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Post by Pounce de León on Nov 30, 2017 14:08:09 GMT
Celtic? That's different then. interesting. The premise of the story is that her lover died in a Viking raid and she’s trying to save his soul by journeying to the Norse netherworld to confront Hel. OK, I think this is a sell now.
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Post by phoray on Nov 30, 2017 14:14:10 GMT
The premise of the story is that her lover died in a Viking raid and she’s trying to save his soul by journeying to the Norse netherworld to confront Hel. OK, I think this is a sell now. I watched the Trailers that are in my OP and then ten minutes of actual gameplay that only spoils one puzzle, but it tells you what the puzzles are. But it showcases the voices, the battle mechanics, and a puzzle. so it helped me make my decision. I also read this very long non spoiling review Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice (Action-Adventure) TL; DR - Skip to the Verdict at the end of the review
A few of the available options are sliders for brightness, Master Volume, Music, SFX, Voices and Menus; Subtitles (OFF by default), Graphic quality, mappable controls, combat difficulty, and more.
Let me address the whispers of permadeath in the game - I died many times over, and my game was safe, so I can assure you that if you're terrible at combat, you will still be able to play and enjoy this game without worrying about losing all of your progress.
Ninja Theory, the developers of Hellblade, made two games that I enjoyed immensely: ENSLAVED: Odyssey to the West, a true gem with its gorgeous visuals and interesting story; and DmC: Devil May Cry with its stylish and beautiful combat.
When I heard that they were coming out with a new game, I was excited, anticipating something that would be an epic mixture of the best qualities of these two games. What I got was not even close to what I had envisioned, bringing me something wholly unexpected.
So what IS the game like?
Reality. Dark, gritty and full of inner turmoil. Most games have a very cut-and-dried story line, with a clear antagonist to destroy. It's not so straightforward in Hellblade... Senua's greatest enemy is her own shattered mind. The devs did a brilliant job of handing an issue that is so sensitive that most people simply refuse to acknowledge it, much less make it the central focus of a AAA game. I will come back to this a bit later, for now focusing on...
The Gameplay
The gameplay is story-based, with a lesser emphasis on combat. All fights in the game come at scripted intervals - there are no random encounters or wandering enemies to accidentally bump into. Senua can see patterns in the abstract around her, and by "Focusing", she can unlock or create new pathways to traverse.
Periodically you will need to seek out rune-shaped patterns in the surrounding area. When you are close, you'll see glowing red shapes floating around you, indicating which rune you are nearby. Other times, there are areas that look weird... blurry. This is yet another kind of puzzle which can be solved by looking at it (focusing) from the right angle. This is where having a controller gives you an edge, as it will vibrate when you are close to finding a piece of the missing shape or rune (assuming that you have the feature turned on.)
Collectibles and Achievements
There is only one collectible in the game, which consists of finding "Lorestones", and "focusing" upon them to hear a tale. Basic exploration will reveal the lorestones, and I highly recommend seeking them out, as they not only expand the story, they also add a new layer of interest (I personally found some of the stories fascinating!)
As this is a reality-based game, there is no "fast-travel" between areas, so explore well before moving on to a new location! There is a button you can hold down to jog, which helps, and the game is semi-linear, so you don't have to worry about getting lost. I say "semi" linear because you do have choices, at times, of which direction you're going to take, but in the end you'll have to complete everything in the area before you can move on.
Finding all 44 of the lorestones is the only achievement that you'll have to work for, as the rest unlock through game progression.
Battle
Senua is a fearsome opponent and great warrior - despite her slim stature - and the reason is actually explained as the story unfolds, so BRAVO for that, devs! *claps* I do love logic in my games ;D
You have five moves to choose from during combat: Fast strike, heavy strike, melee, block and evade. The "run" button that usually makes Senua jog will allow you to charge your enemies. I am not great at fighting in games, and I found that dodging was my best friend, greatly reducing my defeats.
When your mirror glows during battle, you can "focus" to slow down your enemies and give you the upper hand.
The battles themselves are beautifully-choreographed, and I found myself frequently stopping the action to take screens. There is a nice variety of enemies to fight, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, and all intimidating to behold.
The Sights
I thought that ENSLAVED and DmC had amazingly-realistic nuances and mannerisms for their characters, but Hellblade blows them both out of the water, adding a depth that makes you feel like you're in control of an actual movie. It's not only here and there that the graphics look cinematic-quality -- it's EVERYWHERE!
