The lack of a physical version for Hellblade 2 has already put a damper on some people. But another controversy erupts before the release of the Xbox exclusive.
Ready to relive a rather unique and somewhere trying journey into Senua’s psyche? Hellblade 2 releases on May 21, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S and PC. A suite which seems to push all the knobs to the limit, and which should still offer a great soundscape. And through the latest trailer or the images obtained with Photo mode, the technique will also normally be top-notch. Or almost. An element confirmed during an interview is debated and greatly disappoints some Internet users.
The Hellblade 2 experience will “not be completely” smooth
In a little over a month, you will be able to restart your Xbox Series X | S or storm your PC to discover Hellblade 2. The new chapter of Senua’s introspective journey. “Determined to save the victims of tyranny, Senua must fight to defeat the darkness of the world, but also her own darkness” (via Xbox). Before its release, the English studio Ninja Theory invited some media to try the game for the first time. And what stands out most from the first feedback is the visual quality of Hellblade 2. Our American colleagues at Polygon took a slap in the face. “The game, which I played on Xbox Series X, is magnificent” explains Oli Welsh.
Whether it’s the volumetric effects, the lighting, the modeling and expressions of Senua, the realism of the settings and the precision of the textures, Hellblade 2 seems to be the expected technical showcase. However, there are some annoying subjects like the framerate. While we might have expected different graphics modes, like those excluded from the competition or third-party games, the title will have none, except the one under which it runs. And the problem is that Hellblade 2 will not exceed 30fps on Xbox Series consoles.
30fps without native 4K for the exclusive Xbox Series X|S
According to Gamepro, who was able to speak with the visual effects director, this is voluntary. “The visual effects director explained to us that the experience should be “more cinematic” – similar to films that run at 24 frames per second” indicates the site. This will bring back good and bad memories for some, since The Order 1886 on PS4 had already made this choice. Moreover, like the latter, Hellblade 2 will also have black bands… with the added bonus of dynamic resolution. So no native 4K.
If it’s done well, most people should see nothing in it, but just seeing such concessions irritates players. Now, we must hope that the 30fps are stable in all circumstances, and that the variations in the display are not brutal. To combine 60fps and high resolution, you still have the PC version.