The days of true console exclusives are sort of numbered. Sure, most first-party titles will rarely see action on other platforms, unless it’s an Xbox game, but true third-party exclusives are generally fewer and further between these days. Kena: Bridge of Spirits, our review subject, started life as a PS5-only console exclusive landed on the Xbox.
Read More: Strayed Lights review – Staying on the Same Path
Admittedly, the three-year wait for it to jump to Xbox meant it was exclusive for longer then your average timed agreement. But the lesson remains, patience will get you practically any third-party console, Eventually.
Spirited Away
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an action-adventure and, on the whole, a solid port of a beloved title. You play as Kena, a young spirit guide who is travelling to an abandoned village in search of the sacred Mountain Shrine.
Upon reaching the village Kena finds it and the area surrounding it are corrupted by darkness. The spirits of those unable to pass over, due to unsolved issues, are now stuck roaming the land.
Read More: AfterImage review – High on Exploration, Low on Explanation
So, it’s Kena’s job to help these lost souls move on, as well as ultimately clear the corruption that has a grip on the land. and the village. Kena also journeys to a powerful shrine that overlooks it all.
It’s charming with a Disney/Legend of Zelda tone to it all, with some endearing writing that comes to life through the cast of characters you’ll meet along your adventure. Kena herself is actually quite dull as a lead heroine. And while this does take a bit of the shine off the tale, it’s really those around you that shape things in terms of the tale.
By the Book
Gameplay in Kena: Bridge of Spirits is very much in the traditional Zelda action-adventure template. The game sticks close to what you know in terms of the genre, and only mixes things up a little at times.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits does what it does well, and if you enjoy the genre you’ll enjoy the mechanics. The game borrows more than a few elements from other titles to create a fun and engaging gameplay loop.
It’s predictable, but you probably won’t care. Exploring, combat and traversal, what you will spend 99% of your time doing, are always rewarding.
Rot Settling In
Things get a little more interesting when the Pikmin-like ‘Rot’ are introduced. You build a small army of these little fuzzy Minion-esque creatures. You are awarded a number of them by clearing the main quests. However, you will find more by exploring off the beaten path and solving some light puzzles.
The Rot’s main purpose is to help you clear the corruption from the world. But they also spruce up some puzzling and exploration, adding another dimension to the gameplay.
Style with Substance
Kena: Bridge of Spirits has an almost DreamWorks Animation or Pixar visual style and vibe to it. The characters are full of charm and personality, especially whimsical nature of the Rot and their Minion aura.
The mannerisms, movement and expressivity on show is a testament to Ember Lab’s pedigree in animation.
The audio at large sets the scene well. The soundtrack never misses a beat, fitting the epic and more touching moments very well. However, some of the voice acting may grate on you after a little bit.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a charming and whimsical title that is a solid action-adventure. And while it does play it a little too safe at times, it makes make the best of all its elements. The result is a compelling, if predictable adventure that gamers of all ages will enjoy.