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. Jond7699
    Sep 23, 2021
    9
    This is a great mixture of puzzle solving, combat, and some endearing characters. Very few things I’ve found wrong in my playthrough. Highly recommended. Probably one of the best of the year so far and that’s not hyperbole
  2. Javed518
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    Kena is an amazing game i have never played before. Its as beautiful as like playing a pixar movie. Its grand visual treat for anyone who are looking for great graphics and buttery smooth gameplay. I have been waiting for this game since last year and on my ps5 its amazing. Blown up for its beautiful presentation and not to forget its camera mode. Its something new they have tried and manyKena is an amazing game i have never played before. Its as beautiful as like playing a pixar movie. Its grand visual treat for anyone who are looking for great graphics and buttery smooth gameplay. I have been waiting for this game since last year and on my ps5 its amazing. Blown up for its beautiful presentation and not to forget its camera mode. Its something new they have tried and many big IPs should learn from this.… Expand
  3. shayed__
    Sep 22, 2021
    9
    This game gave me everything I had hoped for, from start to finish.

    It really is THAT indie game. It is so obvious to see how emberlab started out as a film studio. The sheer quality of the pre-rendered cutscenes, the ingame animations, and visual effects speaks for itself. This is one of those games where you can really feel the passion behind it. From what I've heard, the team    This game gave me everything I had hoped for, from start to finish.

    It really is THAT indie game. It is so obvious to see how emberlab started out as a film studio.
    The sheer quality of the pre-rendered cutscenes, the ingame animations, and visual effects speaks for itself.

    This is one of those games where you can really feel the passion behind it.
    From what I've heard, the team over at emberlab was only about 10 to 20 people strong when they developed this game.
    That is ridiculous for a game of such quality.
    I mean it is very obvious that each and every person that worked on this game was incredibly skilled in their craft

    Kena isn't just good looking, it also delivers a simple but effective story that warmed my heart throughout the game.
    While the concept of the story and its characters is fairly simple, the writing is really nice.
    Combine the cute writing with stellar cinematography in the cinematics and you're up for some really beautiful story beats.

    What can I say about the soundtrack other than.. it's perfect? It fits the adventurous vibe of the game so incredibly well.
    They really poured in a lot of work into the music. I mean we're still talking about an indie production here.
    It's not like the game has just a few good soundtracks no, each map section has its own little soundtrack. Variety is guaranteed.

    The gameplay is very smooth for the most part.
    The camera controls and the dead zone of the sticks felt a bit off when I first started the game,
    but it's not so severe that it impacts the overall gaming experience.
    The combat controls are for the most part very responsive and all the action animations and visual effects look and feel absolutely great. I still get surprised at how good everything looks.
    The combat also gets better the more you progress in the game due to the skill tree.

    The game's side activities aren't the most outstanding, they are fairly limited,
    but I still found great enjoyment in roaming around the map and collecting things.
    The world of Kena is brimming with beauty, it really reminds you of older games like Zelda at times.
    The combination of the well-designed lustrous world, and the soundtrack really makes the adventure outside of the main story enjoyable.

    I played on the highest difficulty that was available in the first playthrough. I really enjoyed the balance of the difficulty.
    It wasn't too hard where I'd have to fight a boss for hours on end, but it also wasn't too easy.
    I feel like it was nicely balanced for a game like Kena.
    There is a even higher difficulty setting which I assume is for new game+. From what I have heard, that newgame+ mode steps it difficulty up by a lot.

    Kena is a cute character, I really like the voice actress.
    I'm happy that they chose a more "deeper" sounding actress instead of a generic higher pitched child voice.

    The Rots are the most adorable thing I have ever seen in a game, the way they carry around things for Kena or the way the swim behind you in the water.
    Everything about them is just so wholesome.

    The game's length is totally fine for me.
    If you fully explore everything and play around with the photo mode a bit you'll spend more than 10 hours with the game.
    I've heard that, if you want to get the platinum trophy for the game it takes roughly 20 to 25 hours.
    I'm glad that this isn't a bloated empty open world game.

