"Hellblade II: Senua's Saga" is a mesmerizing work of nightmarish art.

In "Senua's Saga: Hellblade II," a chilling work of art unfolds.

Stepping into the unforgiving world of the Northmen is an experience like no other, especially in the context of fantasy elements. This serves as the backdrop for "Senua's Saga: Hellblade II," where a Celtic warrior coping with psychosis takes center stage. Despite its potentially difficult subject matter, the game is an impressive achievement.

The inner turmoil of Senua is palpable through the whispering voices in her head. These voices can be heard throughout the game from left to right, constantly challenging her, ranging from doubts and fears to hope. Ninja Theory and Xbox Games Studios have set out to give players a glimpse into the mental complexities of their protagonist and the mystical world she inhabits.

A precursor to this game, "Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice," was released in 2017. Though it helps to familiarize yourself with the main character's backstory and struggles, the developers try to bring new players up to speed through narration and illustrations in this sequel. These could be improved, but overall, they manage to convey the crucial points.

Battling the demons of the past

Senuas's experience begins with her being captured by the Northmen, on a ship stranded in stormy seas. Her spiritual battle plays out audibly, with her heads voices urging her to fight or surrender, signaling her struggle with the past. She manages to evade deatth by drowning, swears vengeance against the Northmen, and vows to rescue shipwrecked slaves. This is only the beginning, as a horror story of Norse mythology awaits. While the plot is riveting, the real strength lies in its audiovisual aspects.

The audio design takes the player on a riveting journey, with voices speaking into their ears from left and right, creating an incredibly immersive experience. The subtle details, such as dripping water in caves, are breathtaking, and the sounds are most effective when heard through headphones.

Without spoiling the story, it's safe to say that Senua's tale is just one part of what makes "Hellblade II" so captivating. The other major factor is its unique audiovisual design. The environment, modeled after the harsh Icelandic landscape, is both unsettling and beautiful. It showcases impressive artistry that draws the player into her world.

The grim realities of war

The graphics are top-notch, with the Xbos X in 4k providing an incredible visual experience. Even on the Series S, the game's barren, desolate world will leave an impact. Motion capture of Melina Juergens, who portrays Senua, brings her to life with genuine emotion. This, combined with English voice acting, results in a powerful performance. Although most of the environment is lackluster, illuminated moments like the aurora borealis add a touch of hopefulness to the darkness.

The story blends seamlessly into gameplay moments, keeping the experience cohesive. However, some will argue that this title is more an immersive movie than a traditional video game, where player interactions serve only to propel the story forward. There are several long sneaking sequences, where all you do is press the left stick in one direction and sometimes tap the sprint button.

The gameplay elements are not especially sophisticated, but the puzzles have a nice tension that heightens the pace of the narrative. These challenges involve using Senua's "focus" to reveal hidden paths, which is triggered by a press of a button. These moments may be short, but they're well-integrated.

Hours of brutal truths

Combat, being the most visually stunning aspect, stands out from the rest of the game. Though not particularly imaginative in terms of gameplay, the sword fights are battle cries waiting to echo across the battlefield. The visceral violence and gore, interspersed with Senua's psychotic episodes, capture the brutality of the Middle Ages. The intense contrast between her inhuman past and the terrors of the present lends an air of suspense and dread to the gameplay.

The similarities between the two games make "Hellblade II" less original by comparison, but it's hard not to be in awe of its quality. The brutality of the era, combined with Senua's mental struggles, set it apart from many other games. It's a haunting tale that may not appeal to everyone, but it does not compromise on its impact.

The makers of the game reveal that there are multiple instances where Senua shouldn't feel triumphant, but rather fortunate to have survived. This resonates with the reality of playing, where thoughts like "I nearly lost that one," or "Barely scraped through" are more common than feelings of accomplishment. But the second half of the story, which clocks in at about six hours, has a lot to offer those who appreciate atmospheric and narrative-driven games. The immersive experience is created by the skillful integration of both positive and negative elements, leaving an indelible mark on people. For those still unsure, their instincts - that inner voice or gut feeling - will ultimately guide them towards a decision about the game's suitability.