Hellblade 2 announced for Xbox Series X with ‘in-engine’ trailer

Microsoft and Ninja Theory have announced Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 for the next-generation Xbox console, Series X.

Hellblade 2 was unveiled alongside the new Xbox Series X console at The Game Awards in Los Angeles on Thursday, with a debut trailer described as “captured in-engine” and reflective of the power of Xbox Series X.

Senua’s Saga is the sequel to 2017’s acclaimed Senua’s Sacrifice, the game which won five Baftas: Artistic Achievement, Audio Achievement, British Game, Game Beyond Entertainment and Best Performer.

Inspired by Norse mythology and Celtic culture, the game follows Senua, a warrior who must make her way to Helheim by defeating otherworldly entities and facing their challenges, in order to rescue the soul of her dead lover.

The game’s narrative follows the character’s struggle with psychosis, and its developers worked closely with neuroscientists and mental health specialists to accurately represent the illness.

Microsoft acquired the Heavenly Sword and Enslaved developer in June 2018, alongside Forza Horizon studio Playground Games, State of Decay maker Undead Labs, and We Happy Few creator Compulsion Games.

Xbox head Phil Spencer said of the firm’s new console: “Xbox Series X will be our fastest, most powerful console ever and set a new bar for performance, speed and compatibility, allowing you to bring your gaming legacy, thousands of games from three generations and more forward with you.”