By The upgraded build drops for everyone next week
- wordsmith Fraser Gilbert
The souped-up edition of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 lands next week as a cost-free patch for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S—and simultaneously makes its PlayStation 5 debut—so critics have been sharing their verdicts today.
To jog your memory, the original launch of Hellblade 2 earned a Metacritic tally of 81 across Xbox and PC last May, whereas the freshly minted Enhanced build is tracking 78 from only nine reviews so far.
This is how several PS5 critics have summed things up:
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GameReactor (9/10)
“I relived the journey in this new Enhanced form. It doesn’t overhaul the experience (the fresh Performance Mode is neat, though); instead, it polishes the package, tacks on extras and a new mode, and finally lets PlayStation gamers step into this ferocious Viking myth.”
PSU (8.5/10)
“Enhanced Edition amplifies every strength of its predecessor—bone-crunching fights, stunning audiovisuals, and sound design that drags you head-first into despair. Ninja Theory nails the sensation of hopelessness within its world.”
DualShockers (8/10)
“Hellblade 2 is currently the visual crown jewel of the PS5. Its hyper-real art direction heightens every emotional beat across the six-hour campaign. New perks—developer commentary, a 60 FPS toggle, a beefed-up photo mode, and Dark Rot Mode—sweeten what was already brilliant and justify the upgrade.“
IGN Spain (7/10)
[via Google Translate] “Technically it boasts some of the generation’s most impressive chops, leaning hard into photorealism, yet pacing issues sap momentum and it lacks the punch of its forerunner.”
Push Square (6/10)
“Hellblade 2 plays better as a sensory showcase than as an actual game. Even with new modes and that slick 60 fps option, dull puzzles and monotonous brawls remain. Still, the singular way it stimulates the senses ensures the experience is worthwhile—just about.”
GamingTrend (55/100)
“Senua’s second journey is an exercise in irritation. Gameplay is joyless and the story isn’t compelling enough to endure. The graphics are dazzling, sure, but dig deeper and there’s little substance. Valhalla-bound PS5 owners eager for the sequel might be better off revisiting the first game instead.”
No shock—reviews are split. Some outlets rave over the eye-melting visuals and savage fights, while others mutter that the game underneath falls short. Even so, a Metascore bordering 80 isn’t shabby.
Xbox players can breathe easy: no extra purchase is needed. As noted, the Enhanced patch will roll out free on August 12th to current owners and to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Standard, and PC Game Pass members.
How are you feeling about these Hellblade 2 Enhanced impressions? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
Fraser heads up the news desk at Pure Xbox, tackling the biggest stories from Team Green and beyond.