The unveiling of Microsoft’s Xbox Series X was one of the highlights of last night’s The Game Awards. But it was the trailer for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 that stole the show. Not just because of how incredible the game looks, but because of what it says about Xbox’s intentions moving into the next generation.
Microsoft’s string of acquisitions and the projects from its Xbox Game Studios roster are laying the foundation for a real attempt at challenging PlayStation. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is the jewel in the crown.
Ninja Theory, in particular, stands as something of a coup for Microsoft. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice was a tour de force – and not only for tackling psychosis in a dark, yet tactful, manner that saw us delve deep into the recesses of protagonist Senua’s ailed mind.
Senua’s Sacrifice is a pleasure to play with thrilling boss battles, a compelling narrative, and high production value for the resources afforded Ninja Theory for the project. If it’s anything to go by, then the sequel is all but guaranteed to deliver.
Now, armed with Xbox’s financial might and a platform purported to be many times more powerful than the current-gen in the form of the Xbox Series X, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 has the makings of an exclusive until now only found in rival Sony’s stable.
Waxing lyrical about the Hellblade 2 trailer has already been done to death. In that spirit, all I say is that it is a feast for the eyes and reportedly in-engine, which bodes well. I’ve found myself re-watching it. Each fresh sweep I discover new details that almost push this long-time PlayStation loyalist to question his allegiance.
The only PlayStation 5 reveal of the evening, Godfall, looked comparatively pedestrian and uninspired . Yet another loot game a la Borderlands. The twist of beefy knights of old instead of crazed desert dwellers doesn’t set the imagination running wild.
Of course, there’s more to come from both camps. Sony has the pedigree and a track record of stellar exclusives to carry it into the next-gen comfortably.
Xbox has made a point, though. Phil Spencer and co. won’t go down without a fight this time around. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is the first punch.