Developer: Ninja Theory
Publisher: Ninja Theory
Rrp: £24.99 (Gog.com, Humblebundle and Steam)
Released: 8th August 2017
Available on: Gog.com, Humblebundle and Steam
Played Using: An Xbox 360 Control Pad
Approximate game length: 11 hours
Upon starting this game one of the first things to catch my attention was the fact that the developers had employed a Mental Health Adviser and that they took positioning in the opening credits above the lead designer. Actually that isn’t true, the absolute first thing was the jaw dropping level of detail on show, especially considering the price tag of the game, and then it was the presence of the Mental Health Adviser.
You take on the role of Senua… or rather you don’t, gameplay-wise you may take control of her but the game makes it quite clear that you are not Senua. Instead you’re a voice in her head, one of many.
While being a game that has mental health at its core, specifically psychosis, the game doesn’t beat you over the head with it. Instead it gives you a glimpse into what psychosis can do (especially when left untreated). A fine line is walked in this game, it would have been all to easy to just make Senua seem like she was stark raving mad but Ninja theory managed to make her someone I could empathise with.
It’s also a game that is absolutely steeped in Norse mythology (as was expected to be honest) and for those willing to pay attention, you’ll learn a few things about the religious beliefs of the Norse people.
It’s almost as if Ninja Theory set out to prove that you don’t need the budget of a AAA title to make a graphically detailed and well constructed game. To me this
fits the bill for me as a mid-tier game. Speaking of graphical fidelity the level of detail on Senua’s face is incredible at high settings she almost looks real which would be because she is… sort of. They used motion capture technology to get the facial and body movements for Senua which means that somewhere out there is a person with Senuas face, which is a strange thought.
The devs have also included a photo mode which is something I definitely wasn’t expecting from this game, but it’s certainly appreciated.
The game recommends that you play with headphones in. I have to agree, sound plays a very important role. So unless you have a soundproof room with a surround sound set up headphones are your best option.
When boiled right down the game essentially consists of two modes, combat and puzzles. The combat is simple but effective. You have a fast attack, a heavy attack and bash which you string together in different ways against certain enemies. You can also make any of these a stronger version but they will leave you very open to attacks afterward. To go with these attacks are separate dodge and a parry functions which, when timed well can stun your enemy allowing you to turn the tables. Despite how it looks this isn’t an Arkham style combat system, the enemies have no issue whatsoever in attacking you simultaneously and will often spawn in groups, especially in the late game. You do have an ally though, of a sort, the voices (or I should say the other voices) don’t want you to die either and will tell you to duck or watch out behind you. However, they aren’t always telling the truth which can leave you vulnerable. At the default setting the combat will scale to your skill level, meaning that if you keep losing fights then they will become easier and shorter.
There are quite a variety of puzzles within this game however there is one that was used a bit too often. At first it was fun and interesting but it began to grate
when I was forced to do the same type of puzzle for the fourth time in a row in a space of less than twenty minutes.
The story of the game isn’t complex but considering the other theme’s it’s dealing with I don’t think it needs to be. Senua has made her way deep into Viking territory and into Hel (that’s right Hel with one L) all to save the soul of her lost love.
In a way this game reminds me of Spec-Ops: The Line. Not in any gameplay or aesthetic kind of way but because it’s not a game designed to be ‘fun’. It’s an experience that’s emotionally draining but worth every moment.
Is it worth it? Yeah. Definitely. However, I don’t recommend this for everyone. Those who are sensitive to the themes of suicide or psychosis might want to avoid this.
If this appeals to you perhaps try;
Spec Ops: The Line
One Comment