Summary
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade2has been confirmed to be having a digital-only release to the dismay of many gamers who prefer physical media. Headlining Xbox’s January 2024 Developer Direct,Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2had a huge presence, showcasing more of its dark Nordic setting, incredibly detailed combat, as well as finally providing its long awaited release date.
It’s been a verylong wait for fans ofHellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice,which originally released on PlayStation 4 in 2017 and came to Xbox One a year later. After Xbox’s purchase of developer Ninja Theory in 2018, and the reveal ofSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2next to the unveiling of the Xbox Series X at the 2019 Game Awards, the sequel has become one of Xbox’s most highly anticipated first-party exclusives. An all-new motion capture studio, the use of Unreal Engine 5, and several dazzling gameplay trailers have catapultedHellblade 2into becoming a potential show-stopping title for fans of Xbox.
After its stunning appearance at Xbox’s recent Developer Direct,Xbox Wire has confirmedthatSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2is set for a digital-only release and will forego the release of a physical version. While surely disappointing for those who prefer to buy physical, a lower price tag of $50 helps to rectify the strange decision. Of course,Hellblade 2will also be available on Game Passjust like any other first-party Xbox game, which may likely be how the majority of Xbox users play the title.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrificewas essentially considered an indie game and, as such, had a digital-only release, which made sense. However, since Ninja Theory has been a part of Xbox Game Studios for quite some time now, and considering the studio has beefed up its ranks with the backing of Xbox forHellblade 2, the sequel missing a physical release is quite puzzling, as it’s one of the biggest AAA first-party games Xbox has had in the pipleline over the past several years.
Recently, Remedy Entertainment’s very long-awaited sequel,Alan Wake 2,caused an uproar when it announced a digital-only release late last year. The game went on to become one of the most highly praised titles of 2023 and won three categories at The Game Awards. With that in mind,Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2is still very much in a position to amazedespite its lack of a physical option.
After many release date-less showings over the years,Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2is finally slated for May 21. Over a year after its launch, the originalHellbladereceived a physical release in 2018. Perhaps something similar is in store forHellblade 2, though with the muchlarger presence of Xbox Game Passand the ongoing and unfortunate decline of physical media, fans shouldn’t get their hopes up.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
WHERE TO PLAY
The sequel to the award winning Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Senua returns in a brutal journey of survival through the myth and torment of Viking Iceland. Intent on saving those who have fallen victim to the horrors of tyranny, Senua faces a battle of overcoming the darkness within and without.A crafted experience of cinematic immersion:Sink deep into Senua’s world and story, with beautifully realized visuals and encapsulating sound.Senua’s unique perspective:Experience the world through Senua’s eyes and ears, as a Celtic warrior who experiences psychosis.A journey into Viking Iceland:An epic journey across 10th century Iceland, recreated from real locations in stunning detail.Every fight tells a story:Brutal and visceral combat as Senua battles for survival.
