Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Developed by Ember Lab
Published by Ember Lab
Initially Released September 21, 2021
Available for Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Windows
Genre: Action/Adventure
Personal Playtime: 16 hours 25 minutes
Environments / Graphics – 9
This is such a pretty game. I don’t think it can be overstated. It legitimately feels like you are playing through a Pixar movie when you enter this world. I found that even towards the end of the game, I was still marveling at the visual displays around every corner. The character models have personality, and the whole art style feels very cohesive. Your little rot companions that you collect are very adorable, and their little hats melted my heart. It’s all very cute and fun. There is an ethereal beauty and calmness that matches the enchanted forest vibe that runs through the game. The level design is interesting, if not particularly captivating. However, that beauty I spoke of is everpresent in the world, and it does carry you through quite a bit. That being said, the way the world utilizes your traversal options does add an extra layer to keep you engaged.
Music / Sound – 7
The musical score is not a huge part of this experience. There are a couple times in this game when the music really shines through and adds some weight and emotion to events playing out, but for the most part, it seems happy to take a backseat to the visuals and gameplay. It does provide a backdrop to the action on screen that adds to the ethereal nature of everything else happening in this game. The sound design during the action is perky and energetic while keeping the airy quality that the string-heavy score generates.
Narrative / Performance – 8
Kena: Bridge of Spirits doesn’t get too heavy-handed with its narrative. Instead, the game lets your exploration push you forward with just a sprinkling of narrative thrust to keep you from feeling overly aimless. Kena, the main character, is a spirit guide. Her job is to help spirits come to terms with their past and their deaths so that they can move on. This is a premise that’s easy to understand and gives you a reason to be exploring this mountain forest environment. It also allows for some emotional payoff as the story progresses, which is something I always appreciate. The voice work in here is not used very much, but the performances are solid when they do get the chance to take center stage. Each person you meet feels distinct, and even your little companions have so much character that it is a treat each time you find a new one. By the end, the story feels complete and satisfying. The whole thing ties a nice bow on the experience and gives some strong meaning behind all of your actions throughout.
Gameplay / Mechanics – 8
The core of this game is its gameplay. Kena uses exploration to introduce you to the beautiful environments, but it juxtaposes this with some interesting combat. I would almost describe the combat system as soulslike. It features many elements that are hallmarks of the genre, but it never ramps the difficulty up like those games do. You get some light and heavy attacks and dodge rolls, as well as some ranged attacks and magical abilities you can unlock. Some of the bosses get pretty aggressive, but nothing in this game crushed me on the level of Elden Ring or Dark Souls. Not even close. However, those mechanics do give the combat a similar feel without the devastating difficulty curve. The exploration is also really rewarding, and in my opinion, is the best part of the game. Kena: Bridge of Spirits lets you use your magic to traverse the world in interesting ways, and your cute little companions give you additional abilities as well. None of these features overstay their welcome, as the game is fairly short. But the overall experience feels full and complete once you finish. If you like third person action-adventure games, you should enjoy this one for the 15 or so hours it takes to complete. This game isn’t trying to be a sprawling epic. It’s not trying to be a hard-hitting narrative blockbuster. And that is great. Not every game needs to be that. It strongly succeeds at what it is trying to be. All games are different, and the industry is better off when games operate within themselves.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
- Graphics – 9
- Sound – 7
- Narrative – 8
- Gameplay – 8
Overall: 8
This game isn’t an all-time classic, but it is fun and engaging. It is all the more impressive considering this is Ember Labs debut game. This is technically an indie game, although that term has different meanings for everybody, and it is a great example of what indie games can do. I have to say again, this game is so pretty. If you enjoy the art style that they are giving you, then this is an easy recommendation. The world, the combat, and the exploration are all solid enough to hold your interest as well. Kena: Bridge of Spirits is also a pretty solid value as well, coming in at below the standard price of games nowadays. Last I checked, you could pick it up for around $40 at regular price. This is another great example of the diversity you can find in gaming, and it’s a great example of why I love games
Game Overview
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a story-driven action adventure set in a charming world rich with exploration and fast-paced combat. Players find and grow a team of tiny spirit companions called the Rot, enhancing their abilities and creating new ways to manipulate the environment.
Kena, a young Spirit Guide, travels to an abandoned village in search of the sacred mountain shrine. She struggles to uncover the secrets of this forgotten community hidden in an overgrown forest where wandering spirits are trapped.
Find the Rot
Timid and illusive spirits scattered throughout the forest. They maintain balance by decomposing dead and rotting elements.
Key Features
• Build Your Team: Find and collect Rot to gain powerful abilities, make discoveries, and transform the environment.
• Explore: A forgotten village and a strange curse. Draw on the power of the Spirit Realm to restore this once-majestic world.
• Fast-Paced Combat: Spirits have become corrupt, trapped and unable to move on, challenging Kena at every turn.
