Microsoft Reveals Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Running On The Xbox Series X

During The Game Awards 2019, Along side the announcement for the Xbox Series X, Microsoft announced one of the first games for the system, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II. The footage shown was created in-engine, and shows the breathtaking, cinematic scenes of a demonic ritual performed by a cult. It’s unknown if the game will be a launch title when the system releases in holiday 2020, or if it will release after that. 

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice Is Coming To Nintendo Switch This Spring

During the February 2019 Nintendo Direct, the company announced that Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is coming to Nintendo Switch this Spring. The announcement tweet is down below.

Join the Celtic warrior Senua on a quest through Viking Hell to fight for the soul of her dead lover in the critically acclaimed Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, coming to #NintendoSwitch this spring. pic.twitter.com/o1eSUEkrqZ

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) February 13, 2019

UPDATE 4/4/19 - Ninja Theory has confirmed that Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is coming to Nintendo Switch on April 11.

#Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is coming to #NintendoSwitch next week on April 11! pic.twitter.com/hYjonlgasK

— NinjaTheory (@NinjaTheory) April 2, 2019

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice Getting A Physical Release Later This Year

Microsoft and 505 revealed that Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice will be available on store shelves later this year.

Developed by Ninja Theory, the developer behind titles like Heavenly Sword and Devil May Cry, Hellblade follows the story of a Celtic warrior battling her inner demons as she ventures into hell to save the soul of her deceased lover. Created with the help of neuroscientists and people who experience psychosis, the game aimed to offer a realistic portrayal of mental illness. 

Micosoft will publish Hellblade on Xbox One while 505 will be handling the PS4 edition. Both version will hit store shelves on December 4 for $29.99.

Hellblade Getting VR Edition On PC, Steam Owners Get It For Free

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is getting a standalone VR edition that ports the entire game to VR. If you own Hellblade on Steam already, or buy it now, you will get the VR edition for free. The VR edition is the entire single player game with tuned VR controls and effects.

Ninja Theory To Donate Money To Mental Health America If Xbox One Version Of Hellblade Sales Hit Threshold

Ninja Theory has announced that they'll be donating upwards of $50,000 to Mental Health America depending on the sales of the Xbox One version of Hellblade hits a certain threshold.

The developer has set up two tiers for the first week sales of Hellblade on Xbox One until April 18. The first tier, a $25,000 donation, is achieved if the game breaks 50,000 sales in the first week. Similarly, the donation amount doubles if the sales do as well, warranting a $50,000 donation for 100,000 copies sold.

#Hellblade launches for #XboxOne tomorrow!

If we hit 50,000 week 1 sales by April 18th, we can donate $25K to Mental Health America @MentalHealthAm !

If we hit 100,000 we can donate $50K! Spread the word! We can do it!! pic.twitter.com/vPPtxHZsYz

— NinjaTheory (@NinjaTheory) April 10, 2018

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice Is Coming To Xbox One In April

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is coming to Xbox One soon, as will receivice enhancements for Xbox One X too. Those playing on Xbox One X will have 3 enhancement modes to choose from, including enhanced visuals mode (extra FX and higher visual quality), high framerate mode (running the game at 60 frames per second), and High Resolution mode up to 4K. You can pre-order Hellblade for Xbox One for $29.99. It releases for the console on April 11.

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice Rumored To Be Coming To Xbox One

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is reportedly coming to Xbox One according to the Taiwan's Game Software Ratings board. The listing (first spotted on Reddit) shows an "unlisted" release date for the unconfirmed port, as well as its potential box art. While an Xbox One port hasn't officially been announced, the same ratings board previously revealed, BioShock: The Collection before officially being revealed.

