One of the most unique gameplay features ofHellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, and one that appears prominently in the latest trailer forSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, is the constant presence of other voices inside the titular character’s head. Although they offered assistance and provided exposition throughout the first game, thevoices in Senua’s headare more than just a unique plot device incorporated by developer Ninja Theory. Instead, they stand as a bold and surprisingly nuanced attempt at depicting some of the very real challenges faced by individuals living with mental health disorders.
In theHellbladeseries, the voices in Senua’s head represent a manifestation of the Pictish warrior’s psychosis. A collection of symptoms affecting the mind and perceptions of those diagnosed with it, psychosis can sometimes cause individuals with the disorder to experience visual and auditory hallucinations that can make it difficult to distinguish between what is and isn’t real. Rather than being introduced as just a distinctive character quirk or being employed to scare players likepsychosis inThe Outlast Trials, Ninja Theory takes the time to show how Senua’s disorder not only doesn’t define her but can also be a source of unexpected strength.
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Senua’s Struggles Also Give Her Strength
Apart from being a thoughtful representation of the challenges of living with psychosis, the voices in Senua’s head are also a critical gameplay element. In addition to using the chatter of Senua’s inner voices to provide context to the events happening around her throughout her journey, Ninja Theory uses these manifestations of her psychosis to provide sometimes-invaluable assistance in solving the multiplepuzzles inHellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. Based on the gameplay footage revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase, it appears that the voices will play a similar role inSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2.
While Senua’s inner voices can sometimes provide assistance, at several points throughoutHellblade: Senua’s Sacrificethey also served as fiercely antagonistic entities who sought to fill Senua with self-doubt. Similar to the real-world symptoms experienced by some individuals living with psychosis, Senua’s inner voices could be deeply critical at times, mocking and dismissing her actions. Despite this sometimes-rocky relationship, bythe end ofHellblade: Senua’s Sacrificethe voices and Senua had reached a point of relatively peaceful coexistence. Although Senua was not free of her disorder, by coming to terms with her grief and trauma she had learned to effectively manage many of the worst symptoms of her psychosis.
Ninja Theory’s Thoughtful Approach to Depicting Mental Illness
Throughout the development ofHellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice,great care was taken to ensure that the game’s depiction of psychosis reflected some of the real struggles faced by individuals living with the disorder.Ninja Theory worked with mental health expertsduring the development process to make sure that Senua’s psychosis was presented respectfully in addition to being employed as a core element of the gameplay. For the upcomingSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2,Ninja Theory is once again working with professionals to ensure that the game’s depiction of mental health disorders is accurate and doesn’t serve to reinforce negative stereotypes.
Although Ninja Theory’s work on theHellbladeseries is one of the most high-profile examples of video games depicting mental health disorders in a positive light, it is far from the only instance of a developer tackling the subject with style and grace. Even though far too many developers still rely on the outdated trope of mental illness being the cause for a villains’ maniacal machinations, games ranging fromPsychonauts 2toGenshin Impacthave made strides in advancing positive representation ofmental health in gamingin recent years.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2looks to be continuing the first game’s efforts to provide a positive and realistic depiction of psychosis, all while still delivering a thrilling, AAA gaming experience. By depicting a protagonist who remains strong and capable even in the face of her mental health disorder, Ninja Theory is helping to break down stigmas and show that anyone can be a hero.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2is set to release on PC and Xbox Series X|S in 2024.
