740°

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 Reveal Trailer Was Running In Real-Time, Epic Reiterates

At the end of last year, we got quite a shock when Phil Spencer walked on the stage of The Game Awards 2019 and unveiled the Xbox Series X out of nowhere. Alongside it was also the unveiling of a much anticipated sequel, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. The game got a stunning reveal trailer that was said to be in-engine and in real time. But, as is always the case, there was some doubt and skepticism about that. Well, it seems that Epic Games is sticking with it.

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Marquinho1374d ago (Edited 1374d ago )

IF this is true, then it's the most impressive UE demo I have ever seen.

I honestly thought it was pre-rendered. I mean... look at that overwhelming detail in her face!

Eonjay1374d ago

I don't understand why there would be doubt. The engine is very powerful as we already know. The PS5 demo showed actual real time gameplay so why would they struggle with real time cut scenes. And parts of the Hell Blade trailer were clearly taken from Gameplay too.

Also, and maybe this is just me, but there is still a difference between real time cut scene and CGI.

crazyCoconuts1374d ago (Edited 1374d ago )

I'm most impressed with the facial animation and motion cap that Ninja Theory's team has accomplished here. That's some next level stuff going on, if the whole game is animated at that level of realism.

1374d ago
DarXyde1374d ago

Marquinho,

"IF this is true, then it's the most impressive UE demo I have ever seen.

I honestly thought it was pre-rendered. I mean... look at that overwhelming detail in her face!"

Ninja Theory has always been pretty top notch in terms of facial detail capture. I liken them to Quantic Dream in this regard.

That said, I think people have to be mindful of terms like "in-engine". It totally doesn't mean you'll be playing the game with visuals like this. If it turns out that way, that would be very interesting, but I'm wary of that. Corinne Yu also said the Uncharted 4 reveal trailer was running in-engine and, while the in game visuals looked truly stunning (and still do), there was certainly a contrast where you knew what was gameplay and what was in- engine.

I am sure it's going to look incredible (it's Ninja Theory, after all) but I think it's very fair to speculate on the nature of this "in-engine" statement.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 1374d ago
SierraGuy1374d ago ShowReplies(4)
ABizzel11374d ago

I'm really interested to see what comes of this game, as I followed the journey of the original closely.

The first game turned out to be really good especially considering it came from only a fraction of the Ninja Theory Team in order to maximize profit. I believe it started with less than 10 people, moved up to 14, and ended with just over 20 people making the game after 3 years of work, and dubbed the term AAA indie.

As far as the trailer, the video clearly said in-engine, so I don't know why this is coming as a surprise to anyone, and seeing Unreal Engine 5 demoed it made sense. The trailer was sub 4K and 24fps. The 24fps is a cinematic framerate and the standard for film and movies, so that's understandable, and the Resolution as Digital Foundry said is probably being used to have a high pixel density in the given space just like how The Order 1886 did on PS4. That doesn't mean the final real-time cinematics will be this way, and obviously the gameplay won't be targeting 24fps.

It does, however, seem to be aiming for 4K @ 30fps. 60fps is possible, but I'll talk about that later, and it'll be highly jarring going from 60fps gameplay to 24 - 30 fps cutscenes, and while games have done that it just looks off.

Graphically will gameplay look like this trailer.... For the most part, yes, it won't be to that level of quality, but it will still hold up well, especially if you've actually played the first game.

https://www.youtube.com/wat...

Environments:
You can look at the best examples of the current-gen, and see the trailer has each of those features and takes it up a step again as the Digitial Foundry video shows. Environments at their base are similar to the best of current-gen, however, they are significantly more level of detail (as UE5 demoed, which DF got wrong in their trailer review), better overall textures, and more geometry (rocks, foliage, etc...).

Character models:
Senua had an amazing character model for current-gen, so it's only natural that the model gets improvements from the base design already created with more polygon's added to smooth out places, and much better texture work and hair effects.

Overall Effects:
Simply put this new generation is catching up to PC in regards to having much better lighting, shadows, and particle effects, and those things will make games look better, even if it's not as noticeable as a huge improvement to texture quality.

