Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an enchanting action-adventure game that takes you through an emotional journey of helping lost spirits find peace. As a spirit guide named Kena, you embark on a mission to heal a village overtaken by dark forces. The game's story is bittersweet and emotionally charged, revolving around the spirits' struggles to move on from their past. While Kena is the protagonist, her backstory is largely left in the shadows, with only vague hints scattered throughout the narrative. Still, the hauntingly beautiful world and its themes of redemption make for a captivating experience.
The gameplay is straightforward yet elegantly designed. Players engage in exploration, puzzle-solving, combat, and various upgrades to unlock new abilities and progress through the story. The game is a blend of action and adventure, reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda series, with its focus on skill progression and boss battles.
Combat is simple in concept but challenging in execution. You have a basic set of attacks: light, heavy, and ranged. However, even on normal difficulty, the fights can be brutally difficult. The real challenge comes from managing your health since there's no way to heal mid-combat, making it very difficult to avoid taking damage. The rots, little spirit companions that follow Kena, are key to easing the difficulty. They not only help in combat but also in solving puzzles and navigating the world. But of course, the game takes a twist where you may feel overly dependent on them, making their absence more noticeable.
Arguably the best aspect of Kena: Bridge of Spirits are the rots. These little creatures are irresistibly adorable, and they play an essential role in both gameplay and emotional attachment in the game. They assist in various tasks, such as carrying items, creating platforms, or triggering mechanisms for puzzles. Other than that, they can be customized with cute hats and masks, adding a personal touch. Their role in combat grows as you unlock new abilities for them, and they truly become a vital part of your journey.
Overall, Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a stunning game that's perfect for newcomers like me. Its design is absolutely breathtaking. While the puzzles are challenging and the combat may not be the strongest aspect, the story delivers powerful themes of heartache, growth, and redemption. I would recommend this game to anyone looking for something fun yet challenging to play. 7/10.
