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Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice was released back in 2017. It can probably be forgiven if you forgot some of the key story beats that happened within that first game if you have not played through it recently. Fortunately for all of us, developer Ninja Theory put together a quick recap of Senua's story.
The video, seen below runs just five minutes long, but should be enough to offer some insight on what Senua had to endure and what she had to sacrifice. If you do not plan to play through Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice one more time before Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is released, then this video is a must-watch.
Speaking of the sequel, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is literally right around the corner. The long-awaited sequel is out on May 21, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, PC via Microsoft Store, and on Cloud streaming. Those with Game Pass will get to play Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 on the day of release on both PC and Xbox Series X|S.
Xbox also just put up a detailed article talking about how Ninja Theory has made Senua the "most human character in gaming." It explores how using the latest technologies allowed Ninja Theory to show a huge range of emotion on not just Senua but in the faces and mannerisms of those around her. It also talks about how Senua's psychosis has changed with her from her experiences in the first game and beyond.
This evolution in Senua’s character is also outlined by a deeper understanding of herself, and how her experiences are no fault of her own. Professor Paul Fletcher, who has served as the mental health consultant on the Hellblade series, outlines the tonal shift between the two games: “The hallmark of [Senua’s Sacrifice] was it was totally enveloped by a darkness, and I think she’s emerging from that and finding a different meaning.”
She’s still faced with the ever-present mental load of the Furies – the name given to the competing voices in her head – but they’ve evolved with her, and have more external factors to react to as Senua meets new characters. They don’t really have a consistent tone of voice, they’re reactive to Senua’s state of mind; if she’s anxious or frightened, they tend to be a little more chaotic and overbearing, when things are calm, they’re quieter. This dynamic ruleset allows for brief moments of respite for the player, but it also showcases growth in how Senua manages her condition.
She’s still faced with the ever-present mental load of the Furies – the name given to the competing voices in her head – but they’ve evolved with her, and have more external factors to react to as Senua meets new characters. They don’t really have a consistent tone of voice, they’re reactive to Senua’s state of mind; if she’s anxious or frightened, they tend to be a little more chaotic and overbearing, when things are calm, they’re quieter. This dynamic ruleset allows for brief moments of respite for the player, but it also showcases growth in how Senua manages her condition.