    I'm very happy for emberlab and I congratulate them on their first game.    … Expand
  4. Unbiasedgamer23
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    I want to say Congrats to Ember Lab on the huge success of their first game ever. The amount of doubt they got prior to release was insane. I have just platinumed this game and it is easily my GOTY so far over FIST,Deathloop,Returnal,Deaths Door and Ratchet and Clank. The game clearly takes inspiration from a lot of other games. To name a couple i’d say Pikmin and Souls games. The combatI want to say Congrats to Ember Lab on the huge success of their first game ever. The amount of doubt they got prior to release was insane. I have just platinumed this game and it is easily my GOTY so far over FIST,Deathloop,Returnal,Deaths Door and Ratchet and Clank. The game clearly takes inspiration from a lot of other games. To name a couple i’d say Pikmin and Souls games. The combat at times can feel slightly stiff but most of the time it is great and feels like a souls game. A couple frame drops here and there but other than that I have loved this game. The way they incorporated the rots is very fluent and makes sense. I’m looking forward to what Ember Lab creates in the future whether that’s a new IP or a Kena sequel or prequel i’ll be excited to play.… Expand
  5. Ker000neL
    Sep 22, 2021
    8
    Very nice visuals, good story, some gameplay challenge if you play on expert. Completely relaxing game, no hassle. Not for everyone. 8/10 its a good score for it!
  6. BenFauWriter
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    Game of the year! A lovely game, the gameplay is fun, the fighting yet simple is dynamic, the graphics are beautiful and the music direction is awesome!
  7. stgreylv
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    This is huge shoutout to Emberlabs. I bought a PS5 for this game. Anf it was worth it. Amaizing game.
  8. RASelhanout
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    Great game and from a small team!! Other indie devs should take note and try to polish their games up to this level. Combat, exploration etc...feel really good. The reason i gave this a 10 is to offset the freaking xbox dudes(morons) giving this game a zero my true score is around an 8,5
  9. dduong84
    Sep 23, 2021
    9
    Games visuals is gorgeous, gameplay is easy to follow and doesn't take hours to get used too, challenging battles, throwback to ps2 days with Pixar loving. Highly recommend!
  10. mozimozo
    Sep 22, 2021
    8
    What a fresh game !! Congrats to Ember lab for this little nugget !! Atmosphere, music, gameplay : T H A N K S
  11. koala_kid
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    Absolutely love this game! The art style, animations, music and sound design are absolutely breathtaking! So much heart went into this game, it's really magical!!
  12. LadrosX
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    Aquele jogo de plataforma que eu estava esperando, É uma obra de arte incompreendida que mistura zelda/jek and dexter/spyro. espero poder ver um segundo jogo em um futuro prévio.
  13. iMustang
    Dec 13, 2021
    7
    Kena Bridge of Spirits is the first from a studio who's stellar animation abilities led to a viral video many years ago, and now they've moved on to game design. Their first game can either be classified as a masterpiece or something that's just okay depending on which camp you fall in, and if you feel like reading on, I can tell you which camp you may be in.

    To get the objective    Kena Bridge of Spirits is the first from a studio who's stellar animation abilities led to a viral video many years ago, and now they've moved on to game design. Their first game can either be classified as a masterpiece or something that's just okay depending on which camp you fall in, and if you feel like reading on, I can tell you which camp you may be in.

    To get the objective positives out of the way, this game is absolutely beautiful. The Pixar level visuals during cutscenes are amazing and even as you explore the gorgeous world you're constantly stunned by the level of effort the creators put into this title. Every area has secrets to find, things to collect, and adorable creatures called Rot you find along the way. The music is an even greater highly with tracks that vibe with your very soul itself and are filled with emotion and feelings. While the story is not great, it's not terrible either, though it leaves many unanswered questions about Kena herself (which can be forgiven if they intend on a sequel). This game could be enjoyed just as much being watched as being played, and I rarely say that.

    The more divisive area of this game comes down to it's gameplay, or perhaps it's more accurate to say it's game design. The exploration and puzzle-platforming of the beautiful mountain range is fine, but the boss battles are quite problematic. While the first handful of bosses feel like something from Zelda, near the halfway point of the game they become closer to the bosses from the Souls games incorporating elements of both puzzles and brutality. Each boss becomes harder than the boss you faced before without your character becoming much stronger, and eventually playing on normal mode feels closer to hard mode. You can change your difficulty to easy mode at any time to make up for this, but then the game feels too easy. There really is no good way to set the difficult for a standardized experience, and I do think the developers could have thought this through a bit better. Given that this is their first game, I don't believe they properly scaled for progression since the difficulty spike dips so greatly. If you're a bigger fan of balanced experiences, this could potentially break the entire game for you, but likewise if grueling boss battles make a game great for you, then look no further.

