Poll: What Do You Think Of The Graphics In Hellblade 2 For Xbox Series X|S?

It is a VERY good looking game, however in my opinion it’s an example that graphics aren’t everything. It still has the same dull puzzles, mediocre combat and painfully slow pacing. It’s probably a good thing it’s so short

Poll needs to be changed.. game looks very different on X and S. Stunning on X, but very low res and muddy on S. You can see that the art and design are beautiful, but the quality of the final rendered image is just too noisy due to poor FSR.

It’s up there with the best looking games certainly

Tried the PC version.
Graphics are good, but you can tell where they're hiding the flaws.
Water can look odd at times, and some of the textures are lacking.
The soft focus, can be annoying at times.

As I expected, the graphics aren't as amazing, as those early reveal trailers, which was supposed to be in-game.
But it's at least 85 procent there.

Sadly, the gameplay is mediocre, especially the combat.
The animations is amazing, but it feels more like QTE sequences.

Who in their right mind said this game looks terrible?! It could look 100% like the original and it would still be nowhere near looking “terrible.”

I'm absolutely blown away by the graphics and Melina Juergens perfomance is incredible. This game might not win a GOTY (deserves a nomination) but it definetly deserves some awards for graphics, animation, sound, music and actress performance.

2% needs a new eyeglasses prescription.

all i could think about while watching a streamer playing it was death stranding.

Honestly, visuals don't impress me these days like they did 10 years ago and this game is no different.
There's just something about realistic visuals that make me shrug.

Now, I can appreciate a good-looking game when I see one but this is not one of them.

Playing the PC version and think it looks amazing for the most part.

@BearFut_1800 "It still has the same dull puzzles, mediocre combat and painfully slow pacing. It’s probably a good thing it’s so short"

It was what I was dreading, I would have prefer a ugly game but be fun to play in the vein of what Nintendo makes. This obviously applies to some of Sony's titles along with many third party studios, they prioritize graphics over actually making something that's fun for the player.

@Tecinthehead yeah I wanted to like this a lot more, don’t get me wrong it has some incredible presentation, not just in graphical fidelity, but the acting and the sound design. However these things alone don’t make a fun game to play, I know it’s not marketed as such - but as a comparison to something like God of War: Ragnarok there really isn’t any competition

I hate the combat. The puzzles aren't technically puzzles, they are just wandering round till the you're told you are in the right place.
Still love it, especially the graphics, I find myself so immersed in it. Honestly, I like the slow pace so I can properly take in the stunning visuals. Definitely the best I've seen this generation, I'm jaw on the floor so much.
The performance as well, Bravo!

Is it too much to ask for better combat ? Something like God of war ? Assassin creed ? Why have the game so restricted this is why Phil Spencer falls flat every release it’s like he ok with doing just the standard and doesn’t care what kids what today

I think the graphics look great but it can be off putting when textures can look flat and bland and it can look fuzzy/blurry, even with the motion blur turned off but it could just be an artistic choice the devs went with or a focus/distance thing. The water effects are terrible though, I’d of expected realistic water effects like we see in Sea of Thieves. Overall though it does look great, especially the character models and landscapes, I’m currently at the start of chapter 2, that sunset on the horizon illuminating the surrounding landscape... 😮‍💨

Haven't played it yet but I don't know why people are Knocking on the combat if it's like the first.
I genuinely believe Hellblade 1 had one of the best combat systems in an action game I've ever played.
Infinitely better than God of War.
Yes, it's extremely simple but it hits so hard it makes you feel like it's real.

@OrfeasDourvas I completely agree. It gives it a more realistic feel and makes the stakes feel higher. I have this one downloaded but haven’t tried it yet but as long as the combat is just as good as the original’s I’m all in.

@OrfeasDourvas I think it’s just that people want the spectacle of something like God of War, Bayonetta, (modern) Final Fantasy, or Spider-Man rather than the visceral and weighty type of fighting that Hellblade uses.

Senua has no flash or finesse with her combat style and people might see that as boring. It’s not fast like those other games. There are no combos to master or new moves to unlock.

I don’t think either focus is wrong, but in a world of flashy spectacle, something more arthouse and raw is always going to be divisive.

I really liked how the first game’s combat made you feel like almost as exhausted as Senua looked when it was all over. This game looks more intense than the first in that aspect.

I'm totally blown away. The graphics, the sound, animation and the weighty visceral combat are all absolutely incredible. Every swing of the sword, block and evade Senua makes, feels like it has impact and purpose. Absolutely love it 😀.

@MaccaMUFC "I think the graphics look great but it can be off putting when textures can look flat and bland and it can look fuzzy/blurry, even with the motion blur turned off "

I think i a lot of this is due to the fact the game relies so heavily on photogrammetry. There something like over 370 pieces of photogrammetry in the sequel, compared to just one in the first Hellblade... So, you can easily tell what was created by a 3d artist in the studio, and what was photographed during trips to Iceland. The stuff that is photogrammetry is probably going to have a softer fuzzier appearance.

