Senua’s Sacrifice was one of the most unique video game experiences for me a few years ago when I played it, and I expected the same or even more from its sequel. All in all, I wasn’t disappointed, far from it, but you must keep in mind that this is indeed more like a narrative experience with a few gameplay elements rather than a video game in its classic sense. Of course, if you played the first installment you know what to expect, and if you didn’t, well, even then I think you should give this one a try.
Why? First of all, the graphics are crazy beautiful. I’m not exaggerating, believe me, this one’s a visual stunner. Everything’s so detailed and lifelike, the environments, the people, the weather… Honestly, I can’t even find the right words, it’s jaw-dropping. Last time I met such amazing visuals was in Alan Wake II, but I think Senua’s Saga surpasses even that. And I played the console version! Just imagining how the PC version on a high-end machine could look like gives me goosebumps… Trust me, you need to see this, even if you don’t like these kinds of games. It’s a real shame you can’t remove the letterboxing due to the game’s aspect ratio, and you have to watch everything with those stupid black bars… Well, unless you have an ultrawide monitor or you tinker with the settings in the PC version.
The same could be said for the audio. For the full experience headphones are strongly recommended, that way you can really immerse yourself in Senua’s world, giving you a realistic impression of the 3D space and all the voices the protagonist hears (just like in the first game). I loved the story, too, especially because we have more human characters now, all with their own personalities, fears and motivations. Of course, the main focus is still on Senua and her psychosis, insecurities and self-discovery, shifting between the real world and the manifestations of her inner struggles. I’d say the plot is even darker, heavier and gorier than last time, only recommended for mature gamers.
Unfortunately, not much has changed gameplay-wise. It’s mostly just walking around, with some collectibles and an occasional battle or puzzle here or there, but none of them are too difficult. As a matter of fact, I felt like they were simplified a lot, or at least I had more trouble with them in Sacrifice, maybe it’s just me. There's not much replay value, either, unless you want to hear the whole story with a different narrator. Based on this, some might even call this a walking simulator or an interactive movie, and they wouldn’t be wrong.
Still, I don’t mind that at all. This is a short, narrative experience that can be finished in one sitting, but even with the lack of gameplay elements this is one of those titles that stay with you forever, if you ask me.
Why? First of all, the graphics are crazy beautiful. I’m not exaggerating, believe me, this one’s a visual stunner. Everything’s so detailed and lifelike, the environments, the people, the weather… Honestly, I can’t even find the right words, it’s jaw-dropping. Last time I met such amazing visuals was in Alan Wake II, but I think Senua’s Saga surpasses even that. And I played the console version! Just imagining how the PC version on a high-end machine could look like gives me goosebumps… Trust me, you need to see this, even if you don’t like these kinds of games. It’s a real shame you can’t remove the letterboxing due to the game’s aspect ratio, and you have to watch everything with those stupid black bars… Well, unless you have an ultrawide monitor or you tinker with the settings in the PC version.
The same could be said for the audio. For the full experience headphones are strongly recommended, that way you can really immerse yourself in Senua’s world, giving you a realistic impression of the 3D space and all the voices the protagonist hears (just like in the first game). I loved the story, too, especially because we have more human characters now, all with their own personalities, fears and motivations. Of course, the main focus is still on Senua and her psychosis, insecurities and self-discovery, shifting between the real world and the manifestations of her inner struggles. I’d say the plot is even darker, heavier and gorier than last time, only recommended for mature gamers.
Unfortunately, not much has changed gameplay-wise. It’s mostly just walking around, with some collectibles and an occasional battle or puzzle here or there, but none of them are too difficult. As a matter of fact, I felt like they were simplified a lot, or at least I had more trouble with them in Sacrifice, maybe it’s just me. There's not much replay value, either, unless you want to hear the whole story with a different narrator. Based on this, some might even call this a walking simulator or an interactive movie, and they wouldn’t be wrong.
Still, I don’t mind that at all. This is a short, narrative experience that can be finished in one sitting, but even with the lack of gameplay elements this is one of those titles that stay with you forever, if you ask me.
6 Comments
It's a really short game, took me just 9 and a half hours to finish it.
Really 9 ½ hours for one playtrough or for all achievements? I finished it in like 4-5 hours.
You gotta tag people using the @ sign mate haha. Like @RedBackLoggd
And daaaaaaaang, they have the audacity to be charging $50.00 for not even 10 hours of content?
And daaaaaaaang, they have the audacity to be charging $50.00 for not even 10 hours of content?
@SkeletonGrimm67 - yeah, I was going really slowly, wanted to enjoy the visuals as much as possible, and I also restarted it with a different narrator. And yeah, I’ve collected the achievements, too.
@RedBackLoggd - yeah, the first one wasn’t longer, either, but it’s included in Game Pass at least.
@RedBackLoggd - yeah, the first one wasn’t longer, either, but it’s included in Game Pass at least.
Copy, well thanks for the review Kv. Only thing I dislike is the necessity of headphones as I don't want to give myself permanent hearing damage over a video game.
RedBackLoggd
23 days ago