Kena: Bridge of Spirits Review - The Final Verdict
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- In spite of the few minor issues I have with Kena: Bridge of Spirits here and there, it's hard to deny just what an incredibly engaging experience it is. Almost all of it comes together to deliver a compelling game that's a triumph at almost everything it sets out to do, even if it doesn't set out to do much other than retread well trodden ground.
When the biggest criticism I can level at it is that I wanted more of it, it definitely did something right. With its debut game, indie team Ember Lab has made a confident statement of intent.
What do people even mean by originality? Games have been around for a while now so it is hard to come up with a totally different gamepay mechanic. We are generally going to see variations of stealth, shooting, melee combat, parrying etc. What you do with these established mechanics is what counts? Change in animations and physics is what makes the gameplay feel different and unique. The fact that when she parries a blue shield forms around her is unique. The fact that instead of picking up items herself, she commands the rot to do it is a new gameplay mechanic. The result is the same. The object is being transported from one place to another but the way it is executed is different and that makes the gameplay feel original. The fact that she can uses the rot creatures to form a hammer is also different. This game ia original in its gameplay but it is not going to invent a completely new gameplay mechanic
Right on man you know your shit 👍🏻
Totally agree. It's about the execution and usage of the already established mechanics, that what differs originality from imitation. How clever can you be as a developer to hide imitation and to show originality.
Well said my friend, i'm only few hours on it, and for $20 i won't regret anything 😂
Well said. Tired of reviewers just throwing around these words. Most of them can't even suggest how the game could have done it differently but just complaining. Im about 3-4 hours into the game and it's well polished and gorgeous. Gameplay is fun and challenging. Doesn't matter if its nothing new if it's executed well.
This exactly
I love that Emberlab know their limit and make it as best as they could, they are not trying to be overdone or trying to achieve something with much bigger scope so it couldn't risk the final product unlike Biomutant or No Man's Sky (at launch) - these game were suffered because of trying to make a lot of things but got so limited in human resources or budget, in the end those titles got wasted the potential they had.
Absolutely right. Also whatever gameplay mechanics they used, they executed them with perfection. This feels like a AAA game made with heart
I’m agree. Hopefully big dlc and updates just like ghost of Tsushima suprised us
And then there is Naughty Dog with Niel Cuckman who shot themselves in the foot by going for sjw agendas
The game is honestly amazing, nothing bad to say about it, it was that good i even got the platinum for it, the only thing i wish they added to the game is a new game+ option
Have you been outside yet
@@sean7332 yep ive been outside in the last couple days, i mean i have to work so theres that
The game is fucking garbage.
@@ghostlegit I bet you play fortnie
I regret buying it because it has no replay value.
She looks like a modern day rendition of the protagonist from Kameo: Elements of Power on the xbox 360...
I honestly thought it was a sequel or something when I first saw it.
Nice catch!
Wtf
im disabled on the right side of the body and using base controls even thought i can remap them and have used my disabled hand for the arrows what is really stupidly hard to pull off well focusing on the mobs/ boss's i'm on the part where i have to cleans the shrine's only shrine i have left is the one where i light up the 4 torches around the corruption but i end up just getting the 2 flying mobs lol ill figure it out i'm also playing on sprit guide mode as well i feel story mode would of just made itto easy for me
💪🏽💪🏽🔥
I platinumed the game yesterday and I have to tell you all how deeply, overflowingly, happy I am only because this game happens to exist. It touched me immensely and I enjoyed every moment of my two playthroughs (except the final boss on master-difficulty. Was maybe a bit too brutal). I understand its weaknesses and would say that technically its not a 10/10 game. Not even a 9/10. But for me personally this is easily the game of the year. Game of several years even. I'm sure I'm going to replay it a dozen of times in my lifetime. Thank you Ember Labs.
I kind of regret buying it. But oh well. It’s only 40 dollars. Just not that into it and no reply value
@@michaelschneider1365 That is sad to hear. Hope your next new game will feel a bit closer to its purchase value.
@@michaelschneider1365 next up far cry 6
@@michaelschneider1365 next up far cry 6
@@michaelschneider1365 next up far cry 6
The game is a masterpiece
Even 2pac likes it 👍
Nah shit
Absolutely!
