Kena: Bridge of Spirits

 PlayStation 5
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1291 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,034 out of 1291
  2. Mixed: 162 out of 1291
  3. Negative: 95 out of 1291

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  1. dualprop
    Jan 28, 2022
    1
    The boss fights in this game are absolute garbage and completley ruin the game. Controls are janky and imprecise, boss hitboxes are exakt but bosses use alot of homing abilities, character has a **** huge hitbox when attacked by bosses and the iframes of dodge are too random and imprecise to learn them. Boss attacks are also very random, you can try a boss 10 times but on the 11th try itThe boss fights in this game are absolute garbage and completley ruin the game. Controls are janky and imprecise, boss hitboxes are exakt but bosses use alot of homing abilities, character has a **** huge hitbox when attacked by bosses and the iframes of dodge are too random and imprecise to learn them. Boss attacks are also very random, you can try a boss 10 times but on the 11th try it will pull a combo out of nowhere that just completely wrecks you.… Expand
  2. Akma
    Jan 16, 2022
    4
    This is overrated indie game. This being so overly hyped makes me even thing PS5 game collection is currently terrible... Had bit of fun but meh after an hour.
  3. Yourmumsbills
    Oct 9, 2021
    4
    I love the music, the art style, the characters and the beautiful scenery. Sadly this is all let down by ludicrous difficulty spikes very early in the game, coupled with a horrible checkpoint system that makes you replay drawn out sections and cutscenes just to get back into a boss fight you've had sprung on you while still woefully underpowered to have said fight and with very littleI love the music, the art style, the characters and the beautiful scenery. Sadly this is all let down by ludicrous difficulty spikes very early in the game, coupled with a horrible checkpoint system that makes you replay drawn out sections and cutscenes just to get back into a boss fight you've had sprung on you while still woefully underpowered to have said fight and with very little practice time before hand. Add some laggy unresponsive controls, and a shield/parry system that has a significant delay making it incredibly difficult to block anything. All this adds up to frustrating irritating gameplay that ruins what could have been potentially very fun.… Expand
  4. Brainache
    Sep 28, 2021
    0
    This game takes the worst examples of what constitutes a decent level of difficulty and creates a conceit that is at odds with its presentation. Absolute precision, perfect timing, damage sponge bosses. Oh but it looks nice so let's all give it a 10. The control scheme for one particular aspect of the game is appalling and there's very little in the way of allowing the player to get usedThis game takes the worst examples of what constitutes a decent level of difficulty and creates a conceit that is at odds with its presentation. Absolute precision, perfect timing, damage sponge bosses. Oh but it looks nice so let's all give it a 10. The control scheme for one particular aspect of the game is appalling and there's very little in the way of allowing the player to get used to it other than through frustration. By all means play it on the lowest difficulty to at least try to have some fun but this has no effect on the timings and accuracy needed for sections of the game. The platinum trophy for this will be out of reach for most gamers, especially for many disabled gamers and it will frustrate the hell out of many more. I didn't have much fun with this game. Certainly not as much as it looked like I should.… Expand
  5. linuswilson
    Sep 27, 2021
    3
    The game has save issues that make progression too hard. The music is repetitive and annoying. There is no crafting or economy in this RPG. There are no weapon or armor upgrades to craft. Friendly, non-story NPCs are non-existent. The art takes shortcuts by a claustrophobic scenery. There is not even the illusion of choice in dialog. All combat is in arenas and enemy NPCs cannot leave theThe game has save issues that make progression too hard. The music is repetitive and annoying. There is no crafting or economy in this RPG. There are no weapon or armor upgrades to craft. Friendly, non-story NPCs are non-existent. The art takes shortcuts by a claustrophobic scenery. There is not even the illusion of choice in dialog. All combat is in arenas and enemy NPCs cannot leave the area even when it is not closed off. The rot attack prompt in combat is inconsistent making combat glitchy. This is less technically advanced than the Witcher 2 which came out in 2011. If you want a short Switch game with a repetitive 3 spirit, 3 artifact story structure on PS5 go ahead. This is a PS3 game at best. I received a free review copy.… Expand
