Highlights

  • Xbox's internal reviews of Hellblade 2 are highly positive, with the game scoring in the 90s in mock reviews.
  • The sequel aims to build upon the first game's success with improved graphics and combat mechanics.
  • While no concrete release window beyond the year 2024 has been determined, but Hellblade 2's strong internal reception could make it a standout title for Microsoft whenever it arrives.

According to a gaming insider, Xbox's internal reviews regarding Ninja Theory's Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 are incredibly positive. Ninja Theory's upcoming action adventure sequel is a highly anticipated game that will be released in 2024. Many were very impressed with its visual fidelity when it was first revealed, and the hype surrounding it only grew with the trailer that was shown during The Game Awards 2023. While the game is slated to release this year, there hasn't been a concrete release window determined yet.

2017's Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice was met with a positive reception when it first launched. Critics praised its impressive graphics, compelling story, and stellar voice acting, along with Hellblade's depiction of psychosis and its effects on the human mind. The sequel is looking to build upon the first game's existing mechanics, with a big focus being placed on raising the bar when it comes to combat. With the project slated to be released this year, it seems Microsoft and Xbox want the sequel to replicate the first game's runaway success.

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In an Episode of the DirectXbox (around 58:00), insider Nate the Hate states that Microsoft is holding internal mock reviews of Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, with reports of these internal reviews being particularly high. Nate the Hate notes he wasn't sure if the score was fully based on internal mock reviews or if other external reviewers were brought in, but he says that after testing, the game was scoring in the 90s as an average metacritic score internally.

Nate the Hate notes that based on these projections from Xbox, it would be the highest an Xbox exclusive game has scored on the metacritic website since Gears of War 3, which currently holds a 91 average on metacritic. Nate the Hate is a reliable leaker who has an accurate track record, so it's likely that what he has heard has some merit. However, fans should take this possible reception with a grain of salt in order to not set their expectations too high and possibly be disappointed when it fully launches. After all, internal reviews are a different beast from real life critic scores.

For reference, the mostly positive critic reviews for the first Hellblade game gave it a score of somewhere between 80-90, some even giving it a score of 100. The average for Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice would be around low 80s, with its Xbox One version having a metacritic average of 88. If what Nate has said is true, then Hellblade 2 could provide a strong start to 2024 for both Microsoft and Ninja Theory.