While Xbox Game Pass may already be one of the best services available to video game enthusiasts, Microsoft’s platform is about to get even better in May thanks to the Day-One release of one of the biggest games of 2024. Thanks to a constantly rotating roster of games both arriving and departing from Game Pass, users are generally spoilt when it comes to figuring out what they want to play next. Alongside some excellent indie games and sleeper hits, Microsoft also releases all its exclusive titles directly to the service, meaning fans needn’t pay extra for the newest games.
Xbox confirmed that the highly-anticipated Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 will arrive on Game Pass on May 21, which also represents its official release date for those who may not be subscribed to the service and would prefer to purchase it instead. Microsoft has yet to unveil the other games that will be arriving alongside Ninja Theory’s latest project but its debut already makes for a strong month considering that players have been waiting years for the sequel. It also means those who have yet to play the original Hellblade: Senua’s Saga still have a month to check it out.
Related
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 – Release Date, Story So Far, & Gameplay Details
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is coming out soon. Here’s everything to know about the new Icelandic adventure from Ninja Theory and Xbox Game Studios.
What Is Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 About?
A Grim, Brutal Exploration Of Viking Iceland
Those who played the original Hellblade likely already know what to expect from the sequel but players who aren’t aware of the first game will likely want to check it out before May 21 given that Hellblade 2 will act as a continuation of the story rather than a standalone narrative. The game follows the titular Senua as she strives to overcome the darkness that exists within her and around the world to liberate her people from the vicious jaws of tyranny. Developed in Unreal Engine 5, it’s expected to be a real showcase of current-generation hardware.
Based on trailers, the gameplay will be slow and methodical as Senua is forced to battle a plethora of hideous monsters that stand in her way. If the first Hellblade is anything to go by, the tone will be grim and violent, dealing with heavy themes like mental health and abuse in a monstrous world populated by all manner of terrors. Some of the creatures Ninja Theory has showcased are genuinely shocking, so it stands to reason that even more frightful encounters await in the full game.
Hellblade 2 Is A Digital-Only Release
Collectors Are Disappointed
Although Hellblade 2 will be a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass, those who prefer to avoid the subscription model can own a digital-only copy of the game for $50. The announcement that there would be no physical or collector editions initially caused a small stir among the niche community that has grown fond of the deeply disturbing franchise. Although fan-made Steelbook and special collectors’ editions have been sold on eBay and other websites, officially, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 will be confined to the digital hellscape crafted by the game’s designers.
This is not unlike another popular, somewhat niche game that would go on to achieve wide acclaim and recognition, Alan Wake 2. That game, which is also a melancholic adventure and reflection of deteriorating mental health, also did not receive a physical or collectors’ edition and was confined to a digital-only release, though there was a Deluxe edition that came with additional DLC. Part of the reason that was cited for not releasing a physical disc was to help keep the game priced lower than other AAA releases.
Though unconfirmed, this could be a similar reason as to why Hellblade 2 may be going digital-only as well. The first game, though a compelling and tense full story and narrative, was only around 10 hours of playtime for most people. Pricing the game for $20 less than AAA releases and publishing it on day one on Xbox Game Pass will enable many more people to play it. If not releasing a physical copy does indeed reduce overall costs, and thus the price of the game, the benefits may outweigh the drawbacks, though there won’t be any consolation for dedicated fans who want something to commemorate the release.
Xbox Continues A Trend Of Solid Day One Releases
Xbox Game Pass Is More Alluring Than Ever
The original Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice was released on August 8, 2017, for the PS4 and PC, but would later be released for both the Xbox and Switch. As a result of Ninja Theory’s acquisition by Xbox Game Studios, this time around, Hellblade 2 will be an Xbox and PC exclusive and will not launch on the Nintendo Switch or PS5 upon release. That said, those who currently maintain an Xbox Game Pass subscription will be able to play the game on day one without having to purchase it, making the prospect of getting a Game Pass even more alluring.
In addition to Hellblade 2, there are several other Xbox Game Pass releases for April 2024 worth a mention. In addition to the highly-praised RPG, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes coming to Xbox Game Pass, titles like Minecraft Legends and Everspace 2 will be debuting on the platform in April. This is just for the month of April, with other notable additions like Ark: Survival Ascended added earlier in the month.
Whether Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is as successful as the first game, which is praised as an industry leader in AAA narratives, remains to be seen. However, the very fact that one of the most eagerly-anticipated games of 2024 will be available to all Xbox Game Pass users at launch is just further evidence of the value the platform provides. The fact that it will be added alongside a handful of other games for players who may not be in the mindset for a grim adventure is just icing on the cake.
Source: Xbox
