Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II – The Game Awards 2019 – Announce Trailer (in-engine)

Senua's Saga:Hellblade II - the next entry in the Hellblade franchise from developer Ninja Theory. Footage for this trailer was captured entirely in engine.

[mrmikew2018]

Holy sh$t!!!!

Edit: Come on fellow gamers you have to give credit when it’s due.

That was a awesome surprise by MS.

[Blu3_Berry]

I agree, that took me by surprise as well. It's going to be interesting to see how things are handled next-gen.

[mrmikew2018]

It’s going to be awesome, I already 1500 saved up for both consoles.

My only complaint is the design of the console.
It looks like a speaker.

[Ricegum]

I agree. The design of it is horrible.

[darthv72]

I had not yet played the first but this is making me want to.

[timotim]

@Darth

You should check it out...its on XGP for both console and PC.

[Obscure_Observer]

Phil Spencer ended 2019 with a BANG! The SX and Hellblade II reveal were the best momments of TGA imo!

Ghost of Tsushima was supposed to be the big favorite of TGA but, Ninja Theory definelly took everyone by surprise!

The vibe in this game seems even more darker and disturbing than the first one!

Freaking HYPED!

[bouzebbal]

Having hard time believing this is in engine.. It's too much!!

[froy402]

@mrmikew2018 yeah the design doesnt look very interesting or good but look at the bright side at least it should stay cool with that huge vent on top and probably be quieter.

[IamTylerDurden1]

I was all about Hellblade and I supported the AAA indie movement by Ninja Theory and the message about mental health, but the game was so limited I couldn't get into it.

It was beautiful, but so linear, the story and feel of the game just never hooked me and the puzzles and combat were underwhelming. It's an easy platinum, but I had to stop playing regardless of trophies because I hated it.

[nix]

I was really trying to remember Hellblade 1. Didn't know it was the same with mental issues. This trailer had me confused.

I guess if I didn't get 1, I won't be bothering about 2.

[xX-oldboy-Xx]

The PlayStation community supported Hellblade and NT - snake in the grass - Tameem Antonides.

Lucky it will be on gamepass because the sales would woeful to the xbox crowd.

[lifeisgamesok]

I was ok with the combat but the puzzles were really bad IMO maybe they've made them a lot better in the sequel

[timotim]

@oldboy

Yes, it will be on XGP...for both console AND PC...Steam as well. Are you telling me it can't do incredibly well for both sales and subscription numbers? You understand that covers over 100 million possible gamers to target right?

[gamer7804]

I really liked the puzzles, but you are right it was linear, and I thought it was all the better for it. It allowed it to tell an amazing story from start to finish without filler that could have detracted from the experience.

[rainslacker]

This trailer did make the game look more epic than the last one. Makes me wonder if the next game is going to focus more on being epic, or focus on trying to do what the first game did...which i actually liked. If they can do both, then great, but the original was more of an intimate experience.

Good looking trailer though.

[Automatic79]

Agreed the game looks beautiful.

[SyntheticForm]

YES!

[lifeisgamesok]

Yeah that looked incredible

[beulahland]

I actually like the console design, it clearly points to a PC case, as already pointed out on the gamespot article. It is unlike any major console ever released, and that is good, it breaks the established standard that a console must look like a dvd player.

[timotim]

Me too. Mini PC case...definitely different. I like its minimalist design and the fact that it just stands there towering over everything else. Will help it stand out.

[CaptainHenry916]

I thought they were making a new IP

[Obscure_Observer]

@CaptainHenry916

"I thought they were making a new IP"

They´re. It´s called The Insight Project!

[Knushwood Butt]

It was a surprise and it looks impressive visually,

But

Is this confirmed as a launch game? I'm curious how long this has been in development.

[King_Noctis]

I believe They said it is in early development though. If they push hard for it, I believe they could get it done by the end of next year.

[gamer7804]

the graphics looked amazing, but honestly the first hell blade looked fantastic too. From a visual and audio perspective it deserved more credit than it got especially for the small team it first was.

