I think it's time I start writing my gaming thoughts down again, I used to be in games journalism so when I left for greener pastures I stopped. Before we go any further there will be typos and grammar mistakes... sorry

I've been playing Hellblade Senua's Sacrifice on PC, don't worry I won't spoil anything. The first thing I want to say is how good the game looks maxed out running at 4k60. All its missing is HDR which could have enhanced alot of the alpha effects that serve as hallucinations.

The reason im bringing the game up is because I completely disagree with the praise it's gotten but probably not for the reasons you would think.

Every site and YouTuber has praised the game for showing an excellent depiction of schizophrenia and how it might be to live with the disease.

I disagree quite a bit with that sentiment. Through my life I've considered 2 people with the disease family and another 3 as close to friends as you can really get with someone who doesn't truly know the world.

I've heard the disease described during brief lucid moments many times and while Hellblade gets some things right it also gets alot wrong. It's far too complex an issue to go into but it's just something that has bothered me.

The game itself is thus far a good experience as long as I can push the schizophrenia aspects out of my mind, they hit too close to home especially with 2 deaths that happened far too young.

Definitely play the game, it's well worth your $30 and this along with Lawbreakers could be the start of the middle market returning to gaming which means more original IP and innovation.

So enjoy the game, feel for Senua and what she is going through but ignore the "hype" when it comes to the game tackling mental illness in a meaningful way. I'm not saying it doesn't hit certain beats because it does but it's not...it's not true to the nature of the disease. There isn't anything wrong with that and it's not ninja theorys fault. The blame lies with the press.

If you ever get the chance I highly suggest doing some volunteer work with people suffering from this disorder. It might change your life...I know it changed mine.