Performance:
The game ran at Dynamic 900p @ 30fps on base XBO, Dynamic 1080p @ 30fps on base PS4, PS4 Pro Dynamic 1440p @ 30 fps or Dynamic mainly 1080p @ 60fps (but as low as 720p), and XBO-X Dynamic 4K @ 30fps for all modes except the performance-based 60fps mode (mainly 1300p but as low as 720p). So that pretty much paints the picture for the Series X as well. The Series X should be able to run the original game in 4K @ 60fps based on RTX 2080 ti performance, however, when you increase all of these effects such as environmental detail, lighting, shadows, multiple characters on screen, etc... then the performance cannot be comparable to the previous game which used tons of tricks such as LOD's to get max performance which the consoles won't be using nearly as much. A performance mode will likely be available with Dynamic 4K @ 60fps (likely 1440p for the most part).

Imalwaysright1374d ago

"video clearly said in-engine"

Wich doesn't say much as it could be pre-rendered and not be running in real time.

Stanjara1374d ago

Such a big post so I will say something.
In engine cinematic can mean anything cause gameplay uses different assets due to controls, physics, ai and all the things that make a game and are limited by memory.
Trailer was and is doubtfull cause it is post process heavy that all of it can be added in post production and editing.
Reason is marketing.

Now, recent events like last of us2 production and ue5 demo can bring senua visuals to gameplay but I believe that all of it was just a target.

We must see more.

Tech51374d ago

just to clarify on some gamers saying the video was running on UE5. the trailer specifically was UE4, the game it'self however has been moved to UE5.

Shadowsteal1374d ago

The original game was such a chore to play. The first battle and the last played out basically the same way. Idk why anyone praises Hellblade so much but then bashed on The Order 1886 for example.

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gamer78041374d ago

agreed, so far the most next gen looking graphics I've seen, looked like a top tier pre-rendered video. amazing.

Smclaren19851374d ago

Yeah horizons zero dawn 2 trailer looks nothing like it lol, it’s very impressive though we are in for one hell of a treat next gen. if we can get hold of a console that is with shortages and demand lol

Obscure_Observer1374d ago

There´s nothing like it as far video game graphics go on any platform.

Xbox is promoting a true next gen visual leap with Flight Simulator, Hellblade II and Project Mara.

And they are just warming up! O.o

Fantangoooo1374d ago (Edited 1374d ago )

Madness.. I also doubted it was running on XSX.. but for Epic to confirm this... LORD! next gen cant come soon enough..

My eyes will bleed with joy..
I will still hold some reservations till i see full gameplay thought but i doubt it would be much different.. Hellblade 1 was a very pretty game.

1374d ago
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TranceHop 1375d ago

I'm going to have a heart attack if Hellblade 2 gameplay looks anything close to the trailer.

LOGICWINS1374d ago

Prepare your heart for next week then!

1Victor1374d ago (Edited 1374d ago )

I’ll wait till release day to pass judgment into it l. Gaming companies have proved in the past they will do anything to get a leg up on the competition remember milo/Kate “demo” and the original motostorm trailer. Yeah I do and I don’t get my hopes up on trailers/early demonstrations as A LOT can change before the final product

Obscure_Observer1374d ago

@LOGICWINS

"Prepare your heart for next week then!"

Phil Spencer said "early in development". I don´t think we´ll see any gameplay footage next week. Specially now that Microsoft confirmed that it will running on UE5. ;)

Vasto1374d ago

If it was running in real time the in game visuals should be close.

Imalwaysright1374d ago

If it's running in real time it's using the same assets as the gameplay portion.

_dangerclose_1374d ago

A trailer is not gameplay.

Rousseau8881374d ago

Next gen is going to be insane for sure

rpvenom1374d ago

agreed. i was a fan of hellblade when it dropped on playstation. glad xbox fans got a strong exclusive.. and knowing how good the first one looked. i don't doubt for a second this will look amazing on the x

goldwyncq1374d ago

If true then wow. Ninja Theory has essentially become Microsoft’s Naughty Dog.

phoenixwing1374d ago

While that is a bit exaggerated ninja theory have always been able to do a lot with a little so giving them free reign should have great results

1374d ago
throne1374d ago

ninja theory to naughty dog? not even close

goldwyncq1374d ago

Well, I meant that one studio that pushes whatever console they're working on to its technological limit, producing breathtakingly beautiful masterpieces that stands above other games in that console.

MadLad1374d ago

I don't see why ND is held in such high regard. As far as I am concerned, it's only their last few titles that blew my mind.
Uncharted was janky up until the 3rd game. Jak and Daxter had an identity crisis with every release.
Crash Bandicoot, while good for its time, aged fairly poorly.
Last of Us, and Uncharted 4 is where, I feel, their quality shows.