@BIG3 I'm right there with you, I don't think it's necessarily GoTY material but it should at least be nominated. Nija Theory succeeded in telling a beautiful yet horrific story (over the course of 2 games). Hellblade 2 specifically showcases what can be done when you take people who are passionate about their art and allow them to work together to build something unique and masterful. Hellblade 2 is NOT your typical "game" in fact I went into it with s blank slate and open mind. I told myself this is an experience and when you look at it that way the game hits better. Art is absolutely subjective but for me there's no denying that Hellblade 2 is a fantastic piece of art!

Graphically it's absolutely stellar! Gameplay is another story but it definitely does look terrific!

Hands down, the best looking game out right now, by far. This is a showcase for what the Series X is capable of and why it is the most powerful console on the planet. I don't know of any other game that's even a close second. But, unfortunately, that doesn't translate into how good the game is overall. I'm a few hours in and it's definitely good but not great.

It looks amazing, but it's not the best fit for me. I still favor stylized graphics over ultra-realistic ones. It's impressive technology that's visible and audible, and I'm truly enjoying that. I'm also eager for a modern release that works seamlessly on both console and PC right from the start.

Bravo Ninja Theory

I can't believe how good this game looks! I played for about an hour, and it has got to be the most impressive real-time graphics I have ever seen! It looks borderline pre-rendered CG.

The fact it performs so well is also a huge plus! There were some slight hitches during the beginning of a couple of cutscenes, but I didn't notice any frame drops during actual gameplay.

I don't even notice the black bars (thanks mostly to the Active Array turning off backlighting on those particular parts of my TV, so it's pure black - I don't have an OLED, so it's the closest thing I have to achieving "True Black").

The audio design is even better than the first game. That intro sequence is extremely disorienting! The soundtrack is superb and really sets the tone.

Combat is incredibly "primal" and slow-paced, but it has a nice "punch" to it when blows are landed. I got incredibly nervous during a pivotal battle, but everything panned out to a satisfying end.

It's really a great experience so far.

@Cikajovazmaj - couldn't agree more. I knew what I was getting into buying a Series S so I'm not complaining, just stating the fact; between the black bars and under the blurry image I can tell that there's graphics and art direction that probably look stunning for those playing on a Series X.

Sure it looks amazing but I never felt that I was involved in the experience. The combat is so basic and heavily scripted, whilst the line up the object visual "puzzles" just felt like they were there to keep you busy for a few more seconds rather than adding to the experience.

@ridiculous_ties I mean, it drops to 615p most of the time.. it's just past the point of diminishing returns, which is fine as new games should target more powerful and common hardware (game looks incredible on X and decent PC). I just don't understand what Series S owners applauding the visuals see (or don't see), as it was clearly not the primary target.

@OrfeasDourvas I agree about the combat in Hellblade . It feels heavy and powerful. I really enjoy a good parry/dodge and smash. Its very satisfying.

The vistas in particular are simply awe inspiring! There's a part about halfway through (maybe two thirds) where you emerge from a subterranean level into the world to the most amazing views. I just stood there for a few minutes taking it all in. Simply incredible! The clouds looked so real, and the detail on the ground around me, just wow! Utterly photorealistic. When it comes to the graphics, there is no game like it out there right now. It is very, very special in that regards...

First time in years I've felt genuinely stunned by how good a game looked (playing on series x, can't vouch for series s).
Really is an amazing looking game when you see it in action.

Sadly I've already given up on the game - the painfully dull use of "walk slowly around this area and stand in random spots until you chance upon the right perspective to solve yet another visual puzzle" mechanics totally killed interest in the 1st one for me, and did the same a within a couple of hours playing the sequel too.

Though apparently it's a very short game - so I probalby actually saw quite a high % of the game before I gave up.

This is Peak Graphics

I've personally dumped Game Pass so I'm not checking it out. I just want to say for people bashing the gameplay, I see a game like Death Stranding as boring but many people liked it. I'm not trying to compare the two games, it's just the example I'm using.

I am blown away by the graphics. I am very much enjoying the game so far (only about an hour in). To hell with the naysayers. I am looking at you Metro UK Gaming, the TMZ of gaming websites and the most anti-Xbox site out there.

Who are the 3% that said this looks terrible?

LMAO

Fantastic looking game which shows what Unreal Engine 5 can do , and is encouraging for all systems which will use this engine.
It's a shame its 'bordered' and has a limited frame rate, but when it can pop out visuals of this fidelity I'd take it!

I already know I won't enjoy the game, as I didnt enjoy the first one and by many accounts this is not any different, but as a show of the engine's and studio's technical prowess, I very much admire it and look forward to other studios pushing UE5 to its limits.

@DoomGuy_117
I am one of them.
People do have different opinions, you know?

Still looks and runs pretty impressive on Series S imho. Even on 30fps it plays and looks pretty smooth but I guess this is more a result of the slow pace. It has some hiccups if you exit pause though.

@Fishysensei Oh? Cool man.

I figured it was people trolling.

You are correct. Your opinion is your own. What games do you think look good?