[nucky64]

i was impressed with it being in-game; however, i hope she doesn't do a lot of that screaming - it was annoying.

[Blu3_Berry]

That was a pretty sick reveal. I didn't know what I was seeing at first til I saw her. I loved the first game and this one looks to be even bigger. I got a feeling Microsoft is gonna be reeling up this next gen. Revealing the Xbox Series X was also a huge surprise. This next gen should be interesting.

[TeamIcoFan]

Bro, that's in engine on the next xbox?
https://gph.is/1aiYSzA

[EDKICK]

I mean I'm way more interested in everything else going on in the trailer than if it'll look exactly as good as it does in the trailer. It won't, but Hellblade looked fantastic and this has a bigger budget and new hardware I'm sure it'll look fantastic seems like a weird thing for people on both sides (praising and criticizing) to get hung up on.

[got_dam]

I hope it is good. I feel the first game was perfect as a stand alone, and doesnt need a sequel, but with that Microsoft money behind them..... maybe ninja theory can do something even more special.

[rainslacker]

I'm actually curious how they're going to continue the story. I also felt that it didn't need a continuation, but I guess there was room for one. I just wonder if they'll tackle the same themes with the character, and if those themes will be as potent in the sequel.

[XabiDaChosenOne]

First game was good, lets see what a bigger budget can do for the sequel.

[Trueflames]

Freaking amazing! Xbox is coming strong with single player games 💪

[Larrysweet]

Haha 1 game in 7 years Haha

[RpgSama]

@Shaggy2303

Sorry then, 2 games in 7 years, that totally makes it better! /S

[Sm00thNinja]

It looks absolutely phenomenal I'm so excited at the DIRECTION THEY WENT! What an awesome viking like game. This is Microsofts answer to God of War if done correctly. And all that was in-engine? Simply amazed

[ShadowWolf712]

It's Celtic, not Viking.

[NecrumOddBoy]

Hellblade is Nordic (Viking). Although some Celtic history comes from the Viking conquests in eastern Ireland.

But Hellblade was a very narrative driven action/puzzler. Nothing like GOW.

[SyntheticForm]

Senua is a Pict, specifically.

[ShadowWolf712]

While there are elements of Norse myth as her people had been fighting Norsemen, Senua, and the culture she's part of, are Celtic. The Picts are a Celtic people, the name being given by the Romans for anyone living north of Hadrian's Wall.

And as a result, much of the imagery and ceremony you see there are Celtic.

[CaptainHenry916]

"Microsofts answer to God of War"

That's a strong statement right there. The first Hellblade was good but I wouldn't say it's the answer to God of War lol. As much as I like Hellblade it's not on God of War level imo.

[Sm00thNinja]

Oh ITS DEFINITELU NOT GOD OF WAR LEVEL! Are you kidding me?! It was a great first attempt they'll need Microsofts help and advertising to reach anywhere near the level of amazing God of War PS4 was. But this is a strong statement for Microsoft to push this at the game awards

[Veneno]

I think you're the only one who thought of GoW when viewing this.

[Sm00thNinja]

The two aren't comparable. They're nothing alike. I platinumed both games. Again Microsoft has no answer for GoW imo. This could be the game they push in terms of quality and presentation to stand alongside it.

[mrmikew2018]

@sm00thninja

Relax my guy. The trailer and surprise announcement for the XBXS was awesome, but let’s not go overboard.

[Sm00thNinja]

You're probably right lol was just excited I STILL AM LOL

[Larrysweet]

Do not put hellblade and god of war in same sentence smh when u see god of war 2 hellblade will start looking like ps4 game lmao and nowhere near the quality or brilliance

[NeoGamer232]

I don't think MS should be looking to compete game-for-game and genre-for-genre with Sony. That just makes them the same as Sony.

I like it when MS just did their own thing and pushed games in a different direction. Gears was a perfect example to to me is still the best third person shooter, Ori and the Blind Forest, Cuphead, Halo, Sea of Thieves, State of Decay, and Forza Horizon. All games where MS did something they felt was right and differentiated their offerings.

