Ninja Theory’s Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is nearly upon us after several delays and it admittedly looks great. The developer has invested significant resources to depict Senua’s psychosis and mental illnesses. In the latest gameplay trailer (via IGN), we see how these play a part in the gameplay as Senua must battle a higher being of fire.
To do this, she must first find runes hidden in the real world, break through a fire gate to enter an entire village set ablaze, fend off several enemies to prove herself in combat and then escape. It’s harrowing and the sound – from victims crying and suffering to the actual burning – is top-notch in its design.
Combat is described as relatively simple, relying on parries and dodging but comes across as pretty impactful overall. Heavenly Sword this is not but Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice seems to offer its own satisfying brutality.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is out on August 8th for PS4 and PC for just $30.