I really enjoyed most of this game. The atmosphere, the audio, the voice acting, and the concept are fantastic. The actual game play is less so, but I feel that in light of the experience I was having, that can be forgiven. I was engrossed in who Senua was as a character and I felt for her through her struggles. Some of the things said in this game gave me chills and made me uncomfortable enough at times that I had to take a break from playing. On the other hand, however, the combat is rather dull. The puzzle sections sometimes overstay their welcome. Towards the end it started to feel like a grind. I wish the game had gripped me as tightly at the end as it did in the beginning.

My biggest complaint is that the discoverable audio, which features stories about the Viking gods or encounters with Senua's mother, can be missed. Not a problem in itself, but there is no chapter select (even when the game is over). If you miss any of these encounters, you would have to replay the entire game again. There is important context in these sections. For a game which focuses so heavily on story, why would you want your audience to possibly miss out on what you've created?

Overall, this game offers a unique experience and I am glad I played it. It has some of the best voice acting I've ever heard in a game. I might revisit it again in a few years. I do think people should be aware of what they are getting: an amazing and heart wrenching story, superb audio (acting and atmospheric), and average game play.

I really enjoyed most of this game. The atmosphere, the audio, the voice acting, and the concept are fantastic. The actual game play is less so, but I feel that in light of the experience I was having, that can be forgiven. I was engrossed in who Senua was as a character and I felt for her through her struggles. Some of the things said in this game gave me chills and made me uncomfortable enough at times that I had to take a break from playing. On the other hand, however, the combat is rather dull. The puzzle sections sometimes overstay their welcome. Towards the end it started to feel like a grind. I wish the game had gripped me as tightly at the end as it did in the beginning. My biggest complaint is that the discoverable audio, which features stories about the Viking gods or encounters with Senua's mother, can be missed. Not a problem in itself, but there is no chapter select (even when the game is over). If you miss any of these encounters, you would have to replay the entire game again. There is important context in these sections. For a game which focuses so heavily on story, why would you want your audience to possibly miss out on what you've created? Overall, this game offers a unique experience and I am glad I played it. It has some of the best voice acting I've ever heard in a game. I might revisit it again in a few years. I do think people should be aware of what they are getting: an amazing and heart wrenching story, superb audio (acting and atmospheric), and average game play.