Unfortunately, the puzzles don’t have as much diversity beyond this. Part of the issue is that the narrative’s flow made it harder to add these needed obstacles, but “Hellblade II” does have a few places where the team could have added more inventive gameplay opportunities for depth.

But the team just missed those opportunities, opting for a more cinematic approach. That raises the other issue with “Hellblade II.” The original deftly balanced the movie and video game parts for an experience that not only had emotional heft but also compelling moments that immersed players in Senua’s struggles. In the sequel, Ninja Theory designs a more sprawling adventure, where a steadier Senua has to deal with allies she wins over and the guilt for all the deaths she caused.

In some sections such as in the cave, it works well. Her search for a mysterious ally brings together tense storytelling with gameplay and the game’s spectacular visuals, but in sections such as the foreboding forest, Ninja Theory doesn’t do much with the promising locale other than to move the plot forward with some light interactivity. It’s one of the weaker parts of the experience.

That doesn’t mean “Hellblade II” is bad. It’s just different from the original, and that’s a good thing. It’s a sequel that continues to explore a character who already has shown a tremendous amount of growth and uncovers new aspects to her personality. The team finds more ways to mix her internal conflict with the ones in the physical world and shrouds it all in a bit of mystery. That was part of the magic of the original.

Players inhabit Senua’s head and they have to interpret whether what they have experienced was real or a reflection of her instability. “Hellblade II” maintains that distinct tension but shows how her psychosis can spread to others and lead to horrifying results.

‘Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II’

3 stars out of 4

Platform: PC, Xbox Series X and Series S

Rating: Mature

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