Last of Us is one of my favorite games, but I think Ninja Theory has put out more content that I truly enjoyed.
It will be pointed out that Metacritic disagrees with me, so that will make my assessment wrong.

Minute Man 7211374d ago

@ TedCruz

Thou I bash Uncharted 4, it wasn't bad, it's just the set pieces didn't top Uncharted 2. Not to mention they demoed the best part of the game @ E3

LOGICWINS1374d ago (Edited 1374d ago )

Echoing what goldwyncq said, I think it's a fair comparison as both studios are known for pushing the limits of their respective console.

Hellblade 2 is aiming to be the Xbox's "Uncharted 2" so to speak. A sequel that blows away expectations and defines the new generation.

@Minute Man 721 Uncharted 4 is great, but it suffered from pacing issues.... particularly in the teenage Nate/Sam flashback scenarios.

Lost Legacy IMO was better than Uncharted 4 due to the better pacing and chemistry between Chloe/Nadine.

If Sony announced Lost Legacy 2 in August, it would make me consider buying a PS5 down the line.

Atticus_finch1374d ago

Okay Ted Cruz, let's talk about bleeding edge. I'm sure you don't want to. ND has never released a game so bad, EVER...
"It's only their last few titles"
Yeah bro over 10 years of unmatched high standards and quality mean nothing.
You're argument is wrong way before talking about Meta scores and awards, but go ahead, being wrong never stops you.

Obscure_Observer1374d ago

@Atticus_finch

"Okay Ted Cruz, let's talk about bleeding edge. I'm sure you don't want to. ND has never released a game so bad, EVER..."

Lol. You´re certainly new (age?) to gaming, otherwise, you would know of Naughty Dog´s Way of the Warrior on 3DO. ;)

Atticus_finch1374d ago

@Obscure Wow! the 3do. haha, You got me.
Bleeding edge (2020)
Way of warrior (1994)
Lol

MadLad1374d ago

@Atticus

Dear christ. You're everything wrong with this site. I give an honest opinion on how I view the Naughty Dog discography and you instantly need to bring up MS.
Believe it or not, not everyone here is a blind loyalist where Sony bad, MS good and vice-versa.
Also, Bleeding Edge wasn't even a bad game; it just didn't find its audience, so hush up twice over.

Atticus_finch1374d ago

Come on teddy, I never mentioned MS. So you can comment your opinion but I cant.

JackBNimble1374d ago

Not even close?
Most of ND's developers left , there are only very few originals still working there.
Time will tell but I believe ND is on a downward spiral.

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 1374d ago
THC CELL1374d ago

No goldwyncq not even kind of close sorry but I am going to face palm my self 250 times

DiRtY1374d ago

You are not allowed to criticize Naughty Dog on N4G.

Prepare for disagrees and hate!

Ristul1374d ago

Noughty Dog is overrated, they have been innovating almost nothing, they use the same formula for their games. Compare the on rails climbing in uc4 to breath of the wild for example.

SamPao1374d ago (Edited 1374d ago )

my god, just as an example, they have the best animations by FAR from ANY gamestudio. If you dont see this, then you should clearly have a look at it. If they would not be innovating they would not be on that level.
They changed the entire industry with Uncharted 2, they brought so many new people in with games like tlou because of the way the characters and stories are handled.
You can have your opinion but at least acknowledge the VISIBLE things.

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 1374d ago
gravedigger1374d ago (Edited 1374d ago )

Yeah, a cut-scene at 24 fps and what....1600p

Lets see the gameplay at 30fps

IRetrouk1374d ago

It was 1440p and 24 fps, it was realtime in engine stuff though, just like the original uncharted 4 announce video, users expecting the game to look like that need to watch the uncharted 4 announce video and then the final game....

https://www.videogamer.com/...

gravedigger1374d ago

Hellblade 2 was a TARGET RENDER cut-scene, same like Uncharted 4

anubusgold1374d ago (Edited 1374d ago )

30 and 60 fps was bad in 2009. If i was just getting 60 fps in 2009 i would think what crap hardware did i just buy lol.

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390°

Why Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2’s Runtime of 9 Hours is Completely Fine

Hellblade 2 is confirmed to be around 9 hours in length, and there's a strong case as to why that relatively short length will likely be one of its strongest suits.

