Recent reviews by LOLKAT_KOMRAD_94

Grab a notebook to maniacally write down what you learn, turn off the lights and burn a candle for total immersion.

This is a narrative card game about summoning occult entities that will have you manage your Sanity, Health & Money. It isn't for everyone - it is the kind of game that doesn't have boxes to tick and doesn't track your progress, it's all about experimentation and discovery (which is why a notebook is necessary in my opinion!). This is why it will turn some people away (and that's okay), but it creates that feeling of delving into Unknowable Occult Forbidden Things perfectly.

It has a roguelike element in that you will die and start over. It does have a problem with grind during the early game of a new run, but it is somewhat mitigated by being able to choose different starts depending what happened to your previous Cultist. All have different narrative initial impulsions, and some bring really specific gameplay mechanics.

As for the narrative & writing, it is from Alex Kennedy (of Fallen London / Sunless Sea fame) and is sublime as always.

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a very special kind of game. It grips you from the beginning, shreds your guts throughout and end with one of the most cathartic game experiences I've had in a long time.

My review will be very short, because Hellblade is best if left mostly unknown and discovering it at the same time as Senua (the story's protagonist). I would actually recommend playing it in one sitting (have 8 hours approx. free) ; I did in two and it helped identify more with Senua's state of mind.

To keep the story part of the review short and spoiler-free, it is a smart and engaging tale of dealing with psychosis, loss and finding meaning in life. It is impossible not to empathize with Senua, and there is no cheap emotional trick involved during the storytelling. A few of the scenes almost brought me to tears.

We could expect the gameplay to be subpar in a game mostly focused on its story - however, it does not disappoint. Hellblade alternates between action and puzzle sequences. As you start to master the combat system, you'll feel more and more like the warrior Senua is. The puzzle sequences serve as a breather in between, and are a place of respite (and harsh introspection). The pace is overall slow, but this does not disserve the game, on the contrary. The soundtrack is, simply, a masterpiece.

To conclude - Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a classic.