I don't know how far into the game I am but I am loving this. I really love unique game experiences and this is one of them.

You are Senua who is obviously dealing with some mental problems from what seems to be the death of a loved one. I am not sure yet what relationship this loved one was to her but she is willing to do anything to get him back; including going to Hel. Game revolves around Nordic Viking lore but there is someone who speaks to her that has a Scottish accent so I get a bit confused. I think this is a game where you learn more about what is going on as you play.

There are three main things in the game play:

1. Narrative - Most of this is done while walking/jogging from one area to another. Female voices in your head that often talk to you about what you are doing or giving you doubt about if you can make it. Kinda creepy and eerie in a way. Going perfectly with your characters facial expressions and what is going on in the environment. Helps guide you also when you get stuck.

2. Puzzles - I am not big on puzzles but they range from a fun challenge to figure out to YouTube save me from this type difficulty. Most puzzles are environment puzzles that you need to solves in order to progress.

3. Combat - Combat can best be described as "soulslike" as in you are timing your strikes, parries, and dodges based on the enemies movements. Very clean and responsive controls making it easy to time everything you need to. Slow and steady will win the battle. If you get impatient and try to do too many attacks at once you will lose. There is a focus mode you build up with successful strikes and parries. Very useful when you are outnumbered.

Over all the game is a great experience so far. Basically no HUD so it always looks beautiful. Health is based on how Senua is standing. If she is standing tall and moving with precision her health is good. If she has a hard time getting off the ground after getting knocked down and she is holding her wounds and barely swinging her sword then you are hurting and close to death. Don't want to give away how "lives" work but that is also a unique take on the game.

I will admit this game is probably not for everyone. I am biased and love unique games that are amongst themselves unique and little to compare it to (ie. Deathloop, Remnant II, Neon White). I would still say this should be given a shot if you like third person view linear adventure type games. It really has been an experience so far and will update once I beat the game.