360°

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 Appears To Have Received A Substantial Visual Upgrade, Comparison Inside

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 has received a substantial visual upgrade, and we've put together a comparison that shows the improvements.

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twistedvoxel.com
Petebloodyonion15d ago

And still no marketing for this :(

Barlos15d ago

Why market something that isn't designed to be sold?

This has GP rental written all over it.

Petebloodyonion15d ago

Why bother showing me X shows streaming on Disney before my YouTube video since it's a rental?
Why bother showing what movies are coming to a theater?
Actually, how come game companies bothered in them past with advertising games since a lot of ppl used to rent them at BlockBuster?

Here is a simple reason: making ppl Interested in this game by making them subscribe to Gamepass, or buying the game on PC/Xbox, or worse giving them a reason to buy an Xbox console.

Noskypeno14d ago

@Pete, speaking of movies, Microsoft should copy that business model and sell the games at $70 for 3 months and then let it hit Gamepass after those 3 months. It gives them time to let the game receive a big profit, so for that big game you've been waiting years for that you don't want spoiled, I don't mind paying the $70 a couple times a year. And for those small niche games that don't require a big budget and big profits to succeed, well Gamepass is perfect for that to see if you enjoy it.

Petebloodyonion14d ago

@Noskypeno
I agree, always said that there are no financial gains in putting established games that will sell on names alone (COD, GEARS, HALO, FORZA, etc), the same way Disney won't give you the next Avenger Day 1 on Disney plus +.
MS could release game some smaller games with some AA game day 1 while making money for a couple of month on big titles.

Tacoboto15d ago

They just posted a 20+ minute video about Psychosis and how the game portrays that through Senua.

Regardless of what Microsoft is doing (retweeting Ninja Theory is about as low effort as it gets, and Dashboard Dynamic Themes should've come months ago), Ninja Theory themselves are at least trying.

It's sad though. That new video was a really good behind-the-scenes too, and it just came at such a bad time.

Terry_B15d ago

who knows..they might be the next developer that gets shut down..6-12 months after Hellblade 2 is released.

Charlieboy33314d ago

"a 20+ minute video about Psychosis and how the game portrays that through Senua".....game sounds like a bundle of fun!

Tankbusta4015d ago

How much marketing do games really need these days? People that play games know when its coming out. I really think the days of the constant tv ad etc are going the way of the Dodo. What scares me more is the lack of "previews" on big video game websites, it only got a few on April 4th and then nothing since.

RNTody15d ago (Edited 15d ago )

Wow Tankbusta40 how out of touch with reality can you be, mate. Do you think companies are insane to spend millions on having giant billboards for big releases and TV adverts and superbowl slots and round the clock PR and interviews? Most of the people who buy games aren't on gaming forums like these knowing the exact release dates!

This isn't being marketed because Microsoft isn't selling the product, it's a Game Pass day one and they don't throw their weight behind games like this.

Chevalier14d ago

"Here is a simple reason: making ppl Interested in this game by making them subscribe to Gamepass, or buying the game on PC/Xbox, or worse giving them a reason to buy an Xbox console."

No one is buying a Xbox for Hellblade 2. Lol. Advertising will not change that. Just considering after all this time Xbox confirmed numbers they were not good for Hellblade 1

"The last numbers we have for Hellblade 1 is that it had 6.3 million players after four years. That’s players, not sales, and that includes launching on Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Switch and it was also on Xbox Game pass starting in 2018."

https://www.forbes.com/site...

Killer2020UK14d ago

Wouldn't be surprised if one of the money men at Microsoft have already earmarked this studio for closure regardless of how well Hellblade 2 does. Hence the lack of marketing spend.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 14d ago
Hugodastrevas15d ago

Wait, this game's actually still being made?

Hugodastrevas15d ago

Clearly, because there's tons of promotion about this game everywhere! /S

ThinkThink14d ago

Under a rock much? This game has been trailered to death already over the past 5 years.

Hedstrom15d ago

Ninja Theory is gonna be MS next cut!

Crows9015d ago

Most likely. Otherwise more people would know about the game....most people don't...it'll drive some in Gamepass but that's probably going to be it.

ThinkThink14d ago

Most people don't know about the first game either. I don't see this driving new members to gamepass though, it's too niche.