    Overall this was not an experience I regretted, but for me personally it also was not one that blew me away. If this was a AAA game I would be much more critical, but as an indie studio's first game I must give them high marks and praise. I do hope in future titles they scale their difficulty a bit better, or at least advertise their game as a difficult experience, but for what this game is they did a decent job. In short this game is beautiful, but brutal. If you think you can take on the challenge then it's definitely worth the pickup.    … Expand
  14. Jrw1202
    Sep 23, 2021
    9
    I am so happy that there is a game like this available on PS5 right now. It absolutely gorgeous to look at, and it is a solid platformer. Despite some criticism that it is reusing some troupes from more popular games, sometimes that is what we want. It is really challenging, engaging, and a joy to play. The fact that this is from an indie studio is amazing! I really hope we get to see aI am so happy that there is a game like this available on PS5 right now. It absolutely gorgeous to look at, and it is a solid platformer. Despite some criticism that it is reusing some troupes from more popular games, sometimes that is what we want. It is really challenging, engaging, and a joy to play. The fact that this is from an indie studio is amazing! I really hope we get to see a sequel with even more funding next time! At $40 this is easily a must-buy!… Expand
  15. Ach01nos
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    Best game 2021 with Ratchet and Clank
    Inspired from Zelda, and Pixar, i am waiting for KENA 2 with more hours to play :)
  16. Paul84
    Sep 22, 2021
    8
    For a small indie team making their first ever full game I wasn’t expecting too much but this has to be one of the best experiences. It’s a short game but every moment is just a joy, anyone who’s seen a clip will know it’s graphically stunning but the story is sincere and hits perfectly; it is like being in a Ghibli movie which is such a pure feeling, and the gameplay keeps you entertainedFor a small indie team making their first ever full game I wasn’t expecting too much but this has to be one of the best experiences. It’s a short game but every moment is just a joy, anyone who’s seen a clip will know it’s graphically stunning but the story is sincere and hits perfectly; it is like being in a Ghibli movie which is such a pure feeling, and the gameplay keeps you entertained but without breaking any new boundaries. I hope this game gets all the success it deserves with awards and sales because I feel this could easily become the staple franchise for this studio. An amazing achievement.… Expand
  17. DmitryKochurov
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    Я очень ждал эту игру и очень был рад русской локализации, потому для меня это уже +. Анимация просто бомба, такое чувство будто вы играете в мультфильм. Уровень умиления просто зашкаливает. Геймплей интересный с упором на исследование мира. Но вы можете и просто пройтись по сюжету и, по моему мнению, это будет ошибка. Я специально поставил максимальный уровень сложности и старался поЯ очень ждал эту игру и очень был рад русской локализации, потому для меня это уже +. Анимация просто бомба, такое чувство будто вы играете в мультфильм. Уровень умиления просто зашкаливает. Геймплей интересный с упором на исследование мира. Но вы можете и просто пройтись по сюжету и, по моему мнению, это будет ошибка. Я специально поставил максимальный уровень сложности и старался по максимуму исследовать мир, чтобы получить максимум удовольствия от игры. Что тут сказать ещё, играйте, пробуйте и составьте собственное мнение о ней. Если Вам нравятся милые мультфильмы с красивой графикой и хорошим сюжетом, то Вам игра понравится.… Expand
  18. Mog_3825
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    One the THE BEST game I've seen on both Playstation and Series X this generation.
  19. NoM3rcy
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    This is one of the most beautiful and incredible games I've ever played. Charismatic, lovely, with action and passion. Soundtrack is wonderful. Everything looks handmade. The combat reminds me a mix of God of War with Horizon, it has parry, defense, melee, range, magic with the rots. Well, it's an indie game better then a lot of AAA we see around. Congratulations Emberlab.
  20. Shakil81722699
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Amazing amazing work big wwwwwwww … Expand
  21. MetaPlayer6969
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    Best indie on playstation this year !

    Ember lab deliver their very first game and it is absolutely magical and a fantastic journey !