  6. Piclets
    Oct 9, 2021
    3
    3 just for the graphics. The game was designed to be desliked. Controlls are slow and unresponsive while the clumsy camera just annoys the hell out of anyone. The reality of this game is that many players will frustrate themselves for enough time to simply switch difficulty to easy mode so that you can just finish this crappy game already. Story is weak and exploration seems pointless3 just for the graphics. The game was designed to be desliked. Controlls are slow and unresponsive while the clumsy camera just annoys the hell out of anyone. The reality of this game is that many players will frustrate themselves for enough time to simply switch difficulty to easy mode so that you can just finish this crappy game already. Story is weak and exploration seems pointless (unless you like collecting hats for potato-like minions). Definitely not worth the money. Decs should rework easy mode (making it less ridiculously easy) and normal mode (making it less ridiculously hard). If you enjoy playing this game on hard mode, congratulations, you are a masochist.… Expand
  7. RanGom007
    Sep 25, 2021
    4
    Why did I play this?. No emotions, nothing left behind by Kena bridge of spirits. I understand that this is the first project of a studio that has not made games before. But damn it, why is it so soulless? I do not know, I regret the purchase and the hours spent in it.
  8. AllSupGo2Heaven
    Sep 29, 2021
    0
    Incredibly boring, with annoying cutscenes that just dont blend in well with the gameplay.
  9. xenomorf
    Nov 19, 2021
    3
    The mechanics & controls do not fit the challenge. Skill does not matter in this game
  10. vitala
    Sep 24, 2021
    0
    Weak storyline, mediocre and boring gameplay, poor optimization. You can pass by, you will not lose anything.
  11. Wut1234
    Sep 25, 2021
    0
    All i can say is that thjese game don´t fill my need as a gamer anymore, and i am sick of it.
  12. IntrovertRobot
    Sep 24, 2021
    3
    Good:
    -Animation
    -Music
    -Boss Fight
    Bad:
    -Story
    -Characters
    -Collectibles are useless
    -Upgrades are useless
    -Combat is extremely simple and is extremely repetitive
    -Gameplay was repetitive
    I did a review on the game on my YT channel
  13. rangeman
    Sep 23, 2021
    2
    Kind of boring, the graphics are nice but nothing special, gameplay is very limited
  14. Satiofan
    Oct 3, 2021
    0
    Kena is simply a Game wich doesnt know what it wants to be on one Side its a Child Game on the other Side it wants to be a Soulslike with bugged rolling and timings this is Not good Gamedesign
  15. Chain_Affinity
    Feb 19, 2022
    0
    Kinda overrated............................................................
  16. NickLovesCoke
    Nov 19, 2021
    0
    I don't know why you idiots like this game. There's nothing good about it. Average story, terrible graphics. nothing to do with the currency in the game other THEN DRESS YOUR OOMPA LOOMPAS. The skill tree doesn't matter and isn't useful as you can just beat the game without it. no strategy involved. average zelda ripoff. there's no character in the main character. there's no character inI don't know why you idiots like this game. There's nothing good about it. Average story, terrible graphics. nothing to do with the currency in the game other THEN DRESS YOUR OOMPA LOOMPAS. The skill tree doesn't matter and isn't useful as you can just beat the game without it. no strategy involved. average zelda ripoff. there's no character in the main character. there's no character in anything or the worlds. the game is just bland. of course what do you expect. **** like you guys like anything. ign is paid to give good reviews no matter what.… Expand
  17. faircritic
    Sep 23, 2021
    0
    A crappy indy silly game for small children with ok graphics.

