Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

Senua, a Celtic warrior, journeys into Viking hell to fight for the soul of her dead lover. Battling her inner demons and the external horrors of the Norse underworld, she must confront her own psychosis, which manifests as hallucinations and voices. The game explores themes of mental illness, grief, and resilience as Senua navigates a dark and brutal world.

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice was widely acclaimed for its innovative approach to portraying mental illness, its stunning visuals, and its compelling narrative. Critics praised its immersive atmosphere, the raw and emotional performance of Melina Juergens, and the game's ability to tackle sensitive themes with maturity and respect. It resonated with both critics and players for its artistic vision and emotional depth.

• Praised for its groundbreaking portrayal of psychosis and mental health.

• Commended for its atmospheric world-building and intense audio design.

• Lauded for Melina Juergens' powerful and deeply personal performance.

Google audience: Players largely lauded the game for its powerful and moving story, particularly its handling of mental health themes. The immersive audio and visuals were frequently highlighted as standout features, contributing to a deeply affecting experience. Some players noted the gameplay could be repetitive, but the narrative and emotional impact were consistently praised.

Won numerous awards including 'Best Game' and 'Audio Design' at The Game Awards 2017, and 'Best Artistic Achievement' at the BAFTA Game Awards 2018.

The game's protagonist, Senua, is voiced and motion-captured by Melina Juergens, who was an editor at Ninja Theory (the game's developer) before taking on the role, experiencing psychosis herself through research and her own personal connection to mental health struggles.