Terry_B15d ago

yupp..most likely just a matter of time.

more or less every studio that got bought by them was killed later.

Walalon15d ago

It's sad that Ninja Theory can update graphics, lighting, made a marvelous game but still the sword of Damocles moving up their heads... After Tango Game works every one that works on any studios under the wing of MS are probably having a Plan B looking for another place to go thanks to that stupid idea of even if you create a jewel they can axe you...

DarXyde15d ago

I mean, we'll have to see.

What I find problematic was Bond really saying that each case for success metrics with different studios is different. However, the studios recently closed seemed surprised when it happened so... Is Microsoft not telling the studios what their expectations are?

It's entirely feasible, but I suspect Starfield didn't really move the needle and Bethesda is safe... But Tango, who made a game that was very well received with a smaller budget gets closed?

We really don't understand what they want. It doesn't help that they shadow dropped HFR with no marketing and I would say outperformed any expectations for it. But somehow, that wasn't enough?

In truth, we don't really know what the criteria for closure is. Specific engagement metrics? Mean play time? Some internally developed index to assess some engagement-to-budget ratio?

We don't know. I think the concern for Ninja Theory is valid, but sink or swim at MGS seems to be a moving target.

MrBaskerville14d ago

The most concerning thing about Senua is that it's a farily niche title that MS for some reason spent a fortune on. Makes you think about what their expectations are. If they are hoping for God Of War money I would expect another closure.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 14d ago
Nacho_Z15d ago

The new pics look more orange but that's about it.

glenn197915d ago (Edited 15d ago )

aha just like death stranding

Skuletor15d ago

It's been over 4 years since that game released. I wonder if Ninja Theory will even be around 4 years from now, maybe not even 4 months, lol.

Show all comments (44)
120°
6.5

Senua's Saga: Hellblade II Review | Xbox Series X | NoobFeed

NoobFeed editor Azfar Rayan writes - The target audience for Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is certain to be narrow. This game is purely designed for fans of narrative-heavy games where the gameplay takes a back seat, as well as those who want to play the sequel to the original. Some portions are spot on, and other parts fail badly at maintaining the mood while attempting to stay true to the concept.

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noobfeed.com
piroh12h ago

Similar to Heavy rain, Detroit become human etc. not my cup of tea. MS better port Forza Horizon/Motorsport to PS5 thx

Sonic188112h ago

The only difference is the games you mention didn't take 7 years to develop and they were longer than 5 hours unlike Hellblade 2

jznrpg11h ago

Heavy Rain had a great story too

Deathdeliverer7h ago

Man…. I posted on another story about my initial experience… I guess this is the follow up. The game never ceases to impress graphically. The ONLY game I’ve gone into photo mode more with is Ghost of Tsushima. My screenshots from that game are actually my phone backgrounds. To the point, game looks great. However…. It’s boring as HELL. I’m talking play after work, like you do any other game, and you’re passing tf out because of the LACK of gameplay. To be real, the supermassive games are the only “games” with less gameplay than this. In fact, I think they’d be the best games to compare this to. It makes perfect sense why they’d look so good. There’s literally nothing else going on and it’s on rails. This game has gotten me back into the gym because given the choice between the two, the gym wins so I thank Microsoft for that. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as is value. For me, this game thus far, is absolute bull and if I’d have bought it on Steam I’d be getting a refund and YouTubing the story. Since it’s a gamespass PC game I’m just dragging my ass through it. I seriously hope it gets better. I’m no conspiracy theorist and I have never (look through my history post police) blamed any company or website of being paid off. This game getting a 10 from anyone should be tremendously scrutinized. To be real anything over an 8 should raise an eyebrow. Personally I’m feeling 5~6 all through my soul but I’m not done yet. Guess we will see. I know gamespass may not be best for the industry, but thank god for it today. This game is a beautiful fully loaded plane crash.

Jingsing3h ago

Another mediocre score not reflected on Metacritic, surprise.