@@ghostlegit Wrong
Wrong it doesnt have replay value. Thats a big one for me.
I just cleared the first major area and I can say boy this game is good. A lot harder than a cute cartoon aesthetic may suggest. I give it a solid 8 and for a first ever game they are gonna be a big name in gaming
The difficulty of this game is underrated…
I'd love it if they created a remake of Beyond Good and Evil! Just finished the game.
Well... Everyone seems to forget it is an indie game which already had outdone itself with a small team of developers.
So bought it digitally last night but I desperately want a physical copy for my nephew's they will absolutely adore this, the game seriously needs a photo mode there's so much beautiful scenery to drink in, nothing in the last how many years has moved me so much, my heartfelt thankyou to ember labs and all those involved, absolute masterpiece of a game haven't finished it yet but really hope there's a new game plus or something of the sort, I tip my hat to you ember labs a magical unforgettable adventure this is 😊
It has a photo mode, just press up on the d-pad
@@ClawDomination oh sweet good to know, thankyou
Sony needs to buy this studio
any studio bought by big corporations makes the game watered down, inauthentic dog shit
@@lenol0315 Your comment is Stupid. Sony was the one who funded this game.
@@lenol0315 you've got issues
The statements about "originality" are interesting.
At this point in history, most of the stuff people claim is original is simply a feature from a game they happened to not be familiar with but don't have the humility to realize that there so many games out there they haven't played. Or it's "new", in that it's a combination of two or three pre existing mechanics that have been brought together, which is cool in itself whether fully original or not because combining things properly isn't easy. When it comes to something actually original, it is just as often something takes a way from a game then adds to it.
I'm all for originality when it improves a game but at the same time I am not going to look down on a game for not being original when it's overall executed well.
With the exception of getting outside of well worn genres like "action adventure" or "shooter" originality is bound to be a rare occurrence and I think that is ok.
I could go through a list of my favorite games from the past 10 years, there would be very few features or mechanics in them that are truly the first game to have them. Often a unique combination of things that already existed but wholly original? Not so much. I'd wager that most folks are in the same situation...though many may not be aware because they simply don't know that they features they first encountered in some game from 2015 had existed in some form in a game from back in 2005. heh
The most frequent usage of the term that I've seen is in execution and overall experience as opposed to features or mechanic.
Execution is more important in games, Ghost of Tsushima doesnt offer anything new and most of its mechanic inspired by other games but their execution and focus on what is important make the game really succesfull
I was expecting a 9/10 after listening to the review, still it sounds like a winner…..Especially at the price that I’m surprised didn’t get a mention?!
This one gives me some good old Legacy of Kain vibes.
Physical day one purchase here I.come!
Do you know where to pre order? I’m in U.K.
I’m looking for a hard copy but I’ve looked online and nothing shows up it’s stupid hope I don’t have that problem when I go try and pick a copy up in the store lol
Some of the end game bosses are actually quite challenging. Harder than some souls bosses I’d say
The Rot God is challenging, and I was shocked when I found out that the final boss was with me the entire time in the form of those adorable creatures.
@@bensunnyisaac - They should patch the rot god in the third phase of the fight for the hardest difficulty. They should have you acquire a little more courage for each enemy killed. The medium difficulty gives you tons, and the hardest difficulty gives you hardly any.
Game on .and power to the player's. (Game stop) looking forward on playing
Nice game
This game is like a solid mix of Ghibli and Dreamwork animation with fun, if not serviceable, PS2-era combat. Loving it so far.
Combat is much more engaging the further you go. The game continues to get better and better.
Art style and graphics 10/10. Combat was on par with what I have played of Horizon. And the story has really gripped me. I truly havent been this immersed in a game since BotW. The music was really good too. I think this is my game of the year but its also 1 of the few I have played.
Horizon level combat? Come on maaan...