With that said, Hellblade is its own game and it just so happens it is God of War-ish. Also, it is a genre that Ninja Theory has heavy expertise in. So, I love that they are continuing the IP and the new game looks good so far.

[rainslacker]

Hmmm....if they make it an answer to God of War, they fundamentally change what the first game was, and what its themes were supposed to be. It's possible to do those themes in a game more like GOW of course, but I feel it would take away a lot of that feeling of solitude that the 1st game had, which made the mental health aspect of her character so interesting.

That said, I won't judge before knowing more, because this discussion is based on assumption and potential directions the game could go, but thought I'd throw in my two cents.

Now....a Heavenly Sword 2 could be a good answer to GOW.....but Sony owns that IP. Kind of a shame really, because while i really like HB, HS was one of my favorite games last gen, and I'd rather see a sequel to that....especially if NT made it.

@Neo

I agree. But at the same time, MS does need some more high profile games in different genres to round out it's portfolio.

[Limitedtimestruggle]

Omfg!! Yes! I simply loved the first game, one of the best experiences back in 2017 <3

[ShadowWolf712]

I really dunno how I feel about franchising this game...

[akbennyewu]

Fuck you

[ShadowWolf712]

Ooookay then.

[Trueflames]

ShadowWolf bruh WTF you saying you sound like a full hater cause this game is amazing and helpful to those who deal with the symptoms

[Sm00thNinja]

Look at his comment history

[ShadowWolf712]

That's exactly why I have qualms with franchising it. It feels kinda tasteless.

The game was a great experience that explored what people with mental illnesses actually experience, trying to turn that into a whole series feels a bit off to me is all.

And I say this as someone who does deal with PTSD too.

[ShadowWolf712]

@Sm00th

My comment history which shows I've praised the first game many times?

[TK-66]

@ShadowWolf712

"That's exactly why I have qualms with franchising it. It feels kinda tasteless."

You're coming across like a bit of a concern troll atm. This game can't have a sequel/successor because it handled a very serious subject matter? You should've known this was coming because the ending to Senua's Sacrifice has her look straight into the camera and basically tell you there would be another installment.

[ShadowWolf712]

@TK I don't much care how it sounds. I'd say the same no matter who made it.

Feels off to me.

[King_Noctis]

Based on the trailer they went to a completely different direction. Senua is not alone anymore, it seem other people also join her fight.

I’d agree with you if they hadn’t change anything, but this is a God of War 2018-like case, where the sequel look almost completely different from its previous games.

[TK-66]

Which suggests this games story could play a big role in depicting how her relationships are affected. While the first games story had her relationships as a huge focus it never showed them directly or how they evolve. I think it would be interesting to have that shown in Hellblade 2.

[Tedakin]

If the parts where Senua is chanting is actually in engine.... then holy s word.......

[mrmikew2018]

Yea I thought that was an actual person. XBSX and PS5 are going killer machines.

But now I want to see gameplay.

[AnubisG]

Yep, this is what an evil demon looks like.

[moriarty1889]

simply incredible looking and one heck of a surprise by MS to come out and be aggressive. Next gen should be very interesting.

[Petebloodyonion]

Nice surprise trailer can already get a feel of Gamespot review
Great game by Microsoft Unfortunately there's too much gray in the screen 7/10

[ReadyPlayer22]

Lol, and I remember being told that Game Pass would make Microsoft devalue games and their development on this site.

[timotim]

Whoa! That looked insane!

[Kumakai]

F***k yes. That was siiiick.

and if you thought MS was going to acquire that many studios, start 2 new ones and go into next gen with Halo and Forza, then you are wrong. MS learned the hard first party lesson for gen 8, admitted as such and is out to prove themselves for gen 9. This is when competition makes things great for us - the gamer.

[Dissidia]

Well said

[jjb1981]

Now I have to put it on top of my TV stand.

[GaboonViper]

Amazing.

[iplay1up2]

Wow!! That is all I have!

[Sophisticated_Chap]

Impressive. I will have to give the first one a go.

[timotim]

Its on XGP for both console and PC.

