During the Xbox Direct, Hellblade 2 finally revealed the information everyone had been waiting for: the release date. An announcement with new information and images.
In August 2017, Ninja Theory caused a surprise with Hellblade Senua’s Sacrifice. A breathtakingly beautiful game that intelligently deals with mental illness and brilliantly integrates it into its gameplay, all with impeccable sound design. A gripping and disturbing experience at its finest thanks to a heroine played by Melina Jürgens. However, Senua’s dark quest wasn’t over yet and she will continue her thirst for revenge in Hellblade 2, this time releasing only for PC and Xbox Series. A highly anticipated title that we ultimately knew very little about. Microsoft corrected the situation during its Xbox Developer Direct.
A release date for Hellblade 2
More than four long years later, Hellblade 2 finally makes the presentation it’s supposed to. Since it was announced at the 2019 Game Awards, the sequel has been particularly subtle. Like many studios hit hard by the pandemic, Ninja Theory had been cautious up until then, putting a lot of focus on the technology and performance of Unreal Engine 5 before giving us a little cookie during the ceremony. Despite everything, Senua’s new adventures were surrounded by a thick fog. What was new, what changed in gameplay, what direction should the game take and most importantly: when should it be released? The Xbox Developer Direct finally provided answers to many of these questions this Thursday, January 18, 2024.
The first and most anticipated of all: Yes, the rumor was true. Hellblade 2 will release on Xbox Series and PC on May 21st and will be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch. She has grown up since the first game and is no longer afraid of her visions and the voices in her head, but the Furies will continue to accompany her on her new mission: to take revenge on the Vikings who attacked her village in Iceland. The story therefore takes place in the 10th century in the land where Viking warriors forced their people into slavery.
A more violent game
Ninja Theory reveals the color, they will try to stay true to the story “up to a certain point” and will add fictional elements to stay true to the epic of Hellblade 2. For example, Senua will face giants before Draugr appears. The Celtic warrior will traverse environments as beautiful as they are hostile, making enemies and allies alike. Expect all-new combat and even more violent gameplay. “Senua is not a superhero, she is fighting for her life, we want the players to feel that. “. The spatial sound will always illustrate Senua’s mental illness and her auditory hallucinations.