80°
8.8

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Review | Resident entertainment

The first game in this series, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice was one of my favourite games that I had on the PS4. It wasn’t a game that I would say was ever really that popular and I remember finding it on sale long after launch and giving it a go because the graphics looked nice. The game was probably one of the few in that generation that surprised me

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residententertainment.com.au
540°

5 PlayStation Exclusive Games That Look Better Than Hellblade 2

The Nerd Stash: "Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 has some of the best graphics on Xbox, but there are PlayStation games that look even better."

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thenerdstash.com
PrinceOfAnger2d ago

Lol some sony fans now disagreeing with DF !?
They said :
Hellblade 2 is a defining moment in the evolution of real-time graphics".

(The Next Level in Real-Time Visuals)

Game
Takes advantage of everything UE5 offers
- Final game 'lives up to the lofty expectations' of the 2019 reveal
- Character rendering sets new standards and nearly resembles movie sequences with actual actors
- Leverages Unreal's Meta Human 5 to bypass the uncanny valley feel
- DF were left guessing whether some cut-scenes were in-game or real life footage (photo mode shows they're all real time)

Also
https://i.ibb.co/m4zMw3M/20...
,
https://i.ibb.co/2YtX6Tv/20...

Right now nothing on PS looks better than HB2.

PrinceOfAnger2d ago

5 PlayStation Exclusive Games" also on PC..
so what Exclusive? No one here confesses and accepted the word "Console exclusive". they were making jokes about it!
😂

PrinceOfAnger2d ago

@FTLmaster

Sony fans were making jokes first about the word " Console exclusive" here and on other sites.
Now they use the word by themselves.
Lol

P_Bomb2d ago

I write console exclusive all the time. I use it in Xbox’s favor too. Those are the games I generally go after over there.

MrDead1d 20h ago

Now I understand who these articles are written for.

Just buy and support the game so MS doesn't shut down Ninja Theory.

S2Killinit1d 12h ago (Edited 1d 12h ago )

You cant really talk when xbox has all its games released elsewhere. Not a good look.

Cacabunga1d ago

HB2 on PS5 will look better than HB2..
And even with that i won’t buy it

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 1d ago
PrinceOfAnger1d 20h ago

This article says Bloodborne and Ghost of Tsushima has better graphics than Hellblade 2 i'm done! 🤣

VenomUK23h ago

Of course! But that doesn't make it invalid.

I haven't been playing too much recently except a bit of Dave the Diver (retro pixel art). But if this has the best graphics then I definitely want to see so will download it for my XSX and start the game. If I had more time I'd play through the first one first.

S2Killinit1d 12h ago

DF can talk from its arse all it wants. I’m sure they are spending their advertising money wisely.

DivineHand12512h ago

I was under the impression Microsoft didn't have any marketing for this game. I also don't need to be paid to say Hellblade 2 is the most photo realistic game on consoles ever made.

Nacho_Z1d 11h ago

People are free to disagree with DF, it's debatable how impartial they are.

The article is a bit of a stretch though. Hellblade has an open goal graphically because it's using the latest tech on small areas with crap framerate so the fidelity is through the roof. It's not impressive to me personally but it's an achievement that shouldn't be denied.

S2Killinit1d 10h ago

Yes. But then a picture can be extremely beautiful but you cant really play it. Hellblade must be beautiful but it has low frames, and its pretty much on rails so it does not really impress me personally.

Information Minister1d 2h ago

I've been subscribed to DF's YouTube channel since before their videos were even narrated and I tell you no debate is necessary about how impartial they are.

DF has clearly had some level of proximity with Microsoft since the launch of the Xbox One X. They haven't exactly tried to hide either. Their coverage/damage control for Starfield was quite blatant.

So yes, people on all camps are free to disagree with DF's opinions.

That aside, this particular article is complete flamebait.

neutralgamer19921d 9h ago (Edited 1d 9h ago )

what good are graphics when rest of the game is a walking sim (coming from a pc fan) if it's only about graphics than any game can push the boundary but that's without much gameplay

to me gears of war 5 is more impressive because it had the graphics and gameplay to back it up, just like uncharted 2 back in the day. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is also up there.

SGT_Squirrel1d 9h ago (Edited 1d 9h ago )

I don't understand people. Both the PS5 and Xbox one X are great machines. I own both and could care less which system has a game that is marginally better looking than the other. Yes, Hellblade 2 is the best-looking console game right now, but it isn't a huge leap over what the PS5 has. Since I am not tied to one company's console, I see things differently I guess.