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FPSRUSSIA1d 18h ago

It's Good Since it's on Game Pass I wouldn't Pay 50 for it since it's Digital Only

Eonjay1d 17h ago

The first game was a similar length but if I remember correctly it didn't carry the full price of AAA games when the first on launched. If I were them, I would take a note from the pages of some of the most successful games this year and keep it a $39.99. I think the result is they will sell more. It will balance out because at the higher price they will sell less. I think in the end the lower price will wind up generating the most revenue. Of course I am talking about the PC release and then the eventually PS5 release whenever it hits.

Terry_B23h ago

It was not. The first game had a length of about 4-5 hours.

I bet the new game is similar long.

neutralgamer19921d 4h ago

I think MS can take that chances of a 9 hour game because of GP. Vast majority of Xbox gamers play games using GP(no doubt excellent value)

Personally I bought the first game when it was under $20 and I would have done the same if I didn’t have GP. I rather have 9 hours of quality content than 50 hours of fetch quests. As I grow and have less time for gaming I honestly don’t mind medium size games because there are way too many open world games

Obscure_Observer1d 17h ago

9 hours is totally fine. Especially for Senua's fans who beat the first game.

Eonjay1d 16h ago

This. In fact I think the original was only 8 hours so this is right in line with expectations.

Barlos1d 16h ago ShowReplies(10)
Crows901d 10h ago ShowReplies(4)
TheCaptainKuchiki1d 2h ago (Edited 1d 2h ago )

Okay but they didn't have MS' money for the first game. Now they do so 9 hour is unacceptable.

S2Killinit1d 2h ago ShowReplies(1)
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jznrpg1d 16h ago

Strongest suits ? I don’t buy very short games until they are very cheap.

Redgrave1d 16h ago

Let us see if it truly does somehow improve the game after the time spent waiting, or if this will be cited in the downsides of reviews.

Sonic18811d 16h ago (Edited 1d 16h ago )

It took me 7 hours to beat the first game. But since it's on gamepass on PC and Xbox who cares about the length

DRambo1d 2h ago ShowReplies(2)
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80°

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 – Everything You Need to Know

Here's everything you should know about Ninja Theory's long-awaited sequel.

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jznrpg3d ago

I know I don’t buy short games until they are very cheap. Yeah yeah I know what the rest will say but I don’t rent games either

InUrFoxHole2d ago

What's the proper length of a game for you?

250°

Why Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 Looks Set to be One of the Most Notable Xbox Games of This Generation

Even though it’s a Microsoft exclusive coming to Xbox Series X|S, PC, Cloud, and Game Pass day one, the next chapter in Senua’s Saga is set to be one of the biggest games of the year after it releases on May 21st.

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Obscure_Observer10d ago

it will be such an unique experience blended with unparalleled realism, visuals and art.

May 21st can´t come soon enough.

BehindTheRows10d ago

Unique in what way? “Unparalleled realism” in what way?

GamerRN9d ago

You kinda gotta play the game to understand it. Videos don't do this game justice.

Obscure_Observer9d ago

"Unique in what way? “Unparalleled realism” in what way?"

If you don´t played the first game you can´t possible understand.

Barlos10d ago (Edited 10d ago )

Have we never had realism, visuals and art in games before?

How exactly will this be a 'unique experience', and why do you always have to sound like a salesman?

dveio9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

"it will be such an unique experience"

I agreed here.

"blended with unparalleled realism, visuals and art."

Ah come on, bro.

You can't tell me you're not laughing your ass off when typing such PR babble. You've got to be kidding me if you say otherwise.

Why ... do you do that? What's inside you causing this awkward type of overacting?

I really, really wish you and plenty other die-hard Xbox and Hellblade 2 enthusiasts that this game won't go down as a 65 scored metacritic/opencritic Xbox first party title.

Otherwise hell freezes over then I guess.

GamerRN9d ago

It will arguably be the best looking game so far this gen

mkis0079d ago (Edited 9d ago )

Gamer
No arguments there; that is the focus of the game so far: PResentation. Kind of like a Ryse situation so far.

BehindTheRows9d ago

@GamerRN

I own the original. Unless it is drastically different from that, I don’t see what so unique. Visuals look fantastic, yes, but not a blowout if the best of the best currently out there. And, it’s doing far less.

