Discover: Why Hellblade 2 Feels More Like a Movie Than a Game

So, you’ve heard the buzz around Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, right? I sure did. As someone who loves diving deep into narrative-driven games, I was excited to jump in—but what I found left me with mixed feelings. Let’s break it down together, question by question.

What exactly is the core gameplay loop in Hellblade 2?

If you strip it down, Hellblade 2 revolves around three main activities: walking, solving puzzles, and fighting. On paper, that sounds like a solid recipe for immersion. I mean, think about classics like Zelda—at its heart, it’s not so different, is it? But here’s the thing: while playing, I often felt like I was just going through the motions. The balance felt off. Too much time was spent on slow walks along bleak beaches or crawling through dimly lit caves. It’s in those moments that I started to wonder—was I playing a game, or just watching a beautifully rendered movie with occasional button prompts?

Why does the gameplay sometimes feel frustrating?

Let’s be real: frustration creeps in when expectations don’t match reality. For me, the problem reared its head during those long stretches where interactivity took a backseat. The puzzles? They were too infrequent. The combat? Simplistic at best. I kept waiting for a moment of relief—a challenging fight or a brain-teasing puzzle to sink my teeth into—but it rarely came. Instead, I found myself yearning for more agency. When a game leans too heavily on its cinematic elements, it risks leaving the player feeling disconnected. And honestly? That’s exactly how I felt for large chunks of Hellblade 2.

Does Hellblade 2 succeed as an interactive story?

Here’s where things get interesting. As a piece of storytelling, Hellblade 2 is breathtaking. The visuals, the sound design, the emotional weight—it’s all top-tier. But as an interactive story? That’s where I struggled. The game often prioritizes spectacle over player engagement. For example, during one pivotal scene, I remember thinking, "Wow, this looks incredible," but then realizing I’d spent the last ten minutes holding the analog stick forward while Senua trudged through another gorgeously depressing landscape. It’s in these moments that the line between game and movie blurs—and not always in a good way.

How does Hellblade 2 compare to its predecessor?

If you played the first Hellblade, you’ll remember its clever blend of psychological horror, tight combat, and mind-bending puzzles. In Hellblade 2, the DNA is still there, but the emphasis has shifted. Walking sequences dominate, and the puzzles and combat feel pared down. I missed the tension the first game built through its mechanics. Here, the simplicity of combat—while visually stunning—left me wanting more. It’s a classic case of "less is more" backfiring. Sometimes, you need those gameplay peaks to make the quiet moments resonate.

Can a game be "too cinematic"?

Absolutely. And Hellblade 2 is a prime example. Don’t get me wrong—I love a good story. But when gameplay takes a backseat, it’s hard to feel fully invested. During my playthrough, I’d estimate that around 60-70% of my time was spent on traversal. That’s a lot of walking! While it sets the mood, it also tests your patience. The infrequent puzzles and straightforward combat didn’t help. I found myself longing for the sense of satisfaction that comes from overcoming a tough boss or cracking a tricky puzzle—the kind of moments that make you lean in and say, "I did that."

What could Hellblade 2 have done differently?

I’ll be honest: I wish the developers had trusted the player a bit more. Instead of guiding us so rigidly through its world, why not let us discover its secrets? More environmental puzzles, deeper combat mechanics, or even hidden paths could have added layers of engagement. As it stands, the game often feels like it’s on rails. And while that works for a linear narrative, it can undermine the very thing that makes games unique: interactivity.

Who is Hellblade 2 for, ultimately?

If you’re someone who values storytelling above all else, you might find a lot to love here. The audio-visual experience is unmatched, and Senua’s journey is emotionally gripping. But if you’re like me—someone who wants to feel like an active participant in the story—you might walk away feeling a little empty. Hellblade 2 is a game that demands patience, and while I admire its ambition, I can’t help but wish it had given me more reasons to feel connected to its world.

Final thoughts: Is Hellblade 2 worth playing?

Here’s the bottom line: Hellblade 2 is a bold, beautiful experiment. It’s a game that isn’t afraid to prioritize atmosphere and narrative over traditional gameplay. But for me, that came at a cost. The lack of engaging mechanics made it hard to feel fully satisfied. If you’re curious, I’d still say give it a shot—just don’t go in expecting a tightly balanced adventure. Sometimes, the most beautiful journeys are the ones you watch, not the ones you play. And in the case of Hellblade 2, that’s both its greatest strength and its most glaring weakness.