Abear2116h ago

Agreed, plus traditionally all PS exclusives are third person action and everything on Xbox is usually FPS.

Let’s talk gameplay people, you know, that thing that actually matters? I remember Gamepro would rate “Fun Factor” in their reviews—is the game actually fun to play?!

If this was the judging method, and not resolution and “bespoke tech” that digital foundry wants you to be obsessed with, than Dave the Diver is my GOTY so far (ps5)

itsmebryan1d 6h ago (Edited 1d 6h ago )

Grasping at straws to make a positive Playstation story. Too bad they can't talk about AAA first party games. Because "PS5 has NO GAMES!!!" Why can't people just be honest. HB2 looks amazing.

Abear2116h ago

Woah there little fella, you are way lost in what is no longer reality, hope you left bread crumbs

Sonic188123h ago

Horizon is West definition looks better than Hellblade 2

purple10113h ago

Digital foundry recently said ps5 ports are holding back Xbox

You can’t really take them as gospel anymore

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 12h ago
darthv722d ago

Okay, I've played all of those, and they looked good for their time. This game just takes realism to a whole other level. some would even say uncanny valley-esq at times.

Maybe that's why people are having a hard time with this game... its almost too real and makes them uneasy about it.

Bathyj1d 11h ago

I doubt that's it. The game has woorde problems than that.

darksky20h ago

The game is a walking simulator with tech demo graphics. Nothing special at all.

rlow12d ago

lol, really???? The title sounds so desperate. Those games are excellent but not in the same league.

ravens521d 11h ago

..."not in the same league graphics wise*" Fixed it so you don't sound too crazy. Also not sure its in "another league" but I haven't seen it in person so 🤷🏽 idk.

ravens521d 2h ago

All of those games on that list are literally objectively BETTER GAMES than Hellblade 2.

S2Killinit1d 10h ago

I would say those games are on a much higher level because Hellblade is a game made to look great but its not on par when it comes to how it is linear with small playing areas and low frames. Anyone can do that, but is it a good game? No.

JackBNimble17h ago

If this is an argument, then yeah , this is desperation. Why do you sonyboys even care? The market always dictates, besides last I checked (as a ps5 owner) sony exclusives are few and far between, at least anything worth playing that is. And if I can play it on ps4 I'm not too then I'm not calling it exclusive.

Chevalier16h ago(Edited 16h ago)

You make it sound like Xbox has so much more games than Playstation, but, they have far fewer. Playstation has far more better 3rd party exclusives filling the gap too.

Chirping about Playstation when Xbox gets a game ever like 3 years worth talking about is idiotic. Would take the most recent FF, Gran Blue Relink and Stellar Blade over Xbox poor offerings any day of the week. Death Stranding 2 and Silent Hill look more interesting than HB2.

JackBNimble11h ago

No, that's not what I'm saying. The point is this is such a petty non argument yet you sonyboys just take the bait and bitch regardless. Xbox is dying but you gotta keep claiming how great your corporate brand is.

Must be another zero news week

Chevalier10h ago

Then why feed the fire then? Lol. Hellblade 2 is barely a game. The 1st one we literally had a ton of Xbox fans call it a walking simulator when it was timed exclusive to Playstation. Now people are reiterating similar sentiments about the 2nd game when it's much of the same with minimal 'gameplay' and Xbox fans are offended.

Ironically the very same idiots chirping said that all Playstation games were just 'cinematic' experiences as a slight and now we got guys like you with the oh whoa is me like it wasn't expected?! Lol. Seriously idiotic

MrDead1d 20h ago (Edited 1d 20h ago )

...now I remember why I hate gaming media, it's because 99.9% are like this article.

purple1011d 16h ago

yeh, probably gonna have to wait for 'Death Stranding 2: On the beach', to get better environments and facial animation than this.

Yusi-D-Jordan17h ago

I honestly think Uncharted 4 was more visually impressive than Hellblade 2

purple10117h ago

Yeh there was a lot going on in uncharted
A lot of moving parts
Explosions
Jumping from planes
You could say it was the more accomplished game. Hellblade looks like god of war, but without the sick fighting,

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