[rainslacker]

First one is definitely worth playing. One of the more interesting games this gen. It's not action packed or anything, but it's an engaging experience on many levels.

[Sm00thNinja]

Also seemingly confirmed that new button on the controller is a share button..

And everyone says Sony copies everyone else. I wont use it but nice for those uploaded i guess?

[Lionsguard]

It looks great but I'll stop short of believing it's "in-game" until I actually see it for myself. I've been burned by too many bull-shots to get roped in again.

[Dissidia]

"in-engine" difference from in-game

[P_Bomb]

Only watched it with the sound off but damn, she really wears her heart on her sleeve doesn’t she? Super intense facials. Nice teeth too lol. Will be keeping an eye on this one.

[Thundercat77]

It would be good to see some gameplay. Senuas Sacrifice was a good game. Not one of my favorite but a good game.

[masterfox]

Weird Slipknot intro.

[PhoenixUp]

And so it begins

[Veneno]

That scared the living hell out of me.

[theshredded]

Man this was easily the best thing shown.

[OG_TK_Cole]

Looks like XBOX Game Studios Is trying to bring video games this upcoming generation. Great Ninja Theory reveal.

[ziggurcat]

Woah, that was intense.

[Bronxs15]

Look at this trailer. Pay attention to how senua’s face animated. Look at the way her lips move and how here teeth are rendered. Her eyes etc. Then go watch the new ghost of Tsushima trailer and look at the faces.
Then the next gen leap will be very clear. Ghost of Tsushima instantly looks “video gamey”. It’s a real generational leap. I know because I’m talking about a ps exclusive this will get downvoted. But honestly don’t take my word compare the trailers yourself. It’s more shocking when u realize hellblade is all in game footage and ghost of Tsushima is mixed in game and cinematic. Crazy.

[timotim]

While I agree with you...in all fairness though, this was of a in-game cut scene while Tsushima was in-game gameplay.

[Bronxs15]

Actually the hellblade trailer says all in game. And the Tsushima one actually a days at the bottom. It’s in game and cinematic. Takeaway is it’s a real generational lip. Xsx in game surpasses the level of PS4 pro cinematic. That’s a big jump. Also it’s after seeing the next gen facial animations on HB I noticed lots of characters In GOT have those hard face mask so they don’t need to do animations

[MrVux000]

It almost like its ''in-engine'' or something... crazy.It was clearly shown that this was all in-engine and not in-game like GOT was.Wasn't it allready showcased that everything runs real-time in GOT?

And no, you will not get downvoted solely cuz of the fanboys of the upcoming exclusives, i already pointed out the false statements you already made.

[mike32UK]

Agreed, the difference is night and day. I do feel that SuckerPunch are going for a slightly different aesthetic (i.e NOT photorealism, more stylised) but yes, Senua looks glorious in her next gen reveal!

[Poopmist]

I'm sure there will be games from Sony this E3 around the same caliber graphics wise.

[StormLegend]

Lol what? Ghost is a PS4 game so comparing it to a next gen game isn't fair.

[Livingthedream]

I think he's just talking about the leap to next gen, it will be a huge leap. Ps5 will have similar visuals or better in some cases. It's going to be amazing.

[rainslacker]

Animations are not likely to get that complex when actually playing the game. They take a lot of memory which would generally be better served doing something else. Graphics wise, I'd say this is pretty close to what to expect from next gen. I've actually seen better in game graphics already through my work, and some of the demo makers at my office have produced things that make this look like a last gen game. But, it's all about balance, and demos don't have to balance the same things as a game running full speed do.

[Saranya]

I saw someone said Microsoft bought Ninja Theory to made the game like Bleeding Edge, today Hellblade Senua Saga already show on Game Award lol.

[Livingthedream]

A lot of people said that, it seems MS is giving their studios freedom to create what they want. That's great news all around, this trailer looked impressive

[GtPawnSacrifices]

Shit!! 😱
(The good kind)

[Spenok]

It's expectedly an exclusive, but I'm still disappointed. However, I'm also a bit disappointed in the direction the game seems to be taking. Here's hoping this first look is just giving me the wrong impression, because I LOVED the first game.