    This game is overhyped by the fact that looks good. But is a whole different history between looking good and being a good game. In fact after playing the prologue I thought I was playing an unknown jewel. Far away from truth. But anyway, to know if youre gonna like it go and search Eyepet move an game for the PS3 and watch    A crappy indy silly game for small children with ok graphics.

    This game is overhyped by the fact that looks good. But is a whole different history between looking good and being a good game. In fact after playing the prologue I thought I was playing an unknown jewel. Far away from truth. But anyway, to know if youre gonna like it go and search Eyepet move an game for the PS3 and watch the cover. If you like what you see then go ahead and enjoy it.
    By my side I cant stand small silly children stuff like Barney the dinosaur or Dora the explorer.
    After playing a while and putting my best to enjoy it it only hit me a nerve.
    Besides in the technical department this game is abyssal inferior to other games. Your character only stand still like a doll just closing her eyes every now and then. The menu of abilities is a joke. So small that even the poor forgiven Biomutant was deeper in that area. In fact Biomutant the very mediocre indy released this year is way better than this. I heard that the game is profeminism like Frozen. Certainly I didnt torture myself bothering that much to notice but I cant rember a game that I hate it so much after a while. Dont belive reviews. All positive are from profitable income.    … Expand
  18. RoverDiscover
    Dec 16, 2021
    0
    Overrated beyond every limit, this game is nothing special. I guess being a Sony console exclusive made the rating go up a vote, as always.
  19. MrCarcosa
    Sep 24, 2021
    0
    In order to illustrate where my problem with Kena lies. This is a game that offers beautiful facsimiles of Zelda, Uncharted, The Pathless and Pikmin that glide by through its 10 to 15 hour running time. But playing Kena gets very boring, very fast.
  20. Tarean
    Sep 22, 2021
    1
    Le jeu est beau ,une belle DA, mais ne propose rien de nouveau, c’est du déjà vu, le gameplays et la durée de vie c’est nul !
  21. TheoreticalHero
    Sep 22, 2021
    0
    Repetitivo a más no poder, es el típico juego pasillero de la play no aporta nada nuevo al mundo de los video juegos lo compre con la esperanza de que fuera una aventura increíble y me tope con otro juego genérico de la Play
  22. RFelan
    Sep 24, 2021
    0
    Story is Meh at best. Visuals aren’t next Gen, had high expectations and was let down big time. Sony has a terrible rest of the year lineup so I was hoping Thai would keep me tied up til the next big game. But this game doesn’t have much replay value.
  23. Showmethemowser
    Sep 22, 2021
    2
    I feel like my three year old would love this game. It’s a no from me, though. Beat it in three and a half hours. Save your money!
  24. BubblegumYeti
    Sep 25, 2021
    1
    By the numbers gameplay, forgettable story. Not worth full price, pick it up in the bargain bin.
  25. Masanity24
    Sep 24, 2021
    4
    This is possibly one of the worst games I ever played. The level design is atrocious, janky, and pretty much non sensical. I have no interest in exploring the world as it’s incredibly shallow and empty. You get currency and all you can do with that is buy hats? The combat on the other hand feels like garbage and you fee like you’re hitting air not enemies. The only thing going for thisThis is possibly one of the worst games I ever played. The level design is atrocious, janky, and pretty much non sensical. I have no interest in exploring the world as it’s incredibly shallow and empty. You get currency and all you can do with that is buy hats? The combat on the other hand feels like garbage and you fee like you’re hitting air not enemies. The only thing going for this game is its graphics and animation. It’s really a shame that this game is well regarded and games like The Pathless which is actually a competently made indie game aren’t. I completely regret my purchase, don’t fall for the hype unless you just want a pretty playable movie.… Expand
  26. timquo
    Jun 26, 2023
    0
    Visually Stunning but Lacks Substance
    "Kena: Bridge of Spirits" impresses with its beautiful art-style and enchanting music. However, the gameplay falls short, feeling repetitive and lacking innovation. The platforming mechanics are solid but fail to evolve throughout the game. The lack of variety in challenges and level design makes it monotonous. The characters and story lack depth and    Visually Stunning but Lacks Substance
    "Kena: Bridge of Spirits" impresses with its beautiful art-style and enchanting music. However, the gameplay falls short, feeling repetitive and lacking innovation. The platforming mechanics are solid but fail to evolve throughout the game. The lack of variety in challenges and level design makes it monotonous. The characters and story lack depth and originality, failing to develop meaningful personalities or deliver a compelling narrative. Despite its shortcomings, the game still provides moments of joy and wonder through exploration and puzzle-solving. However, the overall experience is overshadowed by underwhelming gameplay and storytelling. For those prioritizing visuals and atmosphere, "Kena: Bridge of Spirits" may appeal, but it leaves players wanting more in terms of engagement and fulfillment.    … Expand
  27. Soco9135
    Sep 25, 2021
    2
    I will give this game a 2, because it is a generic game despite having decent graphics, how much we have to endure to get fresh created games?
  28. PolindoShop
    Sep 26, 2021
    2
    Let's be honest the graphics of this game are amazing but it's not much more than uninteresting story, dull and repetitive and monotonous gameplay;
  29. mikromisha
    Sep 26, 2021
    1
    DualSense не раскрывается... Геймплейно поломанная - зачем делать боёвку от парирования не понимаете как это работает...
  30. Lnx
    Dec 24, 2021
    4
    A cute yet boring graphical showcase.

    The game starts out strong thanks to its visuals, pretty light effects and particles with an amazing amount of foliage all running at a silky smooth 60 FPSs, you will be able to find out later that the detail is lost at certain distances, but aside from a few hidden spots, the game looks always amazing. Unfortunately, right after you start the game    A cute yet boring graphical showcase.

    The game starts out strong thanks to its visuals, pretty light effects and particles with an amazing amount of foliage all running at a silky smooth 60 FPSs, you will be able to find out later that the detail is lost at certain distances, but aside from a few hidden spots, the game looks always amazing. Unfortunately, right after you start the game you will be tasked with collecting things, and that's most of the game.
    Even thought the game has a simple yet fun combat system, which ends up evolving the more you progress through the game, most of the game itself is based on collecting things, collectibles, collectibles everywhere, do they have a purpose? Yes, yes they do, but is it worth it spending so much time for them? No.

