Hellblade 2 on Xbox Series X/S Limited to 30fps: A Cinematic Choice

Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga, the highly anticipated sequel from Ninja Theory, brings forth a visual spectacle powered by Unreal Engine 5. However, Xbox Series X/S players may find themselves limited to a 30fps experience, a choice that has stirred discussions among gamers.

Hellblade 2 on Xbox Series: The Technical Details

German outlet GamePro confirms that Hellblade 2 runs at 30fps on Xbox Series X/S with a dynamic resolution. Unlike some other games, no graphics modes are available to prioritize frame rate. This decision is to provide what the VFX director describes as a “cinematic” experience. While some players may appreciate the cinematic feel, others might find the lower frame rate less than ideal, especially considering the game’s reportedly slow and weighty gameplay. This aligns with Bethesda’s Starfield, which also locked its console frame rate at 30fps.

Technical Showcase and Creative Direction

Despite the frame rate limitations, Hellblade 2 remains a technical showcase, leveraging Unreal Engine 5 to its fullest potential. Polygon highlights the game’s motion-captured animation, authentic landscapes from Iceland, and hyper-realistic textures achieved through meticulous scanning of props and costumes. Intriguingly, the absence of Ninja Theory founder Tameem Antoniades from the studio raises questions. While Antoniades was involved in the early stages of Hellblade 2, the project is now led by three creative leads: Dan Attwell, Mark Slater-Tunstill, and David Garcia.

Release Date and Accessibility

Hellblade 2 is set for a digital-only release on May 21st across Xbox Series X/S and PC, available on Game Pass from day one. Despite the frame rate limitations, the game promises to deliver a visually stunning and immersive experience for players. Above all, while the frame rate choice may divide opinions, Hellblade 2’s commitment to cinematic storytelling and technical excellence sets a high bar for the gaming industry.