games first and you would know what you likely gonna get out of this one.

Extermin8or3_587d ago

Did youbplay the first one? That was pretty cinematic.... the gameplay was mediocre but the story was good.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 586d ago
Tacoboto588d ago

The first Hellblade is one of only a few games I've played and beat in the same day. Such an incredible experience, great flow from beginning to end especially with headphones in the whole time.

Give me all the camera effects, walking, running, inner monologue, combat, whatever.

Crows90588d ago

It was pretty awesome. I tried to go for the platinum but miss some of the lore stones or something.

I think ninja theory could move back to heavenly sword after this game. It would be great for Xbox.

FlavorLav01587d ago

Sony owns the Heavenly Sword IP last time I checked

Crows90587d ago

@flavor

I thought they only published the game. Geez if they actually own it then I think Santa monica studio could probably create a new one...that would be awesome.

dcbronco587d ago

@Flavor

That can't be true. There's no way Sony would use their market leader status to get ip ownership from small developers. We all know Sony doesn't pay for exclusives. /S

RedDevils587d ago

We also know Sony doesn't make blockbuster exclusive games like Microsoft and the Xbox team do year in year out. /s

Extermin8or3_587d ago

@dcbronco what are you on about? Heavenly sword was released with ps3 when they weren't the market leader for a period. Also Sony own the rightd to heavenly sword because they were the ones that commissioned NT to make the game and paid for its development. They don't own Senua's Sacrafice IP becauae NT approached them and they agreed to fund most of it's development in exchange for console exclusivity for a year. MS later bought them in a move that was actually a little bit odd when you cobsider they hadn't worked eith them at all I don't think?

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 587d ago
LoveSpuds587d ago

Personally I thought it was a little overrated. It was a solid enough experience but the puzzles and combat were extremely repetitive in my view. It was Senua herself and the story that made me push through to complete the game, but I am hopeful that the gameplay sees some improvement in the sequel.

Terry_B588d ago

Gameplay is not their focus I guess.

InUrFoxHole588d ago

And.... You guessed incorrect. 😏 nice attempt

Terry_B587d ago

I played the first game. You too?

Compare it with something like Ninja Theorys DMC (Devil May Cry) and you can easily see that their focus was NOT the gameplay in Hellblade in comparison with DMC.

My comment was not an attempt to troll or bait, its simply an experience I had with HB1 and HB2 looks even more like a game with the bigger focus on graphics than anything else.

jznrpg588d ago

The first game gameplay was not the focus so you could be correct

Crows90588d ago

I think gameplay was a huge focus. Very few games had the same fighting mechanics...i thought it was very cool.

onisama588d ago

You will surprised to know that hellblade 1 was made by 12 persons and had ok combat and great story.. story telling and pace
Now they got 120 employees they should be able to create a masterpiece

MrVux000587d ago

I mean, the first game's focus was definitely not gameplay.

Its all about graphics and cinematography with these games.

Stanjara588d ago

If this game ends up being another Scorn, I will not be surprised.

porkChop588d ago

I don't understand the hate around Scorn. I've been really enjoying it. Big elaborate puzzles, thick atmosphere, outstanding audio design, a strange but very coherent world, and some deeply unsettling moments. The devs set out to make a first person horror adventure full of puzzles and they've done exactly that.

Stanjara588d ago

I agree, but at the same time consumers and reviewers totally expected something different or something more.

Hellblade could end up being the same, as I am expecting an Xbox response to Sony's GOW but realistically, game could end up as a puzzle walking game.

Profchaos587d ago

To me they kind of promised a retro revival style shooter like hexan

Terry_B588d ago

Scorn might have more gameplay than Hellblade 2 in the end.

Profchaos587d ago

It won't be the studio has a good track record compared to scorn with zero pedigree and lots of hype without any evidence of being able to deliver. Scorn was indie to it's core

Stanjara587d ago

Studio is good as it's last game. Hellblade was a short walking puzzle game with occasional clunky fight parts.

Was it good? Yes.

Scorn is the same...is it good yes.
Did they presented graphics, atmosphere, unreal engine, fantastic art design? Yes.

What Hellblade devs are doing?
They are selling you unreal camera bocca effects, atmosphere, art, culture...

See???

You are expecting fight, bosses, epic music, vikings, insanity...

Oh yeah...did I tell you... The definition of insanity?

Show all comments (69)
420°

‘Hellblade 2’ Launches As The 23rd Most-Played Xbox Game, What Does That Mean?

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 launched last week to solid reviews from both fans and players. But its playercount? That's another story.

helicoptergirl3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

That's awful. This combined with the really low Steam numbers paint a disastrous picture imo. Really bad timing too because Tango was closed down for a similar thing. Great reviewed game, and low sales and/or player count. Hi-Fi Rush reviewed a hell of a lot better and it was widely loved by everyone, Hellblade 2 nowhere near that.

I know the rumor is that the studio has their next game already green-lit, but if I worked at Tango, I would be furious. "Why do they survive while we get binned?" I'd be telling myself.

