The highly anticipated sequel to the award winning video game “Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice” is finally out, featuring a surprise song by an artist we know and love. “Animal Soul” by AURORA.
Ninja Theory’s “Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II” promises to push the boundaries of what current-gen consoles can achieve. Developed in Unreal Engine 5, we are in for breathtaking visuals, immersing players in a 10th century Viking Iceland. The mystical landscapes, ranging from snowy peaks to rugged terrain are so beautifully rendered they could just as well be real.
Before diving into Hellblade II, catch up with the story so far right here:
Story wise, Hellblade II is a direct sequel to “Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice.” Senua, a Pict warrior, is willingly captured by slavers from Iceland, hoping to free her enslaved people. When the ship sinks on its way from Orkney to Iceland, Senua washes up on the shore and a dark and mystical journey begins. On a quest to free her people, Senua encounters a plethora of beings from Nordic mythology, such as the Hiddenfolk, draugar, giants, coming from beyond the walls between Midgard and Jötunheimr, as well as Northmen.
The action-adventure carries over- and builds on gameplay mechanics already utilized in its predecessor. Notably, puzzles and runes, integrated into the landscapes, permadeath and an upgraded combat system, focusing on fluidity and strategy. Another core element from the first Hellblade makes makes its comeback in the sequel. That being psychological horror in the shape of an examination of Senua’s mental state and the struggle with her psychosis.
The sound design is impeccable as well. Wearing headphones is highly recommended for the optimal experience. Major symptoms of Senua’s psychosis are what she refers to as “furies,” a number of male and female voices in her head that either encourage her, or instill self-doubt along the way. The developers utilized binaural recordings to further immerse players in Senua’s mind. Although this time around, contrasting the first Hellblade, she has accepted her “furies” as a part of herself and cooperates with them on occasion, rather than just fighting them.
A viking setting? Nordic mythology? One of the best female protagonists in video game history? Who better to get on board than the beloved alt-pop phenom, Aurora?
Watch the official “Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II” launch trailer, featuring AURORA, below:
With her fifth studio album/major release, What Happened To The Heart, set to come out on June 7, 2024, the Norwegian singer-songwriter AURORA has been enchanting us with her ethereal music for years. “Animal Soul” is a formerly unreleased song by AURORA that she has performed live on several occasions over the span of nearly ten years. The song underwent a few minor lyrical changes, with Aurora only having posted partial lyrics on her social media accounts.
On May 17, 2024, an official, newly recorded version of “Animal Soul” was released for “Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.” The song is a hauntingly beautiful ode to the outcasts. To the ones struggling to find their place in the world. Whilst “Animal Soul” is older than even the first Hellblade game, its topics, through re-contextualization, neatly tie in with Hellblade II’s protagonist in several instances.
“I can remember times when it used to be warmer
Lying inside the body of my mother”~ “Animal Soul”
As Senua struggles with her mental illness, AURORA refers to safer times. While no one can actually remember being a fetus, she might hint at the blissful unconsciousness. Times in which the own mind wasn’t as troublesome and life was simpler. This is something Senua might just as well long for among her constant inner conflict.
“I’m a child
With an animal soul
I don’t belong here
I don’t belong anywhere”~ “Animal Soul”
AURORA is a free spirit. Often misunderstood and constantly redefining and finding herself in her art. She shares her personal little world with us through her music. In comparison, some view Senua as gifted and a “seer,” because she hears her “furies” talking to her and sees visions and hallucinations. Others, on the other hand, think of her as cursed and and when the plague came over their land, the people blamed Senua. While she is more accepting of her lot in life in Hellblade II, Senua still fights to find her place.
“As I am running around looking for every answer
Mmm, moving across my mind like a beautiful dancer”~ “Animal Soul”
Senua struggles with her “furies” and visions, trying to distinguish what’s real from what’s in her mind, looking for answers. While she accepts the voices as a part of herself in Hellblade II, the inner conflict is still present. However, as Senua doesn’t solely fight the voices anymore, she might be moving across her mind with a little more ease from now on.
The collaboration between “Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II” and AURORA is the perfect pairing to make a game that is mystical on its own, even more magical. “Animal Soul” guarantees to enhance the experience, making for a game that deserves its spot in everyone’s collection.
Don’t miss out on XBOX’s Twitch stream on Tuesday, May 28 at 7pm BST, where Senua’s mo-cap actress Melina Juergens will be joined by AURORA to play “Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.”
Stream “Animal Soul” today, available on all major listening platforms:
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