    The story is... alright, but the actual "quests" themselves make it very boring, the usual "I am the protagonist who needs to reach place X, but in order to do so I need to help person Y, which needs to help person Z, which needs me to collect 3 artefacts, which requires solving other side quests, puzzles and simple yet boring and repetitive platforming".
    The platforming is easy, but manages to become annoying due to the huge amount of wasted time that you have to go through in case you make one small mistake.

    Lots and lots of walking around without really doing anything, except for looking for collectibles.
    The boss fights are mostly fun and interesting, same goes for fights in general, however they should have added more of those, and less walking around and collecting things, or solving simple yet boring puzzles, or simple yet boring platforming. Add more combat, add more fun.

    Another complaint is about the checkpoints, could have been made better. For example there is a point in the game in which you will need to move an object which will stay in place for X amount of seconds, then you will have to jump on it, reach the other side, activate another thing, go back, do it again on the other side, go back again. Now you will have to fight some enemies and win, now, in case you die what happens? Do you restart the fight right away? Nope, because you need to re do all the jumping around, why? I don't know, to waste your time on the boring part of the game instead of the fun one.

    Don't get me wrong, platforming is not necessarily bad, but when it involves too much waiting, it uses the same gimmick over and over again and it punishes with more waiting once you make one mistake, it starts to become less interesting.

    Another side note, moving the character is a bit awkward at first and sometimes the animation for walking to standing still skips entirely, this happens if you go from running to walking to standing still instead of running to standing still. So essentially, if you push your stick to the limit to run, and then slowly move it to the center instead of releasing it, the character will completely skip any animation and just change posture, a bit weird and kinda annoying considering how well the other animations have been made.
    Also the character itself is not very responsive when walking, it's not as slow as RDR2, but it's a bit slower than what you might except, movement in general may seem a bit awkward at first but you get used to it after not too long.

    Overall what could have been a decent game if it wasn't ruined by boring mechanics such as walking around the same place for too long, collecting things, and gimmicks recycled a bit too often. Could have been a good game if it had less of that and more of the actually fun combat. Simply add more enemies or shorten the game by cutting out useless things. But they probably needed the game to last a bit longer.
    You can pass on this, watching it on your PS5 might be slightly better than watching it on youtube, but you're not really missing out on anything too special when it comes to actually playing it.    … Expand
  31. GamerDad2023
    Mar 26, 2023
    3
    The atmospheric music, charming style, and great visuals give a strong start to the game. However, the clunky controls, monotonous combat, overuse of gimmicks, unrewarding exploration (hats and more hats!), and unbalanced bosses quickly detract from the experience. Add a simple, short story and you're left with the dilemma: is it worth breezing through on easy mode to enjoy the visuals?The atmospheric music, charming style, and great visuals give a strong start to the game. However, the clunky controls, monotonous combat, overuse of gimmicks, unrewarding exploration (hats and more hats!), and unbalanced bosses quickly detract from the experience. Add a simple, short story and you're left with the dilemma: is it worth breezing through on easy mode to enjoy the visuals? Not really.… Expand
  32. Aenkh
    Apr 27, 2023
    4
    Painful. If you are not completely in love with the art style, then the game has nothing for itself. The gameplay mechanics are nothing new, and poorly executed. And don't even get me started on the outrageous number of game breaking bugs ...
  33. HansiH
    Jun 22, 2023
    4
    Nice graphics with cute scripted scenes and characters, but clunky and frustrating gameplay. Fights are mostly scripted without any variation in finding alternative solutions. Guess if you're into these kind of thirds person hack & slay games you can enjoy it. I'm not and playing the first 5h was no joy. After reading reviews saying it becomes even more frustrating lateron, I gave up.

Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2021
11
#11 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 82 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 71 out of 82
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 82
  3. Negative: 0 out of 82
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Feb 18, 2022
    80
    Kena is a playful and beautiful adventure, but it does not bring any breathtaking innovation. But it has the potential to take you to a fairy tale and let you experience the story of a young girl, which is a balanced experience.
  2. CD-Action
    Jan 19, 2022
    90
    Ember Lab didn’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead the developers opted for tried and true mechanics that entertained us time and again in many action adventure games, and mixed them in an almost perfect way. The beginning might be a little slow, but when Kena: Bridge of Spirits gains momentum, it becomes truly great. It’s hard for me to point out any significant flaws apart from overall lack of originality. What a debut! [12/2021, p.74]
  3. Impulsegamer
    Oct 28, 2021
    100
    Kena: Bridge of Spirits should take most gamers around 10 to 12 hours to complete, depending on the amount of exploring and the level of difficulty. While the blockbusters games of 2021 continue to deliver the same ho-hum experience of 2021, Kena is a much needed ray of sunshine to the current choices of titles available and more importantly, looks fantastic on the PlayStation 5.
    Read full review
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