Kena: Bridge of Spirits Review
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- Though it relies on familiar combat and exploration mechanics, Kena: Bridge of Spirits gives a new perspective through its beautiful art direction, emotional story, and super-cute Rot companions.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is, in some ways, a familiar action-adventure game. You'll see similarities in it from the likes of titles such as Okami, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and a host of other titles in the genre. But developer Ember Studios does a great job of giving a new look on the familiar throughout the game, both to tell the deep and emotional story of a spirit guide helping traumatized ghosts move on from this world, and in how it uses gameplay for some deceptively tough combat and smart puzzles.
You play as Kena, a spirit guide trying to find out what has happened in the area around an abandoned village, where all the inhabitants have fallen to tragedy. The pained spirits have been twisted by what has happened to them, causing the land around the village to be poisoned by a spreading corruption. Kena's role as a spirit guide is to help heal those ghosts, and to do that, you have to fight their twisted forms with a combination of melee attacks, dodges, and parries.
But you also have access to the Rot, a group of tiny spirit companions who change up everything about the way Kena plays. The Rot can be used in battle to distract enemies or to power up Kena's special spirit energy attacks. They also work together with your combat abilities to make most fights feel like a puzzle to be solved. The Rot are essential to destroying the poisoned hearts that spread the corruption, and you'll need to think tactically to deploy them at the right time, and in the right way, to defeat Kena's tough enemies and bosses.
With a big world to explore, lots of innovative puzzles to solve with the abilities of both Kena and the Rot, and some excellently designed boss fights, Kena does a lot to stand apart from similar action-adventure games. Its combination of story and mechanics make it a beautiful journey to take. For more, check out our full written Kena: Bridge of Spirits review.
#kena #bridgeofspirits #kenareview
The fact that this is the first game made by this indie studio just makes this better.
I was/am cleverly surprised...
They're the guys to make the majora's mask video too
Sony should snatch them up now
watching this makes me feel like when i first got a ps2 and everything was so vivid and smooth and amazing looking. That's obviously not true by today's standards, but this game reinvigorates that feeling.
This game really does feel like those creative games from the past I’m loving it so far
Yeah remember back in the days you need to spend the whole summer to just be able to finish one game:)
I had the same feeling! So far I'm really enjoying this game and I'm happy for Ember Labs - looking forward to their future games!
Play Ratchet and clank rift apart. Your jaw will drop ...
@@discerningillusions6261 If you play Kena on Master Spirit Guide difficulty it may take some players a whole summer, lol. It's brutal. Basically 2 or 3 hits to die, and some fights can take between 5 to 15 minutes. But it's really satisfying even if not playing on the hard modes.
I hope this game puts Ember Labs on the map. They deserve it after what they have achieved here.
I think after the success Sony might buy the studio.
I can't believe this is EmberLabs debut game. It's just absolutely stunning. I can't get over how it feels like I'm in a Pixar movie! The environments with beautiful scores to go with it just creates such a great atmosphere. You can really tell that their heart and soul went in to game. This is absolutely my favorite game of the year thus far. EmberLab has gained a fan! I'm so excited to see what their next project will be! When you're an indie developer and can create something this magical on your first try, oof. They have a successful journey ahead of them.
....You work for EmberLabs, don't you?
Can’t recommended it enough (PS5). Reminds me of Beyond Good & Evil from back in the day except the super fancy 2021version. Best 40 bucks I’ve spent in a loooong time…
Spot on! Absolutely loving this game. It's straight up magical.
40 bucks? I got it on Epic Games for 16. Was really surprised it was so low for a new release.
My exact thought about BG&E. I'd love it if they created a remake of the game!
Great reviews. No multiplayer rubbish. No micro transactions. Well priced. I hope this game gets well supported despite the lack of promotion and bizarre review embargo.
Surprise hit of the year. I love the old school platformer/action-adventure vibe a la Ocarina Of Time & Starfox Adventures this is going for. Not to mention it looks like a CGI Pixar/Ghibli film. ❤️
Amazing how this is the studios first game that does amazingly well, but also kind of expected considering their amazing work with their animated short films in the past
Just played the first 4 hours...love it so far
In the end she dies!!
@@MrPhanisDav I hope the same happens to you but irl
@@MrPhanisDav no, she comes back to life.
Congrats you are already in the middle. The whole game only took less than 9 hours lmao.
@@keiasai3282 Hope you're able to re-attach your ass after such a hilarious comment
Lots of passion put into this project.
Can't wait to grab a physical copy on release day. The dev team behind it deserve it.
No physical yet?
@@SwagYaj Out in November I think.
@@bluwolf9357 yes November
@@Squidward_000 Thanks. 😀
@@Squidward_000 but it will cost more than digital?