[SyntheticForm]

"However, I'm also a bit disappointed in the direction the game seems to be taking."

I say this in a friendly yet curious tone: How do you know what direction the game seems to be taking? There was no game play here - only an in-engine announcement trailer that looked very impressive.

I can understand if you didn't like the trailer itself, but we still know nothing about the game play.

[Spenok]

I was referring to the direction in tone and seeming cultish demonism, not gameplay. As you said, there was none, so that's obvious out of the question of critique.

But like I said, I hope I'm wrong. The first was a masterpiece, and this game sort of feels unnecessary to begin with given the way the first was presented and completed. But I also love Ninja Theory's work, so I have complete faith in them.

[mandingo]

Wow that was slightly terrifying

[Elda]

I need to see actual gameplay.

[beulahland]

Too early in development phase yet.

[isarai]

Well "in-engine" is not the same as "in-game" but still impressive nonetheless, i honestly thought it was live action for a while

[MrVux000]

Shame that i will have to play it on the PC... (when it eventually releases).

[mrmikew2018]

Hopefully (and this probably a pipe dream) it will stay an exclusive to XBXS.

But who knows at this point, with MS and this play anywhere bull crap.

But for once let’s enjoy the moment and tip our hats to MS for the awesome surprise.

[MrVux000]

TBH I'm bit dissapointed it's a Xbox Exclusive, since the first one went multiplatform. It would make sense if they made *new* NinjaTheory IP-s exclusive to xbox, but this is quite low if true. (the same goes to any publisher that does that)...

Still best of luck to NinjaTheory and Hellblade 2 sequel, i really want them to succeed...

[Bladesfist]

Why? As a PC gamer I am enjoying playing Xbox games. I'm still paying for them and Microsoft still gets my money. What's wrong with Xbox being a multi-platform brand? It could appeal to more developers as the Xbox brand will always be much bigger user base if it includes PC gamers too and everyone benefits from more developer support.

[timotim]

No other console platform holder is given their gamers more options on where and how their games can be played...no one. Instead of feeling shamed, simply choose one of the many ways (Xbox One, Microsoft Store, Steam, Gamepass, xCloud, mobile) and play it...its that simple.

[MrVux000]

Except this game wont available on the mobile (thank god for that), Xcloud is yet to be released and it's the same mess like the PS Now, Microsoft store and Steam is what i reffered to when i mentioned PC (which i will most likely do), i don't support gamepass.

As for Xbox One....it's....an xbox one lol

The shamefull part is i won't be able to play a former multiplat(as in on Xbox,Playstation and pc) game franchise on my platform of choice...''its that simple''.

[timotim]

Of course you will be able to play it using your mobile device...you haven't been paying attention...
https://www.youtube.com/wat...

This Hellblade 2 isn't released yet either though haha...but by the time it releases, xCloud will be a thing. I mean...its currently in Beta out in the wild right now haha.

If you didn't get the memo, Microsoft now owns NT...if your platform of choice is PS, then yes, you will be out of luck...however, Microsoft still provides the most options for gamers than anyone else. Feel better that at least you get to play the game regardless for a platform you already have...

[MrVux000]

''Of course you will be able to play it using your mobile device...you haven't been paying attention...''
Streaming to mobile phone, and playing things natively is not the same thing.

I already stated my thoughts on XCloud...

Have i made an impression that i haven't got the memo?

''Microsoft still provides the most options for gamers than anyone else''
The only thing microsoft has that SONY doesn't is gamepass?

As far feeling better go, that would soley depend on how the game performs in the end and not on which platform its available on. And judging from the latest Microsoft track-record of both old and new studios, i'm a little bit worried about that.

[wheresmymonkey]

Nice use of The Hu. If its an exclusive I would be seriously tempted to nab a series X

[extermin8or]

will be on pc.

[LoveSpuds]

I really bought into the notion, promoted by NT, that the first game was developed in part to raise awareness of mental health; in that respect I thought the game did an incredible job and really did leave an impression on me.

