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Review of Kena: Bridge of Spirits on PlayStation 5

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Sep 2021
Cover image of Kena: Bridge of Spirits on PS5
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: PS5 PS5 logo
Released: 21 Sep 2021
Genre: Action-Adventure
Developer: Ember Lab
Publisher: Ember Lab

Introduction

Welcome to the vibrant world of Kena: Bridge of Spirits, where the protagonist is as cute as a button and the Rot are like your overly excited, slightly chaotic sidekicks! It's an action-adventure game that's basically nature's way of telling you to be a better human while battling spirits, solving puzzles, and collecting cute hats for your furry companions.

Gameplay

In Kena, you step into the shoes of the titular spirit guide with a magical staff that's more versatile than a Swiss army knife. You'll engage in combat utilizing light and heavy attacks, transforming your staff into a bow, and stunning enemies with your pulse ability. Forget drowning in aimless button-mashing, the combat requires strategy-swing at the right time, dodge the nasty spirit attacks, and unleash your brethren Rot to help you in battles. Pro tip: watching the Rot dance when you collect courage is basically the cherry on top of a delightful sundae. The gameplay combines action with puzzle-solving, throwing you into a mystical world filled with intriguing wreckage from a past life and dead spirits. Your goal isn't just to smack foes around with your staff; you'll spend a fair bit of time in therapy with these spirits, helping them resolve their issues like a pixelated counselor. The Rot come in handy, guiding you through obstacles and, of course, doing some serious emotional labor.

Graphics

If Pixar and Studio Ghibli had a baby, and they decided to become video game developers, Kena: Bridge of Spirits would be their love child! The environments are lush, colorful, and packed with detail that makes you feel like you've stepped into an animated movie-complete with gorgeous lighting effects that flicker like your future when you accidentally close your homework tab instead of your gaming one. The character design is charming, and each dialogue scene feels like a mini animated film, thanks to the delightful expressions and jaw-dropping direction. It's so beautiful, you might just find yourself cautiously reaching for your TV screen to touch the graphics like you're hoping to discover the secret to life if you gesture hard enough.

Conclusion

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a delightful romp that combines action-adventure with a wholesome narrative and stunning visuals. Sure, it's got some minor gameplay hiccups-think along the lines of occasionally confusing puzzle mechanics and a somewhat basic combat system-but it more than makes up for it with its emotional storytelling and the charming Rot. This game might just make you cry (in an 'ah, this is so cute and touching' way rather than a 'I'm stuck in this puzzle' way). Grab some rat-shaped snacks and prepare to dive into a world that asks you, "Are you ready to confront your emotional baggage?" Because Kena is here to guide you through it, one adorable spirit at a time. So grab your controller, call those Rot, and let the spirit-befriending fun begin!

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