This game is great but what does not get enough talked about is the score. From world music and tribal elements to that great I guess flute main motif to electronic sounds it had massive variety you do not release during gameplay, but if you stand still or take time to listen closer to the music in boss rights you realize how amazing it is.
The visual is an experience in itself
@UCU1Jg0KUioydviqdsEFdcRg I don't think anyone cares what a fooking OSTRICH has to say okay
I think this will be on many peoples top indie games of the year, if not top games in general for the year.
85 on metacritic. Definitely game of the year contention.
I have to try this one out. Currently Returnal is a choice of mine for that position. Though still trying to figure out how Deathloop got the reviews it did. That game is not even close to a 10/10 like some critics gave it (GameSpot and IGN for ones)....
I know it's definitely in my top games of the year list. Returnal is also one of them, and it's funny because playing on the hardest difficulty here is giving me the same kind of thrills that Returnal did, although the aesthetics are WILDLY different.
This new Pixar movie slaps
Absolute banger
gg everybody
Perfect game for 2021. Mix of Horizon Zero Dawn and Zelda.
I hope this gets some sort of physical release. It's a game I would love to have on my shelf.
Out November
With collectors edition
No physical release?
@@Mr_G_s_Route_66 Physical version is coming out in November
@@The_Burning_Spear Yep, thought so, but cant wait.
So I'll download it.
There is another game in the PS-store, Street Outlaws.
It looks like it's developed for the PS5 only, so not a cross gen-game.
I'm looking/hoping for a good arcade racer.
Think this is something?
I'm playing it right now
it's deceivingly difficult, the world and atmosphere are amazing... incredible this is their first game!
Almost finish the game I’m loving it, finally a great single player story driven game .
"... fresh spins on the idea..." - *character spins* ayyyyy
This game went from a maybe to a definite buy for me. I just wish I have money. My paycheck comes Friday so that's when I'll buy it. Can't wait to play it now.
Just wish I had a ps5
it is indeed a good game tho a bit short the experience is worth it, almost looks like a pixar movie and the characters are adorable
@@TreSwayy it on ps4
You're going to LOVE it. It's been such a seamless experience on the PS5. I started it at 11pm last night, telling myself I'd only play for an hour, and the next thing I knew it was almost 3am lol.
u can steal money from ur father or mother
Saw a few different playthroughs every one of them consistently said it is a lot of fun to play im sold!
Balinese traditional music makes calm to play
I agree, I think Kena’s father should have been the final spirit she had to help. Could have fleshed out more of her background and story.
i was particularly impressed by the dificulty level, it requires full attention and many times you'll die a few times till you find a good approach to an encounter (playing on the max available difficulty setting at the start, as it offers an ultra hard mode, but locked on first playthrough)
Physical release will come in November
I hope you know that you are not supporting Ember Lab with a physical copy. They earn no money with that. Digital is the way to go if you want to support the Creators.
While I agree with you that it was disappointing to not get more back story on Kena, I think they purposely left it out as setup for a larger story. What I really love about this game is its approach to story-telling and world building. Kena does not hold your hand, whether it's narrative or gameplay. You are just immediately thrown into the world and rather than seeing this new characters origin, we are just on another journey as a spirit guide. It's incredibly refreshing. Not to mention there are actual game mechanics that I never got a tool tip for and I just figured it out by doing. Kena truly is old school in the best possible ways.
Yall have been complaining about Kena's arc not getting much attention but you forgot that she is just a bridge, so the main focus are the spirits she is trying to guide. lol.
I always appreciate games that reward you for world exploration and this seems like a nice world for puzzles, let the hat hunt begin :)
If the studio made a comic prelude about Kena, or a short animation I’d definitely read/watch it.
My guess is that they left Kena's story unexplored is to leave some material for future instalments.
8 and 9s , 85 metacritic . Congratulations!
Average at best
@@mikeuk66 Average gameplay, everything else are are quite above average.
@@mikeuk66 Stretch that neck out a little, Mr. Ostrich, see it from a different angle. I’d say it’s a breath of life for an indie dev, especially considering this is their first game. Can’t wait to play it!
Who gives a fuck about some numbers by "journalists"... If you like it, you like it. If you don't, you don't.
Whatever. Metacritic doesn't matter anyways.
Thank you for the story mode difficulty option!
It's always good to have options like that for those who want/need it! I beat it on Expert difficulty the other day and am now trying the Master difficulty that unlocks after your first playthrough. I'm losing my mind, lol. Took me two entire hours to beat the first major boss. I'm glad people can enjoy the story and visuals, and then some of us can get decimated in the combat. Something for everyone!
@@luuketaylor I'm on master too. Started the game on hard because I assumed it was going to be a cakewalk. Boy was I happy to find out I was very wrong. I'm about to take on the second major boss, the blacksmith chick. I'm going to platinum this game because it deserves it.
10/10 for me.
