Kena: Bridge of Spirits (Emberlabs) Video Game Review

 

INCLUSIVE TALLY (Overall): 8.6/10

"A Charming Worldly Adventure, Worthy of it's own Pixar movie"

Bang for your Bounty (Value): 8.8/10 

Not quite the full bounty but not sure why??? The game released at $39.99 on the Playstation 4 & 5/ Epic games stores. The story pencils at roughly 8-15 hours depending on how thorough you prefer your playthroughs. At this price it feels like a steal on opening day. 

Ocular Pleasure (Graphics):  10/10 

Did you work for Pixar?!? Emberlab was able to deliver a blockbuster motion picture quality creation with limited resources. Setting forth through beautiful scenery and architecture with nods to Japan and Bali among other breathtaking  visuals leaves me actively looking for pieces of my cerebrum.

Butter or Stutter (Gameplay/Mechanics): 8.6/10 

As buttery as coffee for a person trying to stay in ketosis. From the bow aiming, to the bomb throwing, to the swordplay, counters and movement - it all gets two thumbs up from me. Minimal bugs, falling through the map or invisible walls, an impressive feat. Also worth noting, Emberlab seems to be cranking out patches faster than a cheetah and I predict the game will be "Scrappy Cocoa" silky smooth in the near future.

Body of Expression (Story): 8.6/10

Let there be light! You play as Kena, a spirit guide tasked with helping the lost and angered souls find their way back to the realm where they belong. You and your rot help 3 groups of unique spirits. A pair of siblings that I can't help but compare to Vanellope von Schweetz, a stern warrior and a secluded couple. This breathtaking journey lets you grow to love the amiable characters and solve clever puzzles all while absorbing the feel good vibes that this unique world creates. 

Appraisal of Recapitulation (Replay Value): 7.5/10

No NG+?? This is a gripe I did have (take this with a grain of salt due to my completionist mentality). Upon completion you unlock master difficulty (a true challenge), but starting a new game does not allow a NG+. In short this means you are unable to carry over all your collectibles and powers. You have to start from square one and collect everything AGAIN if you want to have full rot power. The re-collection and time involved took the wind right out of my sails. If I'm feeling courageous I may revisit for my final trophy.

Harmony of Workings (Balance/Interest/Gameplay): 8.6/10

Legend of Zelda meets Horizon Zero Dawn with Raya and The Last Dragon visuals. If that's not a combination that will sell you I don't know what else to tell you. The game kept me interested in the entirety with hardly any bland grind spots or collectible blunders. The game gets you thinking but is rather linear in a manner that works to keep your focus on the game. 

Unique Entities (Characters):  8.1/10

The warm hearted characters of this game will have you smirking like Jason Segel in I Love You, Man after he watches Chocolat. The puppy eyes of the rot never get old. On the off chance that Emberlab ever reads this and there is a Kena 2, it would be nice to see some diversity in the appearance of the Rot, aside from the hats.

 

Triumphs/Keepsakes (Achievements/Trophies):

8/10 difficulty, 25 hour range, check out some of the guides put out by others and don't miss the combat trophies as enemies don't respawn. We missed the boat on the trophy glitch for master difficulty. 

Undefined duty (Other): 

I am compelled to emphasize again how impressed I am that Emberlab was able to deliver this mind-blowing product for their first title and with such a small team. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for such a talented group. 

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