Here Are The Nominations For The D.I.C.E Awards

Outstanding Achievement in Animation

Cuphead
For Honor
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Horizon: Zero Dawn
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction

Cuphead
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Horizon: Zero Dawn
Little Nightmares
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Outstanding Achievement in Character

Assassin's Creed Origins - Bayek
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice - Senua
Horizon: Zero Dawn - Aloy
Star Wars Battlefront II - Iden Versio
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy - Chloe Fraiser

Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition

Call of Duty: WWII
Cuphead
Horizon: Zero Dawn
RiME
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Outstanding Achievement in Sound Design

Destiny 2
Injustice 2
Star Wars Battlefront II
Super Mario Odyssey
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

Outstanding Achievement in Story

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Horizon: Zero Dawn
Night in the Woods
What Remains of Edith Finch
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Outstanding Technical Achievement

Assassin's Creed Origins
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Horizon: Zero Dawn
Lone Echo/Echo Arena 
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Action Game of the Year

Call of Duty: WWII
Cuphead
Destiny 2
PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Adventure Game of the Year

Assassin's Creed Origins
Horizon: Zero Dawn
Super Mario Odyssey
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

Family Game of the Year

DropMix
GNOG
Just Dance 2018
SingStar Celebration
Snipperclips

Fighting Game of the Year

Arms
Injustice 2
Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite
Nidhogg 2
Tekken 7

Racing Game of the Year

DiRT 4
Forza Motorsport 7
Gran Turismo Sport
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Project CARS 2

Role-Playing Game of the Year

Divinity: Original Sin 2
Middle-earth: Shadow of War
Nier:Automata
Persona 5
Torment: Tides of Numenera

Sports Game of the Year

Everybody's Golf
FIFA 18
Golf Clash
Madden NFL 18
MLB The Show 17

Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year

Endless Space 2
Halo Wars 2
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Total War: Warhammer II
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen

Immersive Reality Technical Achievement

Lone Echo/Echo Arena 
Robo Recall
Star Trek Bridge Crew
The Invisible Hours
Wilson's Heart 

Immersive Reality Game of the Year

Lone Echo/Echo Arena 
Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin
Robo Recall
Space Pirate Trainer
Wilson's Heart 

D.I.C.E. Sprite Award

Everything
Gorogoa
Night in the Woods
Pyre
Snipperclips

Handheld Game of the Year

Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth
Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
Metroid: Samus Returns
Monster Hunter Stories

Mobile Game of the Year

Cat Quest
Fire Emblem Heroes
Gorogoa
Monument Valley 2
Splitter Critters

Outstanding Achievement in Online Gameplay

Call of Duty: WWII
Destiny 2
Fortnite
PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands

Outstanding Achievement in Game Design

Gorogoa
Horizon: Zero Dawn
PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds
Super Mario Odyssey
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction

Gorogoa
Horizon: Zero Dawn
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
What Remains of Edith Finch

Game of the Year

Cuphead
Horizon: Zero Dawn
PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds
Super Mario Odyssey
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

My Top 10 Games Of 2017

2017. What a year for video games. It’s been so great that my usually Top 5 had to be turned into a Top 10! Since I started doing these top year lists for games in 2015, this has to be the hardest list I’ve ever done. Before I begin with my list, I’d like to point out that this list is based on my opinion and my opinion alone. I’m just giving my thoughts on games that I really enjoyed in the crazy year.  

10. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy 

When the game was announced back at E3 2016 I was beyond excited for it to release. But little did I know that the game would receive such love and care from its developer, Vicarious Visions. The sounds, the look, the animation, everything I loved about Crash was in the game. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy set the standard for what a remake/remaster should be. It was the return of everyones favorite marsupial, but most importantly it was an opportunity for me to relive one of my favorite games from my childhood. Thank you Activision and Vicarious Visions for bringing back Crash.

9. Cuphead

Cuphead breathes new life into the 2D platforms with its run and gun style, along with its beautiful 1930's art style and brutal (at times) boss fights, Cuphead is definitely a game you should consider playing. Not much more can be said about Cuphead, this it’s just one of those games you need to experience. 

8. Metroid: Samus Returns 

It’s funny how AM2R was on my list for “Top 5 games of 2016” and now Metroid: Samus Returns is now this years list. Zero Mission is still my favorite Metroid game but Samus Returns definitely gives it a run for its money. The game gives life to the series and the Metroid game I’ve wanted since beating fusion. Between the discovery and boss battles you’ll see time fly right before your eyes, I know I did. If you haven’t played this game yet, I highly recommend that you do. 

7. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard 

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard brought the series back to its horror roots and away from the over the top action movie tone that we’ve seen it the previous iteration. The game has just the right amount of weird and scary that I’ve come to love with Resident Evil. As some who’s favorite Resident Evil game is 4, Resident Evil 7 comes as a close second. If you really wanna wet yourself then I highly recommend playing the game in VR. 

6. Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn just might be the most innovative games I’ve ever played. A game that takes place in a world filled with robot dinosaurs, ruins and stunning environments ? Sign me up. Between its story, crafting and it’s amazing open world Horizon is a must play if you own and PS4.

5. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds

I don’t usually buy games that are in early access, but the phenomenon that is PUBG could not be ignored. From your first death you get hooked and want to see if you can get ti #1. Sure, the game combat and gameplay are good (a bit buggy at times). But the game really shines when you’re playing with friends. I can’t remember a time when I laughed so much or so hard during a game. Weather it was because I accidentally downed a team mate or because I drove off a cliff and the car exploded, PUBG leads to a good time. You can play solo, I just don’t think you’ll have as much fun as you’ll have with others. 

4. HellBlade

One of the most immersive games I’ve ever played. Headphones are 100% recommended when playing as the game features 3D audio on a whole nother level and you just wouldn’t have the same experience if you play with out them. The combat is really satisfying and fluid once you get the hang of things. The scenery is amazing and the performance from Melina Juergens (Senua) is simply breath taking. The games take on mental illness in the story of the game is very refreshing as we get a glimpse of what it’s like living with a mental illness. 

3. Super Mario Odyssey

Mario is back and better then ever. This time Mario has a new friend, Cappy, to help him save Peach and his Cappy’s sister from Bowser. Happy brings a refreshing element to the game that I haven’t felt since I played Mario 64. Speaking of Mario 64, That’s one of the things I absolutely love about the this game. It feels like 64 on steroids and could not be anymore happy about it. There’s also a really awesome Kingdom that you unlock when you beat the game that really warmed my heart. If you own a Nintendo Switch you really should play this game. 

2. Life Is Strange: Before The Storm 

When Before The Storm was announced at E3 2017, I was both excited and skeptical. As a huge Life Is Strange fan of course I wanted more from the series, but when I heard that the voice actors were didn’t that’s were I become worried. But, at the end of it all Before The Storm is simply a master piece for any LIS fan. This game has no business being as good as it was considering Dont Nod wasn’t the developer for the game. Instead Deck Nine was at the helm and did one hella of a job. The dynamic between Rachel and Chloe is fantastic and Chloe is even more relatable is Before The Storm than the original game. Thank you Deck Nine for making such a beautiful game, one I won’t soon forget. 

1. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild 

Is anyone surprised ? When I pre ordered the Nintendo Switch back in January of this year I also pre ordered Zelda. I wasn’t much of a Zelda person at the time, I loved playing Link in smash and Wind Waker was a really fun game on the GameCube. Other then that Zelda never really caught my attention growing up. I thought Zelda could keep me busy on the Switch until Splatoon 2 or some other game came out. Boy was I right. The story, the open world, the combat the everything about Breath Of The Wild is amazing. The simple that the if you think you can do something in the game, chances are YOU CAN!! When does that ever happen in a game. I remember being near Death Mountain and thought “I wonder if I drop some meat will the lava will cook it ?” Sure enough the meat was cooked and I was amazed. Breath Of The Wild doesn’t feel like an ordinary game, It gives you free range to do whatever you want in ways most open world games never do. On top of that, the fact that you have to watch what clothes you’re wearing so you don’t freeze to death or overheat just brings a whole new dynamic to the game. If you haven’t played this game. You really should. It’s definitely one of the ages.

So there you have it, those are my Top 10 Games of 2017. Here’s to  2018. It’s looking to be another amazing year for games, with Spider-Man, Red Dead Redemption, God of War, Detroit: Become Human, Soulcalibur VI and BlazeBlue: Cross Tag Battle just to name a few things I’m excited about in the coming year. I’d also like to give a “few” honorable mentions to some games that didn’t make the list but I still really  enjoyed playing this year. 

Call of Duty WWII

Battlefront II

Splatoon 2

Marvel Vs Capcom Infinite 

Gundam Versus

ARMS

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

Injustice 2 

Tekken 7

Nier: Automata

Wolfenstein II

Uncharted: Lost Legacy 

Tales Of Bereseria