Not to be a party pooper, but there is something a little 'icky' about turning the IP into a more commercialised product, which is what releasing a sequel does in my opinion. Particularly as the first game told such a well constructed and self contained story, I don't think it need a sequel personally.

[AriesBear]

The first one was a masterpiece. absolutely stunning. this one looks great , but I hated the death metal singing. Just didn't work and screams, "make the trailer cool" when hellblade doesn't need that b.s. it never did.

[I_am_Batman]

Man that was an unsettling trailer. Very impressive. Love the first game and Ninja Theory in general so I'm definitely looking forward to this. Would've been awesome if they showed us a little tease of gameplay though. Even 2 seconds of next gen gameplay would've made me much more hyped. But at least next gen games have started to get announced. In a year we'll be playing on next gen systems.

[waverider]

What is funny is the change of heart of so many gamers about Hellblade. If we could put here the hundreds and hundreds of comments about this game when it was only on the PS4 and what are now saying about this game.... The trailer is cool. Really nice.

[rainslacker]

Who exactly are you saying is talking bad about this game? Some question the direction it might be taking given the trailers tone. But otherwise, it seems most people are more curious about it than any other game MS has released, or announced this gen. This game will probably end up being the poster child for Xbox fan boys to cite until Sony shows off the first PS5 game, as reason why MS has somehow made amends, and PS just can't compete....which in itself feels kind of wrong since the first game was amazing, but it is what it is.

[spambot0815]

prediction: hellblade 2 rise daughter of jotunheim. targets rise son of rome players and will probably alienate 50% of hellblade 1 buyers.

[AAWELLS09]

Looks amazing and appears to show an expanded world.

[Donnie81]

Xbox is gonna come out swinging for the fences next gen. Game looks nice

[spicelicka]

This is amazing reveal trailer wow

[Fist4achin]

Whoa! Just whoa!!!

[neomahi]

Lame.....

[andron]

Didn't really think Hellblade needed a sequel. Let's hope NT know what they are doing...

[FernDiggidy]

In engine my ass but it LOOKED FIRE!

Good shit MS. More SP games and you will thrive.

[xxShadow-Shockxx]

I dont understand why everybody is freaking out saying how good this game looks, when its literally just a cinematic, I want to see gameplay, I hate this new trend of showing only cinematic and cgi trailers.

[Imortus_san]

Nice to see next gen is already this advanced, it could probably be the best launch in terms of games using the hardware properly.

[Ristul]

I have to give it to ms, this game looks very good.

[dragonopt1]

Loved the first game so I can’t wait to play this. People need to calm down though saying it looks great lol, it’s CGI not actually gameplay....

[timotim]

Its not CGI though. "In engine" is not CGI. In fact some of the footage (showing of the small village) looked real-time.

[OzzY-waZZy]

Didn't play the first but this looks awesome. It kind of feels like it has a cult/horror element like "The Ritual" movie.

[Imalwaysright]

It seems that a new standard for facial animations and character rendering has been set and it will only improve over time. Bring on the next gen consoles.

[Flewid638]

Where's that gameplay though?

[Yourewrong]

First game did a wonderful job making me wonder if I had a neurological impairment... narcolepsy. So boring as It's a walking symbol matching simulator. Should have done a enslaved sequel.

[jbrock11]

It's getting to the point where games without facial mo-cap look like games from two generations ago. I know it's costly but this is something that games that are striving for realism are going to have to do from now on. I mean just imagine Bethesda coming out with another clunky Fallout with 10+ year old tech after seeing something like this.

[Nu]

Disturbing and weird was that trailer

[zahdab]

the trailer seems to embrace insanity even more but damn the graphics and animations are impressive

[MWH]

I wonder what it will take to run on PC.

[zahdab]

a pretty beefy one i'd think, doubt it will run on my gig

[tontontam0]

WTF

Why is everyone acting so surprised?

As someone who played Hellblade, The moment MS acquired ninja theory the first thing that popped in to my mind was "oh shit I don't have an xbox I guess I have to buy one to play HELLBLADE II".

I guess a lot of xbox fanboys just ignored hellblade.