But the suit woman will have you believe "Oh we have different metrics for the success of one studio compared to another studio. We judge each studio and game on their own set criteria" or something like that, I'm paraphrasing here but you get the idea. But no one who works there knows what the hell that even means. I mean the DLC for Redfall was getting worked on days before they even got the news their studio was getting dumped in the trash. So what are these mysterious metrics to let studios survive and others perish? I bet this is all hogwash, I bet MS don't even really know. They just had to make cuts and certain studios just found their way on the chopping block. Someone had to bite the dust, why not you?

Well I bet all this does nothing for the confidence of other employees in other studios. The truth is you have no idea where your career will be in a year from now working at one of their studios that aren't the mega big ones. MS just have too many studios to manage efficiently. "We'll just throw money at them and buy them and worry about the details later on. I mean we can do it, we're Microsoft."

darthv723d ago

...have you seen what the top 10 consists of? Its things like fortnite, roblox, CoD, apex... etc. This being a new game that has a niche appeal is actually surprising to see at 23. Its also the 33rd top paid game on the PC through the MS store.

tay87013d ago

Those are dreadful numbers any way you slice it dude. They hyped this game to hell for the last 4 plus yrs. It was supposed to be xboxs big game this yr. Ninja Theory is probably sweating right now.

Scissorman3d ago

And it's already slipped out of the Top 100 on Steam. Meanwhile a port of the 4-year old Ghost of Tsushima is sitting comfortably at #8.

RiseNShine3d ago

One of the biggest games of the year, a multi million sequel and heavily advertised game, at 23 most played? There's no way to justify those numbers.

darthv723d ago

^^heavily advertised game...?

I mean, I knew the game was coming but outside of a boot screen ad for it, there has been little to no marketing. And yet it still managed 23rd. Make of that what you will.

Elda3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Here in the East Coast on NY/NJ on cable tv Hellblade 2 has been advertised pretty well. I see the commercials every day at least 3 times a day for the past 3 weeks. It's even advertised as YT commercials.

Chevalier3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

What an idiotic comment. Let me guess the next comment would be GTA V outsold everything so....

Absolutely terrible numbers all round for this game. Ghost of Tsushima at number 8. Good games going to sell regardless of excuses

CobraKai3d ago

Nice try on spinning it but it debuting at 23 isn’t a good thing. It’s one of MS anticipated exclusives.

Cacabunga3d ago

That GP adds no value to a game..
ninja theory got it all wrong, from being sold to MS to only prioritizing graphics

jwillj2k42d ago (Edited 2d ago )

23 is high just shows how shite Xbox lineup is. Game should have come at 70’s.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 2d ago
RpgSama3d ago

What a disaster, 2 failures in a row for Ninja Theory, first Bleeding edge, now Hellblade 2, any way you slice it these are not the numbers the most awaited game of the year for Xbox should show (before Activision purchase), also player numbers is extremely low and even more surprising considering is day 1 on gamepass.

Crows903d ago

If they worked on heavenly sword instead then they would have something worth playing and waiting for... unfortunately that won't happen.

Terry_B3d ago

It means that it will be the..50th? 75th? most played xbox game in June.

anast3d ago

I think it's well below 75th on Steam.

CrimsonWing693d ago

That people played it 🤷‍♂️

Terry_B3d ago

The graphics are great though *fixed it

ChasterMies2d ago

The lowest common denominator isn’t after great games. Look at xDefiant player numbers.

InUrFoxHole2d ago

Not sure how I feel about that game yet.

Scissorman3d ago

If this game cost more and took longer to develop than Hi-Fi Rush, then I would worry if I were Ninja Theory. Projects may have been greenlit, but the increased scrutiny over at MS may very well put them on the chopping block. The incredible irony here is that it was PlayStation players that pushed the original game passed its 1 million copies sold milestone. With that purchasing power cut out, and the Game Pass effect having trained Xbox players to not purchase games, it seems that the sequel may have been set-up for failure.

italiangamer3d ago

And that's exactly what pisses me off about Hellblade 2 not being on PlayStation, Sony promoted the original game and I bought it basically on D1 back in the day because I liked what I saw and ended up really enjoying it!
I really hope Hellblade 2 is next on the porting list because I would buy it in a heartbeat, asshole microsoft robbed me of this game!

darthv723d ago

Just get an xbox. Then it will be YOU that is robbing Microsoft. Gamepass is a hell of a deal and an addictive one at that.

AndrewM3d ago

No darth, buying an Xbox only helps xbox lol he can play gamepass on com if he wants to take advantage of them destroying themselves.

Scissorman3d ago

If anything I would say that these sales figures and player counts may actually fast-track its PS5 port.

Bathyj3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Just get an Xbox? You're kidding right? No one paddles out and jumps on a sinking ship.

I wouldn't buy an Xbox for this lacklustre game and I wouldn't sign up to gamepass if I did. People want to trade their long term sustainable games industry for a short term saving, go ahead and see how it turns out.

