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
Petebloodyonion24d ago

And still no marketing for this :(

Barlos24d ago

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

This has GP rental written all over it.

Petebloodyonion23d 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.

Noskypeno23d 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.

Petebloodyonion23d 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.

Tacoboto23d 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_B23d ago

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

Charlieboy33323d ago

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

Tankbusta4023d 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.

RNTody23d ago (Edited 23d 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.

Chevalier23d 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...

Killer2020UK23d 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 23d ago
Hugodastrevas23d ago

Wait, this game's actually still being made?

Hugodastrevas23d ago

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

ThinkThink23d ago

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

Hedstrom23d ago

Ninja Theory is gonna be MS next cut!

Crows9023d 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.

ThinkThink23d 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_B23d ago

yupp..most likely just a matter of time.

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

Walalon23d 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...

DarXyde23d 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.

MrBaskerville23d 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 23d ago
Nacho_Z23d ago

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

glenn197923d ago (Edited 23d ago )

aha just like death stranding

Skuletor23d 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.

Flewid6387d ago

Less game than Death Stranding. Better graphics tho

Show all comments (45)
180°

HellBlade 2 - Patch Notes – 31st May 2024

Ninja Theory writes: "We've added some fixes to improve the game experience"

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store.steampowered.com
purple1012d ago

"Misaligned peach fuzz around Senua's neck and face has been corrected"

ahh, just the patch ive been waiting for, can jump in now, safe in the knowledge, misaligned hairs have been aligned...

what a Day to be alive

Sciurus_vulgaris2d ago

You don’t even notice peach fuzz on most people, unless you look really close.

Scissorman2d ago

It's such a shame the game isn't selling too well.

jwillj2k42d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Boring + walking sim + QTE fighting = full r

Never go full r

CobraKai2d ago

I like it when devs do something different. I’d love to support every game that separates itself from the boring and tired FPSs.

My issue with H2 is that there is no physical release. Id love to play this game, but i need a physical release. If one never comes, then so be it.

babadivad2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

The story tramples over the foundations set in the first game. Senua is insane. She sees things that aren't there. Hears things that aren't there. The enemies she fights were monstrous "demons" but were they really?? Likely not. They were just men. In the old game, the voices in her head are openly antagonistic. It made you further question her sanity and her grip on reality.

In Hell Blade 2 (granted I haven't finished yet) the monsters ARE real. Everyone can see them. Gods and giants aren't just fables. They are there in the flesh threatening humanity. The voices in her head are cheerleaders now. Senua's story has taken on the "Chosen One" quasi-mary sue element.

Hellblade 2 erased the main reason Senua and her story was interesting. They butchered her.

It's been a long time since I played the original but in this game they have fully turned her father into a villain that was just "holding her back". Because of course he's just an evil man trying to hold her down. And now he's the one who led the mob that killed her mother and burned her at the stake.

Like I said before, it's been a while since I played the first game but from what I remembered, he loved his wife. She went insane like Senua and was killed. He started seeing the same signs of insanity in Senua and sequestered them away from the village to protect her from them.

If he's the one who lead the mob to burn his wife at the stake, why the fuck would he hide Senua away from the village? The puzzles are mind numbingly simple in this game too. That's secondary to the way they butchered the world they set up in the first game.

After I beat the first game, I always felt it was a mistake for Senua to have survived. She should have died at the end with her beloved like a classic Greek Tragedy. The first game was a beautiful story, the sequel ruins everything that was special about it.

Rynxie2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

I agree with everything you said, Xbox fan girls need to destroy their consoles and quit gaming.

babadivad1d 23h ago

@Rynixe

Chill with the fanboy crap. The first time I played Hellblade was on Playstation. I obviously have an Xbox as well since I'm playing the sequel. I have had both consoles since launch. I'm giving my honest review of a video game and comparing it to its predecessor. Don't look any deeper than the words I put in my working review. I'm not a fanboy. To be honest, Playstation "fanboys" should be terrified if Microsoft really leaves the industry.

Sony with no competition is a terrible site indeed. People have the shortest memories. I have also been warning you guys about this. Microsoft leaving gaming is going to be the worst thing to happen to Playstation fans.

Ironmike1d 22h ago

U are wrong they were real the demons the journey was real she wasn't crazy like her father said the developers have stated that the ending was her relising through her grief she couldnt bring him back no matter what and it was time to let go

Sciurus_vulgaris1d 16h ago

The giants in the game probably aren’t real, they are a metaphor for natural disasters.

Rynxie1d 7h ago

Baba

The fanboy crap? GTFO you clown. I didn't even bother reading your crap, you're a joke.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 1d 7h ago
Ironmike1d 22h ago

If u can't work that out for ur self lol

Tzuno1d 20h ago

Wasted visuals, the game is interesting only at the 4th chapter, dumb ending
rushed and unfinished story

Ironmike1d 7h ago

Iam on about first game not 2

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.

helicoptergirl6d ago (Edited 6d 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."

darthv726d 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.

tay87016d 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.

Scissorman6d 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.

RiseNShine6d 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.

darthv726d 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.

Elda6d ago (Edited 6d 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.

Chevalier6d ago (Edited 6d 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

CobraKai6d ago

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

Cacabunga6d ago

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

jwillj2k46d ago (Edited 6d ago )

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

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 6d ago
RpgSama6d 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.

Crows906d ago

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

Terry_B6d ago

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

anast6d ago

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

CrimsonWing696d ago

That people played it 🤷‍♂️

Terry_B6d ago

The graphics are great though *fixed it

ChasterMies6d ago

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

InUrFoxHole5d ago

Not sure how I feel about that game yet.

Scissorman6d 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.

italiangamer6d 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!

darthv726d 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.

AndrewM6d 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.

Scissorman6d ago

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

Bathyj6d ago (Edited 6d 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.

Rhythmattic6d ago (Edited 6d ago )

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

GotGame8186d 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.

anast6d ago

@Darth

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

MrDead6d ago

darthv72 activity promoting studio shutdowns with that comment.

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 6d ago
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90°

Hellblade 2's Excellent Presentation Goes Far Beyond Its Graphics

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

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gamerant.com
anast7d ago

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

PrinceOfAnger7d ago (Edited 7d 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.

MrNinosan6d 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.

romulus236d ago (Edited 6d 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.

MrNinosan6d ago (Edited 6d 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%

anast6d ago

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

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 6d ago
Crows907d ago

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

Inverno7d 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.

EternalTitan7d 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.

PrinceOfAnger6d ago

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

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