Hellblade 2 is set to hit the stores this coming May. As the anticipation surrounding Senua’s return reaches boiling point, I thought it to be the perfect time to explore the pipeline and unearth the details about what we can expect from the eagerly anticipated sequel.

Hellblade developers, Ninja Theory treated us to a look at the game in all its glory on January 18 and offered us an insight into how the game plays with the series’ debut using Unreal Engine 5 and the results are nothing short of breathtaking.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2’s Platforms and Release Date

When the first Hellblade game landed in 2017, it initially released on the PlayStation and PC platforms, leaving Xbox gamers no option but to sit and wait as two thirds of the gaming community enjoyed the groundbreaking title. However, this time around, the tables have turned on Sony fans, with Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 releasing on Xbox and PC exclusively.

To further sweeten the pot for these chosen few, the game will be available on the Xbox and PC Game Pass subscription service, allowing cloud play or installation on day one of its release.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 – Gameplay

Despite Ninja Theory being well-renowned for fast-paced in-your-face action games such as Enslaved and the Devil May Cry franchise, the first Hellblade game offered a more tranquil experience, with the majority of focus laid on rich storytelling and immersive plot. I live in hope that the sequel will continue on a similar track.

The six minute trailer, which was first shown at the 2021 game awards, shows an epic battle between man and monster as our troubled heroine leads a tribe in an epic battle against a foreboding giant. The scene plays out in cinematic splendor as tribesmen scurry into tactical positions around you and the 60 foot adversary picks them off mercilessly.

The trailer also confirms that the voices in Senua’s head have made a return for the upcoming sequel. It’s this inner battle with the teasing, conspiring and sometimes encouraging voices within that brought a fresh angle to adventure gaming. This innovative aspect was given an air of authenticity, with mental health professionals working closely with Ninja Theory throughout production.

The combat is also set to receive a welcome update as combat designer, Juan Fernandez, promises that the team are set to “raise the bar”. I can only guess that this will mean more variety in enemies and a little complexity added to give battles more spark and depth.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 – Story

With Ninja Theory concentrating on showing off the capabilities of the Unreal 5 engine and the powerfully atmospheric tones in their publicity campaign, very few details are known surrounding the story of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 saga. However, it seems like Senua has found herself leading an indigenous tribe; to what goal, is still unknown.

Despite this lack of details, I have every faith that the studio will write up a story to rival – if not exceed – the immensely enthralling premise seen in the first game.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 – Summary

A lot of time has passed since Senua’s Saga: Hellblade first took the gaming scene by storm, so there has been ample time for fans of the franchise to sit and stew while awaiting this inevitable sequel. While the wait hasn’t been ideal, it’s comforting knowing that Ninja Theory have had so much time to give the second game of the series the attention and hard work that it so deserves.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 will be releasing on May 21, 2024 on PC and the Xbox Series X/S consoles. Game Pass subscribers will be able to play through the game subscription service on day one of release.