Actually we're seeing how that turns out. Unsatisfied Devs. Mediocre games and a failing Microsoft games division.

Rhythmattic3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Hay Darth.. "Just get an xbox"
so.. explain.....what is Xbox ?

GotGame8183d ago

You can play it on PC. Heck you can play it, on just about anything, if you have decent Internet. It is an amazing looking game.

anast3d ago

@Darth

I would have. But ES6 is coming to PlayStation after all, so there's really no need.

MrDead3d ago

darthv72 activity promoting studio shutdowns with that comment.

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 3d ago
Show all comments (74)
90°

Hellblade 2's Excellent Presentation Goes Far Beyond Its Graphics

Hellblade 2 has great presentation, and that includes more than graphics.

Read Full Story >>
gamerant.com
anast3d ago

74 user score on meta. I wouldn't say it includes much more.

PrinceOfAnger3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

81 meta-critic
Steam user score 85% from
(2,677)..

Death stranding
7.4 user score

Last of us part 2
5.8 user score on meta..

Days gone 71 meta-score.

MrNinosan3d ago

All you proved with those numbers is that Xbox fanboys do everything they can to make Sony games look bad and Xbox games look good, while Sony fans mostly are busy playing games instead of review bombing Xbox games.

romulus233d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Death Stranding
82 meta-critic

The Last of Us 2
93 meta-critic

Figured I'd give some context since you conveniently left those scores out.

MrNinosan3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Btw, why not use Meta for every game or doesn't it fit your agenda?

Current Gen scores:
Hellblade 2 - 7.4 User Score (81MC)
Death Stranding 2 - 7.6 User Score (85MC)
Last of Us Part 2 - 8.1 User Score (90MC)
Days Gone - 8.5 User Score (71MC)

Death Stranding on Stean has 91%
Days Gone on Steam has 92%

anast3d ago

Low player count, 23rd played, the game isn't doing well.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3d ago
Crows903d ago

Let it die already. Nobody cares...they should have expanded the games systems

Inverno3d ago

Yeah and many games before it have done what it did and more. Why are we impressed by features that have been standard in many games before? Sites are gonna keep up these fluff pieces for a while longer while everyone has already moved onto some indie game that costs less, took less time to make and does more with gameplay. So many games have been killed off by negative reviews and negative opinion pieces for being more of less like Hellblade 2, but nah this one's special.

EternalTitan3d ago

It dosent even go beyond beyond its mediocre combat.
Graphics will get outdated in a mere two years.
And there is no combat system to hold it up.

PrinceOfAnger3d ago

I hope NT show their next game Project Mara in the coming showcase

Show all comments (13)
170°

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Review: A Technical Masterpiece Weighed Down by Mediocrity | CBR

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II continues Senua’s struggles against her own reality, but undermines its nuances for an Xbox epic that’s lesser in design.

Jin_Sakai4d ago

Hellblade 2 looks incredible but the gameplay is a linear slog from the looks of it.

gold_drake4d ago

yea, you are essentially walking around in a straight sort of line or corridior for the most part and just ... look at stuff.

Sonyslave34d ago

It funny seeing some of these sites that praise the 1st one but not the sequel.🤔

piroh4d ago

Both games have the exact same metascore 81

MrBaskerville4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Maybe because it's different?
Personally I liked the puzzles and combat more in the first one and the story was better.

Bathyj4d ago

From what I've seen this game is worse in every way except graphics

Chevalier3d ago

Yeah agreed! Funny seeing idiot Xbox fans who called the 1st game a walking simulator trying to sell this on graphics alone. Then now 'cinematic' games are cool? Talk about flopping like a politician

3d ago
3d ago
Chevalier3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

"You call people idiotic because you’re actually autistic."

Ouch your IQ is pretty damn low if you think Autism is anything like what you're saying. Lol. Nice spam account. Can't refute anything so just need to make a new account in desperation.

3d ago
Chevalier3d ago

"Only a low IQ person would have a comment history that only calls others idiots.

Only one idiot on N4G - you.

P.S. I reported all your comments. Calling people idiots is against the rules"

https://m.youtube.com/watch...

3d ago
+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3d ago
andy854d ago (Edited 4d ago )

I'm confused how it's locked 30 on Series X tbh. Admittedly my laptop is a touch more powerful than a Series X but I'm getting 90-100 fps with low settings. Which is still absolutely stunning btw, even at low settings its the best looking game I've played (i play on high though, which I'm getting 60 with DLSS quality mode). I guess it's a CPU thing but surely it was possible

Skuletor4d ago

I noticed the same thing with Gotham Knights, when I was getting over a hundred fps and wondering how the consoles were stuck at 30.

Elda4d ago

The game is mostly walking around while hearing voices, then puzzles then battle sequences then a talking sequence then repeat.

Doomeduk4d ago

I have some stick drift on my controller,I started the game and an Amazon parcel came after a short but enjoyable chat with the driver I returned to see the end credits rolling

Show all comments (25)