Kena: Bridge of Spirits Review

In their first attempt, Ember Lab has delivered a game that combines Pixar-like visuals with puzzles and a world heavily inspired by classic *Zelda* games. However, there are some noticeable flaws, as we’ll discuss in this review.

Story

The story revolves around Kena, a girl with the ability to help lost spirits cross over to the afterlife safely before they turn into monsters that consume the world’s magical energy. With the help of her companions, the Rots, and some other spirits, Kena strives to guide these lost souls to peace.

While the story is simple, it delivers clear messages about life and death in a way reminiscent of children’s stories or old Studio Ghibli films. It may not be the best narrative presentation, but it suits the game’s target audience, which is primarily children.

Graphics and Music

Kena impresses with visuals that blend modern Pixar-like animations with the charming art style of Studio Ghibli. From the start, the game captivates with its character designs, particularly Kena herself, whose animations and design are mesmerizing throughout the experience.

The game also features a beautiful soundtrack that immerses players in its world. The music evokes the spirit of classic games from the N64 and PS1 eras, resembling tracks from *Majora’s Mask*. Each track is carefully crafted to reflect the environment, enhancing the visual and auditory experience.

World and Environment

While the game’s visuals are stunning, the environments lack variety. The repetitive design of areas gives the impression of traversing the same region over and over. Additionally, the absence of basic open-world features like a mini-map makes navigation cumbersome, requiring players to frequently open the full map to determine their route.

Gameplay

The gameplay is divided into three main sections, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Platforming elements, inspired by games like *Uncharted* and *Breath of the Wild*, are well-designed and paired with clever puzzles that make players feel accomplished upon solving them.

However, the combat system is underwhelming. Basic moves are locked behind a weak upgrade system, and the limited upgrades lead to repetitive battles. On the positive side, boss fights are diverse and require unique strategies. These encounters often blend platforming and combat, pushing players to use all their skills to succeed.

Defeating a boss turns it into a regular enemy in subsequent encounters, similar to *Dark Souls*, adding significant value to combat progression.

Conclusion

*Kena: Bridge of Spirits* marks Ember Lab’s first venture into the gaming world. Despite its flaws, it’s a successful attempt that leaves players excited for the studio’s future projects.

Pros

• Beautiful Pixar-like visuals
• Engaging platforming
• Challenging puzzles
• Diverse and frequent boss battles
• Immersive soundtrack

Cons

• Weak combat system
• Lack of variety in environments
• Repetitiveness in some areas

Final Score: 7.5/10

If you enjoyed this review, you can purchase *Kena: Bridge of Spirits* for PS4 or PS5 through this link.