Ninja Theory shared a surprise announcement at today's Xbox Showcase, revealing a new Hellblade game called Senua. Though Hellblade 2 was a beloved game that eventually also released on PlayStation 5, despite being published by Xbox Game Studios, there was no indication that a sequel or standalone game like Senua was in the works. Interestingly, the series has changed naming conventions across its three installments, with the first game being Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, the second being Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, and now Hellblade 3 being just called Senua.
Last year, Ninja Theory released Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice as an enhanced version on PS5 for free, or the whole game as part of the Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 Deluxe Edition, also free of charge. The first Hellblade was a PlayStation exclusive, whereas the second game became an Xbox exclusive after Microsoft acquired Ninja Theory. Senua is now a perfect middle ground, and it acts as a standalone experience.
There's Something Weird About the Hellblade 2 Physical Release
Recent reports point out something weird about the upcoming physical release of Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, which still does not have an exact date.
Hellblade 3 is Officially Launching on All Consoles in 2027
Similar to how Hellblade 2 launched on PlayStation 5 after being an Xbox-exclusive at first, Senua is releasing on Xbox, PC, and PlayStation simultaneously. While it's the third installment in the series, it's not exactly Hellblade 3, as it was conceived as a standalone title that would be a great starting point for newcomers or for veterans to return. The official website confirms that this is not a direct sequel to Hellblade 2, and previous knowledge or playthroughs of the first and second games in the series are not needed to play and enjoy Senua when it launches in 2027.
Scratch & Peek
Identify the cover art while scratching off as little foil as possible.
Identify the cover art while scratching off as little foil as possible.
The game is described as an action-adventure title set in the universe of Hellblade, with Senua as a protagonist. It's also confirmed that Senua takes place after the events of Hellblade 2, despite not being a full-fledged sequel. The game's combat is much more action-packed compared to the slower, psychological approach of the first two, which is part of the reason why it's not called Hellblade 3, according to Studio Head Dom Matthews in an XBOX Wire interview. While Hellblade and Hellblade 2 are games that can help with depression by facing its reality, Senua may have a different appeal, even if the protagonist's struggles persist.
This is a bold, interesting direction for Ninja Theory's series, but it also makes perfect sense. Many fans of Hellblade games asked for a more action-oriented combat, and Senua delivers on that front. It seems to have bosses, stealth gameplay, group combat, and adrenaline-boosting sequences. As a protagonist, Senua is one of the most iconic Xbox characters of all time, and to see her in the third installment could be a great treat for fans.
What's That Weapon?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
The release window for Senua is 2027, though no official date has been provided yet. The game cannot be pre-ordered, either, but fans can wishlist it on the platform they prefer. The game promises cool boss fights, weighted combat, and tactical options. Hellblade 2 was one of the best games to debut on Xbox Game Pass at the time, and Senua may follow suit.