This game is beautiful, simplistic, responsive, challenging and tons of fun to play. Video games don’t need to have a RPG induced skill tree and character crafting system in order to feel immersive. It’s an instant classic and though it’s not as long as most AAA games. Don’t let that deter you from playing such an outstanding game. My only gripe is that parrying attacks is almost impossible but a good dodge will keep you in the fight. 9/10!!!
one of the best game ever made
This is prob in my top 3 games released of last 3 years. Dead space remake in there too. Its just another proven point that executing an already established idea very well still makes for a great experience. Wish they would carry this idea over to film these days. New achievers in the industry think that they all can reinvent the wheel lmao.
I finished it today I loved it so much
SPOILERS (read more)
What I hated is that I was a little blown away when I saw a seen where Kena sees herself as a kid she briefly mentions her dad and how he is lost. Little Kena wants help looking for her dad and I guess that’s it. They didn’t build up on that at all. A huge missed opportunity for Kena’s backstory that just left her bland in my opinion. I gave the game a 7/10 because the visuals make up for how poorly executed that story arc could have been.
Game looks so good, its unreal
Kena[KAY-NA] is a 7/10 game. The repetitive fetch quests were not fun after you realize the rule of 3's was taking effect. The skill tree didn't have enough things to have cool or unique playstyles. There are a lot of big areas where you run a lot. You have no mount so... that was a drag to traverse the gorgeous world that the devs created. None of the puzzles in the game are hard or thought-provoking. You play as a shaman girl who is helping spirits move on. A lock-on system would be appreciated. The parry was inconsistent. There was one point where I turned a corner and an enemy attacked me out of nowhere. That didn't happen again for the rest of the game. It was lame to have enemies just spawn in waves instead of having sections where they just stand around and patrol the corrupted areas. I guess they did it this way to save recourses. The story was uninteresting and I never cared about Kena. I think that was the point. They made Kena a boring character so you can care more about the spirits you are working to save. The boss fights were all done well but the sections where you fetch for 3 items before you can get into your next big battle was a drag to me. You get that big dopamine hit when you beat a boss; I think that was the only thing that kept me going. The ending fell flat to me and gave me more questions as to why something wasn't used earlier in the game. MAYBE AS A MOUNT!!!!
This is generally what I think after beating it. The sound design is good and the voice acting is okay. THE PLATFORMING SECTIONS ARE GOOD. Kena's movement looks like it could have been polished. Her walking isn't fluid. It just goes into a jog. Her attacks are snappy but have no flow to them. She doesn't feel like a real person that belongs in the world. The enemies she fights have more natural attacking animations that transition nicely between each other. She just snaps to her next attack. The photo mode could also have more sliders, poses, and options seen in other games. If you like cool boss fights this game is for you. I would love it if I could just skip everything in-between and just do the fights.
Only an 8? I would have given at least a 8/5 or 9
The length may have something to do with it. That’s the one gripe I’ve heard about it.
played for 20 minutes, haven't found a ingle thing I liked. the game is pure KAKA
_This_ is what an "indie" game should strive for. Not like the copious amount of lazy "retro" styled ones that flood the market.
Imagine this in ue5
The masterpiece nobody is talking about
Really awesome game but the "normal" difficulty is really ridiculious
Agreed. I thought there was a pretty significant difficulty spike on the first boss fight. Did you find that?
"Kena has no backstory"
Kena is you the player... what an absurd criticism.
It seems like many people no long want to be "you: the player."
They want to be "a character." One that is not "them."
That statement itself is absurd.
If Kena is you the player and she has no personality, why don't you get to name her? Or change her physical appearance?
The fact that she's an individual you haven't created and you're supposed to identify with means she needs an identity. It doesn't need to be a backstory but you need to understand her motivations and that's usually the best way to do it.
5:30 background music got super ethereal all of a sudden lol
Just cause 4 gets a 9 and this an 8
So sick of reviewers knocking this game for alleged lack of originality or innovation. Guess what? It simply impossible for every new game to do something innovative or original and therefore should never be knocked as a fault. The only question that matters is that of quality and boy does this game have thst in spades! The graphics are so stunning. So much so that every vista you will stop and look. The lighting so, so good. One thing you failed to mention in your review is the soundtrack. Simply put, this is one of the best scores of the year. Possibly of all time. It truly immerses you in the game. It is equal parts whimsical, endearing, and moving. Topping it all off is the combat which is very fun with the perfect amount of challenge. I disagree with you about the upgrades. I thought they really added something to the game. The puzzles were fun with just the right level of difficulty and the perfect break from tge combat. The pacing is excellent in this game.
