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Kena: Bridge of Spirits, the debut game from Ember Lab, a small Los Angeles-based studio, captivated audiences with its Pixar-esque visuals when it was unveiled in 2020. This review delves into the strengths and weaknesses of this action-adventure title, exploring its captivating world, engaging combat, and areas where it falls short.

alt text: Kena, the main character, stands in a vibrant forest setting. Several small, furry creatures called Rot surround her.

A Visual Masterpiece and Intuitive Gameplay

Kena, the game’s protagonist, is instantly endearing. Tasked with guiding spirits to the afterlife, she navigates a world brimming with both beauty and corruption. The Rot, adorable forest spirits, assist Kena in her journey, playing a crucial role in puzzle-solving and combat.

alt text: Several Rot, small, black, furry creatures with large eyes, gather around a glowing plant.

These charming creatures can carry heavy objects, traverse difficult terrain, and even transform into powerful weapons. The animation quality is superb, bringing Kena and the Rot to life with expressive animations and captivating character design. The soundtrack complements the visuals, blending traditional instruments with melodic tunes to create a mystical atmosphere. The vibrant world and charming characters evoke comparisons to Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits blends a seamless semi-open world with traditional level design reminiscent of classic Zelda titles. Combat is engaging, requiring players to master light and heavy attacks, dodging, blocking, parrying, and utilizing the Rot’s abilities. The DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers enhance the experience, particularly with the satisfying tension of drawing Kena’s bow. Exploration includes climbing, swimming, and puzzle-solving, all seamlessly integrated into the gameplay loop.

alt text: Kena aims her bow and arrow at an unseen target in a forest clearing.

While the gameplay mechanics are familiar, their polished execution contributes significantly to the game’s enjoyment. Even the photo mode is uniquely implemented, breaking the fourth wall and allowing players to pose Kena and NPCs for dynamic and engaging screenshots.

A Demanding but Rewarding Challenge

Despite its charming aesthetic, Kena: Bridge of Spirits presents a surprisingly challenging experience. Even on normal difficulty, combat requires precise timing and strategic use of defensive maneuvers. The absence of traditional healing items adds to the difficulty, forcing players to rely on limited resources scattered throughout the environment.

alt text: Kena performs a powerful attack with her staff, surrounded by swirling energy.

This demanding combat system creates tense encounters and a profound sense of accomplishment upon defeating challenging bosses and enemies. Completionists aiming to unlock all trophies or achievements will need to complete the game multiple times, including the demanding Expert Spirit Guide difficulty.

alt text: Kena interacts with a small, child-like spirit in a peaceful village setting.

Shortcomings and Missed Opportunities

The initial hours of Kena: Bridge of Spirits can feel slow. Starting with a single weapon and limited enemy variety, the combat doesn’t truly shine until later upgrades and abilities are unlocked. The early game also features a slower pace and narrative elements that may cater more towards younger audiences.

alt text: Kena stands on a cliff overlooking a vast, mountainous landscape, her staff resting on her shoulder.

The minimalist UI and lack of equipment or character customization options limit player agency. Collectible hats for the Rot are a charming touch, but more extensive customization would have been welcome. The camera controls can also be frustrating, lacking a quick turn or re-center function, potentially leading to unfavorable combat situations. Finally, the relatively short game length and limited post-game content may leave players wanting more.

Conclusion

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a visually stunning and engaging action-adventure game with a captivating world and challenging gameplay. While the slow start and limited customization options are minor drawbacks, the overall experience is highly rewarding. Its beautiful world, charming characters, and demanding combat make it a memorable adventure.