BehindTheRows9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

I own and have beaten the first game. Yes, the mental health aspects (particularly with headphones) was cool. Outside of that however, I don’t see anything new and unique from it (though I’m sure once it’s out, we’ll have a better idea).

Potentially the best looking game to release? Yep.

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glenn197910d ago

Can't wait , I dint care if its 30 or 120fps if its llay good Im all in

Sonic188110d ago (Edited 10d ago )

I'm keeping my expectations low on this one because I thought the first game was mediocre at best with good-looking graphics. The gameplay had no depth in the first game and I remember doing more walking than fighting in the first game. It has the potential to win graphics of the year though.

10d ago Replies(3)
Crows9010d ago

Good idea. MS has been doing a banger job at hyping up their games...they don't typically deliver.

It's probably going to be a solid 3/5 game..maybe a 4

10d ago Replies(4)
10d ago
Nerdmaster10d ago

I guess we all liked different aspects of the game. I actually wanted a little less fighting so I could concentrate on Senua's psyche.
My fear is exactly that they'll "mainstream" the game and make it more hack'n slash, in detriment of the deep dive into Senua's mind that the first game had.

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Sgt_Slaughter10d ago (Edited 10d ago )

That headline is the most unfortunate setup for a dig at Xbox, given the lack of games that have warranted even purchasing an Xbox (and that can date back to 2013). It's almost a notable Xbox game by default.

10d ago
Sgt_Slaughter10d ago

Sales and review scores don't lie, and those support my take.

Chevalier10d ago

"No they don't"

Really name a 1st party Xbox exclusive that was GotY for Xbox in the last decade? Or that sold 10+ million? So yeah sales and reviews definitely do back it up

Sciurus_vulgaris10d ago

I can’t wait to play. I’m also very eager to watch Digital Foundry’s technical analysis of Hellblade 2.

Obscure_Observer10d ago (Edited 10d ago )

"I can’t wait to play. I’m also very eager to watch Digital Foundry’s technical analysis of Hellblade 2."

Don´t pay some serious attention to that jealous PC fanboy Alex Battaglia, though.

He was caught lying about the original Hellblade in the last video. Lol!

He said he couldn´t understand the combat mechanics and or how it works, if players can dodge, if players can block, he couldn´t tell by the footage that he saw.

Clearly perplexed, Richard had him Interrupted and asked him:

"Sorry, you don´t have a sense of the combat mechanics is that right?"

Which Alex replied:

"I still don´t have a sense of it, no. Because when I look at it a see a number of finishing animations at times... uh... I see what looks like slashing animations which could be from like tapping X or A... I don´t really know... um... which... I just don´t have really good sense of like what the beats and what you´re avoiding and like... are there invulnerability frames or can´t you block? There´s like a lot of things that I just exactly know about the combat yet "

A few minutes later, when a confused John asked: "Have you played most of the original, Alex?"

Alex gagged and responded: "Yeah, I´ve, I´ve beaten it."

John: "Wow! Okay..."

Lmao! MF lied through his teeth!

He couldn´t make a sense of how the entire game works, and yet, he had the balls to claim he´d beat the first game.

What a sad liar! Smdh.

That clown got both Richard and John clearly embarrassed by his clueless comments. Lmao!

https://www.youtube.com/wat...

10d ago
Eonjay10d ago

Are you sure it's that and not his comment about the game looking really soft? I know it wasn't just me but the game looks really soft on some videos. They alluded to the YouTube compression but I am interested to see a proper comparison. How does it look on PC and what can we expect from UE5 on consoles for the rest of the Gen.

I suspect, looking at Immortals of Avian and Remnant 2 and their incredibly low native resolutions that this may be impacting Hellblade 2. However let's hold off judgement until Immortals gets the FSR 3/framegen treatment. I feel like these techs would boost Hellblade up nicely.

canoffanta9d ago

Alex Battaglia is a graphics purist. The console currently on the market and the ps5 Pro coming to market simply cannot come anywhere near what PC's are doing right now. Graphics are his passion and he is an enthusiast. Saying he is jealous, what exactly is he jealous of?

tronyx129d ago

His critique is valid. The game is cinematic to a level kinda not seen before in an action game. I'm also very skeptical there will be any meaningfull engaging gameplay at alll. He's digging at the fact the game literally feels like a cutscene. Not like Last of Us or Metal Gear which have a lot of cutscene, the whole games feel like a one-shot cutscene.

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Cockney19h ago

I'm more interested in seeing some gameplay

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