Summary
According to a gaming insider, Xbox’s internal reviews regarding Ninja Theory’sSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2are incredibly positive. Ninja Theory’s upcoming action adventure sequel is ahighly anticipated game that will be released in 2024. Many were very impressed with its visual fidelity when it was first revealed, and the hype surrounding it only grew with the trailer that was shown during The Game Awards 2023. While the game is slated to release this year, there hasn’t been a concrete release window determined yet.
2017’sHellblade: Senua’s Sacrificewas met with a positive reception when it first launched. Critics praised its impressive graphics, compelling story, and stellar voice acting, along withHellblade’s depiction of psychosis and its effects on the human mind. The sequel is looking to build upon the first game’s existing mechanics, with a big focus being placed on raising the bar when it comes to combat. With the project slated to be released this year, it seems Microsoft and Xbox want the sequel to replicate the first game’s runaway success.
In an Episode of the DirectXbox (around 58:00), insider Nate the Hate states that Microsoft is holding internal mock reviews ofSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, with reports of these internal reviews being particularly high. Nate the Hate notes he wasn’t sure if the score was fully based on internal mock reviews or if other external reviewers were brought in, but he says that after testing, the game was scoring in the 90s as an average metacritic score internally.
Nate the Hate notes that based on these projections from Xbox, it would bethe highest an Xbox exclusive game has scored on the metacritic websitesinceGears of War 3, which currently holds a 91 average on metacritic. Nate the Hate is a reliable leaker who has an accurate track record, so it’s likely that what he has heard has some merit. However, fans should take this possible reception with a grain of salt to not set their expectations too high and possibly be disappointed when it fully launches. After all, internal reviews are a different beast from real life critic scores.
For reference, themostly positive critic reviews for the firstHellbladegamegave it a score of somewhere between 80-90, some even giving it a score of 100. The average forHellblade: Senua’s Sacrificewould be around low 80s, with its Xbox One version having a metacritic average of 88. If what Nate has said is true, thenHellblade 2could provide a strong start to 2024 for both Microsoft and Ninja Theory.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
WHERE TO PLAY
The sequel to the award winning Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Senua returns in a brutal journey of survival through the myth and torment of Viking Iceland. Intent on saving those who have fallen victim to the horrors of tyranny, Senua faces a battle of overcoming the darkness within and without.A crafted experience of cinematic immersion:Sink deep into Senua’s world and story, with beautifully realized visuals and encapsulating sound.Senua’s unique perspective:Experience the world through Senua’s eyes and ears, as a Celtic warrior who experiences psychosis.A journey into Viking Iceland:An epic journey across 10th century Iceland, recreated from real locations in stunning detail.Every fight tells a story:Brutal and visceral combat as Senua battles for survival.
