After over four years of anticipation, Ninja Theory has circled May 21, 2024 as the release date for its highly anticipated sequel, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.
Originally teased alongside Microsoft’s then-new Xbox Series X console in 2019, Hellblade II revisits the journey of troubled protagonist Senua. The first Hellblade followed her quest into the realm of the dead while battling inner demons and psychosis.
In Senua’s next saga, the heroine voyages through Iceland seeking vengeance against Viking raiders plaguing her homeland. Developer Ninja Theory promises more of the harrowing perceptual puzzles and voices that manifest Senua’s mental health struggles, a highlight of early gameplay previews. This time however, the haunting internal quest unfolds amidst more typical combat against outer supernatural foes.
As a first-party Xbox title, Hellblade II will launch day-one on Xbox consoles, PC, and into Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription catalog. For non-subscribers, Senua’s next adventure can be purchased outright digitally on Xbox and Steam stores for $50 at launch.
It’s been a long road, but Ninja Theory’s independent pedigree acquired by Xbox Game Studios injected new resources into completing this highly cinematic, emotionally fraught sequel. Early glimpses suggest the developers are crafting an experience focused more on Senua’s intimate personal journey rather than one defined strictly by hacking enemies into bits.
Still, the promise of an embattled heroine warring against inner and outer demons, grounded by neurodiverse representation and fleshed out in next-gen technical splendor, should resonate for fans awaiting Senua’s return come May. Those eager for an extended gameplay sneak peek can visit Ninja Theory’s YouTube channel now to watch an 8-minute demo courtesy of February’s Xbox Developer Direct livestream.