The blue paint on Senua's face makes her look odd - even cross-eyed at times - but as you play and the blue wears away, she looks pretty, even stunning at times.
Adding to the feeling that you're in a movie is the built-in Photo Mode. You can enter photo mode at any time - even during most cutscenes! Doing so will pause the action, and you can zoom in, out, move the camera approx. 20 yards in any direction, add photo effects, and much much more! TIP: If you enter photo mode during a cutscene, Senua will almost always be blurry. Simply adjust the focus to 100% and find your perfect shot!
The Sounds
It's not just the graphics that shine in this game, but the sounds as well. Every utterance, every sound effect and every tick and hum you hear in the game is brilliantly-placed. The acting is top-notch, and I especially loved the female narrator. Senua's friend, Druth, really chewed up the carpet, but it worked with the stories that he was telling.
The Story
I won't go into specifics, as I don't want to spoil the game for anyone, but I will touch upon a few things. Senua's psychosis is central to the narrative, plunging us deep into her perceptions and fears. Ninja Theory heavily researched the topic, bringing in not only neuroscientists, but people who experience psychosis to shed light on the subject from both sides of the coin. The result is captivating, giving us a glimpse of what some people live with as a part of their daily lives.
I am not into gore, and though there is definitely some blood involved, it's handled in a way that never made me uncomfortable. There is a definite psychological aspect aimed at us, the players. There are moments that are frightening, creepy, downright unsettling... all of it pulling us even further into Senua's world.
The Verdict
Hellblade is a game like no other, exploring mental illness in a setting that is rich in stunning detail and fascinating in its delivery. Everything about the experience is stunning, from the sounds to the acting to the superb graphics, and everything in between. I can't recommend this title enough - Absolutely two thumbs up from me! written by genicoll
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Post by phoray on Nov 30, 2017 15:41:36 GMT
Just finished my third battle. Somewhat intense, and I can point to a few reasons why.
Knowing about the permadeath NO long distance attacks. You have a sword, the end. No health bars. The only clue they're hurt is they're limping. The only clue you're hurt is the red tinge that is getting darker on the screen. Although, at least they reset your health after each battle (the red tinge goes away)
Also, because your POV is right behind her, baddies appear "off screen" and only the voices their to warn you.
Didn't die though. Really, it's about dodging and patience. The body language tells you they are about to attack and they are slow. At least so far.
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Post by phoray on Nov 30, 2017 16:16:23 GMT
Oh goodness. They slapped me with their hardest puzzle so far. I almost gave up and looked it up when I had an ephiphany that these weird gates were visual lenses I could turn on and off.
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Post by phoray on Nov 30, 2017 16:35:03 GMT
Argh. Died from the falling thing off a tightrope tree branch. They take control of your camera angle and it's up to you to react. I'll get the hang of it, I did get it on the second try. It's probably only because I didn't learn the trick during my freebie deaths.
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Post by phoray on Nov 30, 2017 16:44:53 GMT
First Boss; he gets long distance attacks and is much faster.
Death #2
Decided to take a break and do work stuff.
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Post by phoray on Nov 30, 2017 18:27:34 GMT
There may be good news on the permadeath. Considering how many times I just died in that Boss Battle... I don't think they count deaths during battle against you on your permadeath score. "The Darkness" got it's own mini cut scene when I died from the fall, to show me it'd gotten worse. No such cut scenes were given after every battle death. Although it seems just going a step forward in the story gets you some darkness anyway. Reverse Handicap I guess.
Still, makes me feel better.
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Post by phoray on Nov 30, 2017 18:40:15 GMT
And after finishing those series of challenges, the voices remind me that I have a 2nd round THEN, and only then, can I open the Gate to Hel.
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Post by phoray on Nov 30, 2017 19:17:08 GMT
Memo to self. Running briefly through fire burns you to death. Darkness has gotten 2 buffs from my failure, and two story buffs. Edtit Add: Ok, now yer pissing me off. Now I didn't jog fast enough and died from smoke inhalation?!
