Summary
AsSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2is a narrative-driven cinematic gaming experience, each chapter will inevitably stand out from the others. They can be filled with puzzles, combat, great and surprising story moments, and plenty of slow parts, as is the norm in these types of games.
The chapters in Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 aren’t as hugely memorable as other chapter-based games, but they are still distinct enough, and some are much better than others. We rank all the chapters in the game, showing just how impactful its story can be. There are definitely some tendencies of triple-A games that come through in the chapters, but a few do subvert your expectations.
6Chapter 6: Borgarvirki
This Finale Ain’t It Chief
One thing that games tend to absolutely nail is the ending hours. A great final level or chapter can elevate the entire experience and leave you with a positive opinion of the game, even if it was rather mediocre leading up to it. Hellblade 1 did this great with multiple enemy gauntlets anda satisfying conclusion.
The finale to Hellblade 2 doesn’t feel like a finale; to be frank, chapter five felt more like one. The enemy encounters aren’t that intense here, and the Godi fight is okay but not a great fit for the final boss. Hellblade 2’s ending is alright, and at least a conclusion, but not very satisfying and clearly more of a setup for the third game. It’s a shame the final chapter is so weak because the rest of the game is far better.
5Chapter 2: Freyslaug
The Typical Follow-Up To An Opening
In movies and video games, commonly, after anexplosive, thrilling opening scene, stuff starts to slow down. Hellblade 2 follows this rule, but thankfully, there are elements that stop it from being a total bore. First off, you get an awesome fight against crystalized enemies about a quarter in, and it’s unfortunate these crystalized enemies aren’t used more, as they’re rather fun to fight.
Then you get your first ritual sequence at the end, which is a great conclusion to the chapter, introducing Fargrimr and setting up the giants. This helps to elevate chapter two because most of it is walking around, with the sound design being the only thing keeping you engaged.
4Chapter 3: Rauoholar
Features The Biggest Surprise Of The Game
Chapter three is split into two distinct parts. The first half has a lot of cutscenes and is mainly story-focused but quite engaging. You get your first encounter with a giant, along with plenty of character development as Thorgestr, Senua, and Fargrimr talk and discuss with one another, including optional conversations.
The second half focuses on upside-down room puzzles you’ll have to solve, which are pretty fun. In the final puzzle room, enemies appear out of nowhere,which is shockingbecause, normally, these puzzle rooms are supposed to be safe. It’s a great surprise and the most memorable part of an already solid chapter.
3Chapter 5: Baroarvik
Offers The Best Fight Of The Game
The positives to chapter five are massive and help greatly because next to chapter two, this is the second slowest in the game. Many of you will struggle to pay attention during the first half, but once the second half begins, it’s a total banger. You get more puzzles to solve akin to the ones in chapter three, and they’re great.
You have the best giant encounter at the end, throwing flaming spears to keep it at bay. Debatably, the best part of the entire game also occurs with a huge group fight filled with too many awesome moments to count. All this makes up for the slow first half, and getting past it to play these parts is well worth it.
2Chapter 4: Huldufolk
Has The Best Puzzles Of The Game
Chapter four has to be the longest chapter in the title, but that’s not a bad thing, as it’s enjoyable the entire way through. The first two-thirds are phenomenal, with you wandering a spooky cave that has a great atmosphere and neat puzzles that make use of your handy blue friend.
The use of your torch to stay alive and the eventual removal of your sword add quite a bit of tension that’s not seen elsewhere, plus the cutscenes here are great, too. Everything in the cave section is of A-grade quality, and even with the last third not being as good as the rest, it’s still close to the best chapter of the game.
1Chapter 1: Reykjanesta
The Best Opening You Could Ask For
Like many films or games, Hellblade 2 shows its best hand first. Chapter one tells a complete story with Senua captured as a slave; being incredibly weak at first but shows her true colors and manages to scratch and claw her way to victory, defeating Thorgestr after a long, hard-fought battle.
That Thorgestr boss fight is incredible; frankly, it feels like a final boss. It’s that good. Thesound design hits really well, as it should, being the best aspect of the game and a must for an introduction. All the moments from start to finish are so excellently done, and the only negative here is that it’s chapter one. The rest of the game can’t live up to the beginning’s quality.