    Don't sleep on it especially for the price and those 20h of gameplay !
  22. Thaddiseus
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    There are obvious influences on this game that all come together to create game-play that is creative and fun. The graphics are outstanding and I have filled my PlayStation with screen-shots of the magnificent visuals of the game's verdant landscape. Combat is the right amount of challenging as each boss brings has its own unique skills that have to be learned and evaded. Exploration isThere are obvious influences on this game that all come together to create game-play that is creative and fun. The graphics are outstanding and I have filled my PlayStation with screen-shots of the magnificent visuals of the game's verdant landscape. Combat is the right amount of challenging as each boss brings has its own unique skills that have to be learned and evaded. Exploration is encouraged with a map full of hidden items to be discovered. The story and character development is almost non-existent, but the game gives just enough to keep game moving forward in a fun and exciting manner. I am blown away by the fact that this is an indie game and I am hopeful that this studio will have bigger and better games to come in the future.… Expand
  23. CruDlux
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    Kena bridge of spirits is one of those every gamer should play. Everything about Kena is a joy from the music the graphics and environment are all top notch. This is definitely one of my top games of 2021. Thank you Ember Labs for this beautiful gem that you shared with us gamers.
  24. Tonyo92
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    The game looks amazing, the combat system is very good,soundtrack is wonderful,the artwork the animations,the story everything is very very good amazing job Ember Lab!
  25. Godboouy
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    Best game of the year...............................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!’nn
  26. Copyrighted50
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    Amazing fantasy game this is a tomb rider 2 or espin of dark souls ooooooooooo
  27. Rainbowsaiddied
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    This game is a combination of Zelda and Dark Souls, and that means masterpiece!!!!
  28. Kenabridgs2
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    ((Amazing graphics is one thing, but Bridge of Spirits is so much more thanks to engaging level design and surprisingly deep combat. It's a game that overdelivers on almost all fronts, making for a truly superb and memorable adventure)) “gamer no”...best critic for best game
  29. Masterchiefcool
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    Those who gave zero to the game or did not play the game or have problems with the game publisher, otherwise what is the reason to give zero to one of the best games of this year !?
  30. SamuraiMaxis
    Nov 14, 2021
    9
    One of the Best Game of 2021. Incredible Art, Narrative, Story, Characters, Musics, Cinematics, Boss Fights, Rots, Combat. All Around Really Nice Game to Play. There are Many Things I Can Say But Just One Sentence: You Can Easily See Developer's Passion to This Game.

    A Game You Should Definitely Experience. Game Obviously Shines With it Art. But There is More Than That İn This Cute    One of the Best Game of 2021. Incredible Art, Narrative, Story, Characters, Musics, Cinematics, Boss Fights, Rots, Combat. All Around Really Nice Game to Play. There are Many Things I Can Say But Just One Sentence: You Can Easily See Developer's Passion to This Game.

    A Game You Should Definitely Experience.

    Game Obviously Shines With it Art. But There is More Than That İn This Cute Game. There is Actually a Really Nice Story, Great Narrative With the Support of Nicely Directed Cinematic . I'm not Going to Spoil Anything, You Should Experience Yourself. Gameplay Feels Really Smooth, A Lot of Boss Fights and They Are Not Easy, Mission Designs Are Good, You Are Not Getting Lost in Those Puzzles or You Are Not Losing Your Way in the Missions. Music Supports the Atmosphere Beautifully. And Many More Things

    I Think There is No Massive Negative Side of the Game. Only Little Things, That Even the Best Games Has. Parrying Requires Absolute Perfect Timing but Not That Rewarding. Core Mission Designs of Story is a Bit Repetitive. But You Are Not Feeling That Repetitiveness due to Different Locations, Art Designs and Kena's Upgrades. Also Kena's Biggest Upgrades Comes With Story But I Wished Skill Tree Was More Rewarding. Picking Outfit for Kena Would be Nice. Also At The Beginnings You Are Not Connected to Kena Much. She is 2 Level Above From No-Face No Voice FPS Characters in the Beginning. But Later You Are Connecting to Her But İt Could Have Been Earlier.

    I Hope We See a A Sequel. I Created This Account Just For This Review and I Want to Thank Ember Lab for This Amazing Piece of Art.    … Expand
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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.
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