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N6
∯ Interjector in Chief
Staff Mini-Profile Theme: Heimdall
Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda, Anthem, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Origin: HeimdallX
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Post by Heimdall on Nov 30, 2017 19:39:28 GMT
Memo to self. Running briefly through fire burns you to death. Darkness has gotten 2 buffs from my failure, and two story buffs. Edtit Add: Ok, now yer pissing me off. Now I didn't jog fast enough and died from smoke inhalation?! Gotta run around the fire 😊 If memory serves, this bit is about finding the best route (I actually did this path first)
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Post by phoray on Nov 30, 2017 19:58:50 GMT
So, on one of these paths, it's all about illusions in the form of gates that add paths and take away paths. In an effort to reach the perfect angle to layer these wind chimes to make a shape.
On this second path, it's all about making trees and sticks and other random objects into shapes by looking at them at a certain angle. Then activating a Tombstone that sets everything on fire and escaping via a clear path to freedom before you die. The first time, was pretty straight and simple. The second time was convoluted and they dinged me for not making perfect turns by killing me. The third one, there was a straight path, but they created flame walls that turned me all over the place. I thought I'd surely die. Then they decided time didn't matter anymore and I got to fight in a Ring of Fire with some bad guys before making my escape.
Now I'm in this, I guess, a village. And I know the game is about to set it on fire. So I've wandered over it a couple of times and picked the MOST CONVOLUTED PATH they could create, so I'm ready to dodge and turn and such.
Off I go!
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Post by phoray on Nov 30, 2017 20:03:34 GMT
So I've wandered over it a couple of times and picked the MOST CONVOLUTED PATH they could create, so I'm ready to dodge and turn and such. Shouldn't have expected them to keep a pattern. Now I have to run in a straight line, dodging shooting flames and fiery debris. 5 failure buffs to the Darkness now, 2 built into the story. I'm especially annoyed by the second death, because senua wasn't even on fire, she just fell to the ground and acted like she was.
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Post by Treacherous J Slither on Nov 30, 2017 20:28:15 GMT
I got frustrated with the puzzles and decided to play other games. I'll come back to it eventually. I got about as far as that village lol
Gorgeous game though
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Post by phoray on Nov 30, 2017 20:49:20 GMT
Okay. I am honestly brain burning weary from playing this game. You cannot binge this game. I don't know if it's the voices... the hard (to me) puzzles of Where's Waldo meets Learn your shapes meets those darn occularum shards from DAI... The battle honestly isn't that bad, so that's not it.
anyway, next post is a picture post.
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Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquistion, Mass Effect Andromeda
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Post by MarilynRobert on Nov 30, 2017 20:50:52 GMT
Memo to self. Running briefly through fire burns you to death. Darkness has gotten 2 buffs from my failure, and two story buffs. Edtit Add: Ok, now yer pissing me off. Now I didn't jog fast enough and died from smoke inhalation?!I think I'd rather run through fire than walk through it.
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Post by phoray on Nov 30, 2017 21:25:59 GMT
Photo mode: Finishing off One Boss Freedom! Oh wait...not done yet. Finishing off the Second Boss Freedom? Oh wait. No. Gate to Hel. Hopefully getting to walk to the Bird and through the Gates to Hel means I'm in the home stretch.
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Post by phoray on Nov 30, 2017 21:40:45 GMT
Steam tells my I've played 7 hours as of the end of my session today. I've been learning more about Norse mythology, Ragnarok has come up. MAde me think of the most recent Avengers movie. Loki was supposed to have a kid by now if they were really sticking to the lore These sorts of myths, sometimes they don't much make sense to me. Fire met ice, which should just make water, but somehow made foogly giants and cows instead. Then another bit makes you realize these giants are actually bigger than some planets. Because a giant died and it's blood became the ocean, and it's other bits did other huge things too. It's interesting how Senua's flashbacks are completely acceptable because she's so obviously hallucinating all the time. At least audio wise. It's interesting to learn a little bit about the writers guesses at what old cultures used to do with people who saw visions. the implication of the genetics of it. Wonder if her mother living longer would have made things easier on her. The story of Druth and Dillion just gets unveiled piece by piece. Sensua's scream of anger, terror, grief, madness. Someone went home sore throated after a couple takes of that! I will finish the game likely this weekend, but I'm over it for today. So far, I would recommend this to anyone who is good at puzzles, or at least likes them. It's not even like they're hard puzzles but it's kinda like... one stick looks like another. I preferred the illusions path section of puzzles. For better or worse, you'll look over every square foot of some of these maps. I hope Hel changes up the landscape, and not just literally into a fiery one.