Same.
Really enjoying this game, haven’t put the controller down in hours. It’s made me forget about the delays this game had.
Xbox missing out yet again time to trade for a ps5 I think
its on pc atleast
Have both
Yeah I'm sure you have a series X, Sony rat
who cares huh? xbox has gamepass thats enough
@@Squidward_000 LMAO 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I love the music!
I'm so happy for the developers! 🧡
And here I was thinking it will just be a new Kameo.
One of the most well developed games of all time.I like that it keeps things simple and challenging!
14 people created this. Unbelievable.
Seriously...source?
@@JL-kh4ir Kena: Bridge of Spirits was developed by Ember Lab, a 14-person independent studio based in Los Angeles. Founded in 2009 by brothers Mike and Josh Grier,
Wikipedia
GAMESPOT AND THE GAMEINFORMER >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> IGN
Yep, IGN gave it an 8.
GOTY Contender!
This is what I call next gen graphics.
you dont play many games do you? =))
@@critical-thinker666 Do you ? Name a game that looks better than this that's already out.
@@boomwowsion64 every AAA in last 4 years?
@@critical-thinker666 You gotta see an eye doctor then.
@@critical-thinker666 Being more realistic doesn't mean having better graphics. Just to let you know, kid.
Another fairly average triple A game that gets unreasonably high score because of a female lead hurray!
Actually this was an indie studio’s first ever title, a team of 14 people. the fact that you wouldn’t enjoy a game due to the main character being a female is pretty laughable and weird. But yeah keep on bro you’re on the money!
I could see that happening - seeing as the majority of guys in the gaming community are simps and incels lol
Didn’t even occur to me.
I’m playing it and What impressed me is the art direction
The music is this game is absolutely unreal! Especially in the boss fights
I've just played the first hour of Kena on PS5. Loving it so far. It's beautiful. I just wish the cutscenes are in 60fps in performance mode instead of 30.
Edit : OK, after watching the DF Tech Review video of this game, it turns out that the cutscenes is actually around 50 fps.
@Sammy Jung werid they went for 30 fps cutscenes
@@manuelmunguia616 Because they want it to be like a movie which makes sense because they made short movies in the past
Does it use the adaptive triggers?
1:15 - 1:30 , I swear I heard this before, oh yes, Legend of Zelda, like every game.
Link heals sorrows, and eases regret.
UA-cam "OCARINA OF TIME - A Masterclass In Subtext" if you're a huge Zelda fan.
This is an absolutely awesome game, selling for $40, made from a 15 person studio. Some reviews have ripped it, comparing to other huge AAA titles, which sell for $60 and have massive development teams. These comparisons make absolutely no sense. I mean it is cool that they feel this game is in the same class as those other games, but it needs to be compared for what it is. A highly polished stunningly beautiful indie game with no filler crap. Job very well done by the developers, hoping they produce much more.
game is literaly 90% filler tho XD
@@critical-thinker666 Compared to what? Any UBI game with 10000 icons on the map to find?
@@jiminatorx if im gona stay on consoles, demon souls,horizont zero dawn,god of war or tales of arise..
When you find out that these are the guys who also made the majors mask video, you start to see why this game is so beautiful
My only gripe with this game so far is the jarring 30fps cutscenes
This game js amazing. Stunning to look at, engaging characters (including the cute little rot creatures). The cut scenes are animated movie standard; it felt like I was watching a movie abd playing in a movie. Very excited to see what they bring next now
Do a shot every time this guy says “the rot”
too bad goty doesn't go to indie games. deathloop is too unoptimized. a billion dollar company bought by a billion dollar company and they still can't optimize games
I hate paint marked climbing areas in games. This game looks nice, but very by the numbers and copies alot from past games but doesn't bring anything of its own to the gameplay.
Great game so far
It’s fine that they didn’t explain to much of her back story. It opens up for another game☺️
This looks like a disney movie
7:04 maybe they're preparing her for the sequel.
Literally reminds me of Horizon Dawn and the Rot in that game and all.
9 out of 10
can i just be off work already my pc is ready to go!
the dodge mechanic us excellent & responsive but the parry has really weird timing & collision
This game looks great but there be 2 part finding her past soon and we know it won’t be out in 2023 or 2024
Well I bought the game and it might only be me but the camera is sticking even if your stood still it goes round n round without u touching on the ps5 makes it unplayable and me n my daughter was looking forward to playing it... Time for a refund, even tweeking the game option did not help it soo 2/10..
Great graphics but the gameplay and especially the puzzles are just too difficult.
this is one of the best games i've played recently i will remember it forever
So when do they plan to release a physical copy?
you might wanna not put every single boss fight in the damn review video. spoilers much? jeez
Comparison with sekiro lol
I hate when game reviewers compare new games to other games we see and played already like stoppppp
Why? It's a good way to help viewers figure out whether they'll like the game or not, which is the purpose of reviews.