Finally I of course have to mention the rot. They are so adorable you will be scouring the environments to make sure you get every single one of these cute buggers! In my opinion the game is an easy 9.25.
Your gripe about the length of the game is ignorant nitpicking in my opinion. This is so because this game was created with 15 people!! That is freakin' mind-blowing. That has to be taken into account. Can you imagine what they could accomplish with a bigger budget and larger staff? Crazy! I suspect Sony is going to scoop them up, if they haven't already. They are a perfect fit for worldwide studios. I mean really they are like tailer made to be a playstation first party studio. They could also do animated versions of some of the playstations properties as well. That would be sick! Time will tell.
Anyonen interested in the music and song, you can search for traditional Balinese and Javanese music. For the instrument you can search for "Angklung" and "Gamelan"
Gives it an 8 but claims only criticism is that you want more lol
I cry at the end 😢 😭. We all wondering 🤔 what will she do next? The ending is very emotional 😢 😭 with the music. She has put the spirit creature back to its original form.
The game is too long... Now this one is short. It's not a critique to You guys, but to most of us. We don't know what we want anymore...
Oh I want this so bad! My nephew's keep bothering me about it and now I know why, oh my gravy! Me wanty way mucho too!
" originality" I think that there's a limited ways to climb? Or to hit someone with a stick? Or to shoot a bow? I want to know what you mean about " originality"? I'm really, really, really, curious tbh
Wow, it looks nice otherwise but combat looks too tough for my taste. Prolly be watching this a lot on streams.
Not sure if you’ll see this but there is a mode that will you can play to make the combat much easier. You should definitely play it 👍🏽
I want to see this game now.
At least its finally an original ip
I also really her special dive into the water and moonsault.
I've been watching "Hollow play his channel,man it's such a beautiful and very fun game. I'll definitely give it a 9 easily 👏🏽
EGS ...waiting untill it comes to Steam.
Nice review.
the question is buy it on pc or ps5?
Can you make a review for Nimian Legends as well? I think you're gonna love it
If you haven’t already! You should play horizon zero dawn ps5 upgrade! For me that has got to be the best and most beautiful game ever.
Nah looks dated now.
Man we should’ve had Forbidden West by now if it wasn’t for covid😢, been waiting for this game ever since 2018 ever since I first played it
Really enjoying it so far. They should have put in a lock on but that and the jumping is my biggest gripes with the game so far.
Press R3 to lock on my guy
I found it rephreshing that it's more or less simple, to me that made it more approachable and casually enjoyable.
Rephreshing is a word?
Dude. Put your adds at the beginning of the video rather than in the middle. One add wouldn't have bothered me but after the second add at the halfway mark, it was too much. Was there a third add? I don't know. I turned off your video.
Back jump is great
Are you having problems with the camera angles just moves where you do not want it to go its annoying..
Actually yes in the beginning. The lock-on system is not the most polished nor very intuitive. But after a few hours the problem just vanished. Maybe I learned to toggle the lock-on properly after getting used to it a bit more.
@@oreborg I suppose I will have to except it I guess its like its stick drifting should of stick to 3 person and just moved where u needed to go like the ac games..
a crying shame this is an EGS Exclusive.
This reminds me of Concrete Genie in a way.
Finally some one get this ! Not just game play
Biomutant with a female
Top 5 game of the Gen so far
Why does this games reminds me of Tomb Raider
Because it has good exploration, it happens also to me with every game it has good exploration
Will this be coming to Xbox one?
maybe in a year but the devs said they don't know yet
lets see how it is
Rent it from Blockbuster.
Don't buy it.
Future ps plus game
sounds like a free game was given so you need to go easy on it. this is game is really bland, yes visuals are par for the generation best on PC. It's not that deep when characters come and go, let be real. Here it is. It's a fun platforming action adventure. It's fun and cheap just take it for what it is. It's not ground breaking and it doesn't have to be. Short and sweet classic game play.
Your late
You’re
GOTY!