So I know I am a little late to this party with this one, but I feel like this game is only just starting to get the recognition it really deserves. Hell Blade came out in the early half of 2017 and now it is being brought into the light a lot more due to its success.

As we progress through generations of games and consoles, graphics and cinematic quality are becoming more and more of an importance to today’s audience. Ninja Theory really delivered the ‘WOW’ factor with this game in terms of cinematic and graphic approach. Hell Blades visuals are stunning and extremely detailed, depicting a dark realistic portrayal of Nordic mythology. So much so that I would compare it to the infamous graphic enhancing Skyrim Mods, something that really struck me visually was when I played this on my friends 4k tv and Xbox One X. With this visual quality and the games unique camera angle, it literally feels like you are controlling a movie character in an epic fight scene.

Something that I haven’t really taken for granted before when it comes to games was audio quality as I’ve always been too engrossed with the games narrative. However, Hell Blades audio plays a major part in the games narrative and theme. As the load up screen comes up, the game will encourage you to equip a decent set of headphones so you can appreciate the ambience within the game. One of these ambiences are the whispers you’ll hear spurring you on. The protagonist of the story, Senua, is not only fighting battles with the undead but fighting with the inner demons of her head which will make you feel like you yourself are surrounded by their whispers. As you progress through the game, Senuas voices comment on your every move and often display doubt in your abilities. These voices mixed together with a beautifully defined landscape, creates a volatile concoction that explodes immersion. I don’t know of many games that can compare to the cinematic and awe inspiring quality of Hell Blade.

Sometimes when a game opts to concentrate on ambience and graphics, they tend to lack in other areas such as narrative and game play. Ninja Theory, however, have made sure that they deliver in all aspects of the game, so you don’t lose out on a quality story that oozes excitement. Something that games lack nowadays. Hell Blades narrative is both creepy and gripping, making it hard for the player stop playing. The story follows Senua on her path through Helheim where she seeks to challenge the Nordic goddess, Hel, who is keeping hold of her lovers soul. As the gamer progresses, they are challenged with mind boggling puzzle and sporadic waves of the undead and eventually a Nordic god. However, this is where the game is at its weakest. Every fight feels repetitive and once you have nailed down a regular combat strategy, it becomes a lot easier to slay your enemy. Something that is truly unique to the game though is the darkness that travels up Senuas arm. When eventually you let Senua die, a patch of darkness on her hand spreads further up her body and once this darkness consumes her, the game is over. You are required to start the game again from the beginning. I love this about Hell Blade. It provided me with a true challenge like I have never had before and therefore makes Hell Blade even more unique than most other games I have played.

In summary, Hell Blade is an incredible work of artistic beauty that really grasps the audience. With its stunning graphics and gripping story, it is hard to compare Hell Blade to any other game that is currently out there. I am hoping that Ninja theory produces another game similar to that of Senuas sacrifice as I believe the gameplay can only get better and I feel like my hunger for a Hell Blade style game has only just begun.