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Post by Element Zero on Nov 30, 2017 21:55:32 GMT
I look forward to reading your experience. It's not a game I intended to play (too dark), but it has always sounded like an excellent experience. I like that a smaller dev team was able to build and publish a triple-A quality game. It might be short, but that's why it's half the price.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2017 22:12:05 GMT
Steam tells my I've played 7 hours as of the end of my session today. I've been learning more about Norse mythology, Ragnarok has come up. MAde me think of the most recent Avengers movie. Loki was supposed to have a kid by now if they were really sticking to the lore These sorts of myths, sometimes they don't much make sense to me. Fire met ice, which should just make water, but somehow made foogly giants and cows instead. Then another bit makes you realize these giants are actually bigger than some planets. Because a giant died and it's blood became the ocean, and it's other bits did other huge things too. As a veteran of reading every single one of Rick Riordan's book to my kid, including the Asgard trilogy, I no longer bat an eyelash, but I enjoy when he pokes gentle fun at the leaps of faith. My kid can't see the advertisement for that Ragnarok movie w/o complaining, btw, because it's all wrong. I have tried my best in explaining Marvel's Asgard concept as their version of the verse, but yeah... a no-go. Gotta be the correct Ragnarok. Little lore-mistress, lol.
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Hawke
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Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda, SWTOR
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Post by Hawke on Nov 30, 2017 22:29:27 GMT
Thanks for tagging.
About Photo Mode and recording programs. You can take screenshots via Steam (JPG and PNG).
About the game. The bosses and locations look awesome. I like the finishing animation for the second boss.
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Post by cmoe on Nov 30, 2017 23:51:51 GMT
Hey thanks for tagging me phoray I watched the trailers a while ago and it really isn't something I'd play but I look forward to following your Lets Play Pretty sure cmoe is or has played as least some of this. Cheers I'm only three hours in so I don't want to read spoilers. Phoray is way too fast a gamer for me to keep up with. Plus I switch games every hour lately anyway... It's a good game imo, but makes me quite sad. I have to space out my play time.
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Post by cmoe on Dec 1, 2017 0:03:08 GMT
There may be good news on the permadeath. Considering how many times I just died in that Boss Battle... I don't think they count deaths during battle against you on your permadeath score. "The Darkness" got it's own mini cut scene when I died from the fall, to show me it'd gotten worse. No such cut scenes were given after every battle death. Although it seems just going a step forward in the story gets you some darkness anyway. Reverse Handicap I guess. Still, makes me feel better. It doesn't count against you, right? I've only had one boss fight and considering how many times I died, I would be SOL if that counted towards the permadeath...
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Post by phoray on Dec 1, 2017 1:46:17 GMT
There may be good news on the permadeath. It doesn't count against you, right? I've only had one boss fight and considering how many times I died, I would be SOL if that counted towards the permadeath... I'm like 90% sure it doesn't. I mean, there are no health bars or codex in this game. But visually, the arm only looks worse after a non battle related death. So, when I fall off tree limbs or burning to death. Have you noticed the "locked on" state of the battle? I mean, I know there is no lock on lock off mechanism, but I feel like it severely limits my dodging ability as Senua. Additionally, was getting super annoyed with my block "sword up" when I realized it was because if you moved to walk even a little bit during it, she would drop her sword. So, essentially, playing as Geralt the Witcher has made playing this difficult because he can walk in every direction while holding his sword up.
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Post by phoray on Dec 1, 2017 1:47:17 GMT
Phoray is way too fast a gamer for me to keep up with. I'm taking a break from it, probably until after the Funeral on Saturday. I hope to finish it then, though.
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Post by cmoe on Dec 1, 2017 2:08:23 GMT
It doesn't count against you, right? I've only had one boss fight and considering how many times I died, I would be SOL if that counted towards the permadeath... I'm like 90% sure it doesn't. I mean, there are no health bars or codex in this game. But visually, the arm only looks worse after a non battle related death. So, when I fall off tree limbs or burning to death. Have you noticed the "locked on" state of the battle? I mean, I know there is no lock on lock off mechanism, but I feel like it severely limits my dodging ability as Senua. Additionally, was getting super annoyed with my block "sword up" when I realized it was because if you moved to walk even a little bit during it, she would drop her sword. So, essentially, playing as Geralt the Witcher has made playing this difficult because he can walk in every direction while holding his sword up. I had to knock down combat difficulty to easy... She would have been permadead after my first fight if I hadn't. I was mashing buttons like crazy trying to dodge or block anything... I do not have quick reflexes...
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