Does look like Rachet and clank. Simple and easy. Im down.
We need more games with this art style. Reminds me of Kameo on Xbox.
Looks really good. I will be getting this. Maybe do a review as well.
Kena gets a physical release in November. I’ll be buying it. So many good games for ps5. Deathloop, Returnal, this, and soon Forspoken and Elden Ring… Thank god I drive for Lyft and Uber and make lots of money.
I hope you know that you are not supporting Ember Lab with a physical copy. They earn no money with that. Digital is the way to go if you want to support the Creators.
@@buraktrabzonspor6164 I don’t give a shit. That should tell the developers to make physical next time. I only buy physical games, because collecting is part of the fun with videogames.
looks very pretty
One of the best animations. One of the best photo modes
sony doesnt care about this game, barley any marketing
Because its also on pc and they don't market games much that also be coming to pc, especially if its indie :)
Sony is not the publisher of Kena.
@@noshgaming deathloop on pc and its gonna be on series x
@@Omarized160 That's why I specifically mentioned "Also Indie". Death loop is not an indie game
The game is already marketing itself because everybody is tweeting about how great the game is. But yeah Sony could've definitely done more here.
I am loving every second of this game. 😍
This game is beautiful. Everything was great except its short 😒. I wish the character could have some cosmetic gear after u complete the quest. I would give 8 out of 10 because, the game was short, and no cosmetic gear after u help the spirits I was hoping to get there weapons and armors but the game wasn't designed that way n not bad for there first game design from a small company. I have a feeling Sony and Microsoft r going to fight each other who's going to buy this company.
I’m getting this cuz it’s 20 bucks
Sony please buy this company and put the money behind them so they can make another kena with a AAA budget just think what else they could do after doing so amazing with smaller budget and 15 people
Thinking about this game is literally getting me through the day
Gamespot is currently the only game reviewer I find semi-credible, which is pretty incredible considering that it's filled to the brim with Polygons Kotakus and IGNs.
Check out Easy Allies too.
I’m loving this generation so far! So many greats gems coming to console 🙌
It is so fat!!!
The full fat experience is here.
If disney makes games from its movies, ( like the 90s lion king and hercules) it should be like this 😁✌️
Me and my nephew's are looking heaps forward to this, but I'll patiently wait till November for a physical copy, you can gift wrap something digital
Nice ! 👍
I can't wait for the physical disc to be released November 19, 2021 I think it is.
This game is at the top of my list of PS5 games to buy this Holiday season !
I love this game, but I can't get over the fact that there's only 2 actual bosses. (Spoiler Warning) Toshi (and the ones for his relics) and Taru are the only actual bosses that they themselves are difficult in their own aspect, they have patterns to learn and mechanics to masters. While every other boss such is just a horde of enemies with a strong enemy, I just wish they actually they did something cool with the relic bosses than just a random strong enemy that will become a common enemy after the fight. Every other boss feels annoying as it isn't difficult just time consuming, there's an infinite horde of enemies that aren't strong just annoying to deal with due to them respawning until the actual "boss" dies, outside of that the game felt great.
It puts things to perspective when you compare this game to classic Horizon Zero Dawn. Just goes to show how ahead of its time that game was
I'm playing it now. It's great visually and I love that it's not easy on normal mode. I love challenging fighting games. These days days games have been way too easy. First kingdom hearts was challenging and I loved it. After that the series got too easy.
This game is not a 9. I’m actually really surprised. It’s a 7
No joke Sony should buy these guys and give them all the funding and resources they need for their next big project. I smell a hit and a PlayStation classic here.
A game with little to no bugs at release on either platforms, and amazing gameplay with great, synchronized music. I might play this again and I hardly do that for any game. That's a big win for an indie dev.
If u care about gameplay, it's best to finish the game on hard mode, anything else is too easy and not fun. Wasn't for me.
Repeatedly pressing L1 is the key in this game
for PC only via Epic, so I have to pass for now
This is one impressive game considering the development team is a small indie studio and also because this is their first game.
This is such an awesome game for the money. There are so many other games released these days with double the price tag that doesn't even come close to what this studio has achieved.
And personally, I have no problem with familiar combat.
If that would be an issue I would have no reason to ever play an FPS game ever again as we haven't really moved an inch on how they play since the days of doom honestly.
6:43 "The path of a spirit guide is a lonely one" I think Kena being left out was intentional. Sad, but intentional.
I don‘t know everything is polished and beautiful but yet it feels like a tech demo.
Somehow the world doesn’t feel alive and the stroytelling isn‘t very interesting either.
It‘s just enemy waves, some riddles and then always recurring bossfights that fill the game‘s interaction palette.
"too many white people"
2/10
-Gamespot