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. coolcrowe
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    This game does well in most areas, but one thing that really stood out to me was the way that it is designed so that you are rewarded for doing good deeds and cleaning up areas instead of destroying things. People say this game is like Zelda, but you won't find this protagonist breaking all the pottery in the world to find the money inside... instead she notices a statue that has fallenThis game does well in most areas, but one thing that really stood out to me was the way that it is designed so that you are rewarded for doing good deeds and cleaning up areas instead of destroying things. People say this game is like Zelda, but you won't find this protagonist breaking all the pottery in the world to find the money inside... instead she notices a statue that has fallen over and restores it to its place in the forest shrine, and is rewarded. This might seem like a small change but it really makes a big difference in allowing the player the feeling of being a benevolent force instead of a destructive one, and I'd like to see more game studios design their world interactions from a place of positivity in this way in the future.… Expand
  2. lilkillpappy
    Sep 26, 2021
    10
    This game is perfection. The only thing is that I wish it was longer. I eagerly await any expansions or a sequel. This is pure gaming bliss.
  3. 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.
  4. Preparetogame
    Sep 29, 2021
    10
    Wonderful gaming experience. As an older gaming who played through every stage of video games, Kena really captures the throwback to yesterdays games without giving any graphics up. The story, music, graphics and gameplay are all top notch ESPECIALLY for a developers first game.

    Love it!
  5. Rysingzombie
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    Definitely worth your time and cash! I feel like $40 for an 8-10 hour next-gen game is a no brainer, especially since it is so dang good! The story, the graphics, the gameplay, everything works so well that I would not have guessed it is this studio’s first game. Please pick up a copy and help support them so they can make more masterpieces like this one. I bought the $50 version for theDefinitely worth your time and cash! I feel like $40 for an 8-10 hour next-gen game is a no brainer, especially since it is so dang good! The story, the graphics, the gameplay, everything works so well that I would not have guessed it is this studio’s first game. Please pick up a copy and help support them so they can make more masterpieces like this one. I bought the $50 version for the extras and soundtrack.… Expand
  6. rrafemi
    Sep 26, 2021
    10
    Increíblemente bonito. Un diseño de escenarios bastante inteligente que mezcla de forma totalmente equilibrada exploración, plataformas y acción.

    El dual sense aporta mayor inmersión con gracias a los gatillos adaptativos, aunque se podría haber aprovechado un poco más. He completado la historia en unas 18 horas habiendo intentando encontrar el mayor número de coleccionables y    Increíblemente bonito. Un diseño de escenarios bastante inteligente que mezcla de forma totalmente equilibrada exploración, plataformas y acción.

    El dual sense aporta mayor inmersión con gracias a los gatillos adaptativos, aunque se podría haber aprovechado un poco más.

    He completado la historia en unas 18 horas habiendo intentando encontrar el mayor número de coleccionables y secretos, lograr el 100% tal vez sean unas 25 o 30 horas.

    A mi modo de ver es una duración más que correcta, la mayoría de los juegos se van a los 70 o 100 horas porque la mayor parte del tiempo es hacer perder el tiempo al jugador de un lugar a otro en mapas innecesariamente grandes y vacíos.

    En este aspecto Kena es un juego cuyo mapa ofrece todo lo que necesita sin aburrir al jugador con caminatas absurdas e innecesarias. Todo el mapa está diseñado para que estés constantemente necesitando superar desafíos y obstáculos, por lo que es imprescindible el uso de todas las habilidades que con el tiempo se van adquiriendo.    … Expand
  7. TomasLacerda
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    + Visually stunning
    + Realy wholesome
    + Challenging
    + Gorgeous sound design
    + Inspiration from BOTW feels new, unique and well put together
    + Immersion
    + Clean, clean UI

    - Some character animations could be a bit smoother
    - I explored every single bit yet I failed to find some memories, I feel that they could have been a bit more easy to grasp them
  8. doncsoo
    Jan 24, 2022
    10
    Beautiful game which is simple, but so unbelievably fun.

    Pros: - Amazing graphics, expressive animations - Simple, fluid, easy-to-master battle system - DualSense controls - Epic, well-crafted soundtrack - I love the Rot (i called them friends, while I played the game :D) Slight cons: - Kena backstory could have been more fleshed out - Difficulty spikes, which were odd at    Beautiful game which is simple, but so unbelievably fun.

    Pros:
    - Amazing graphics, expressive animations
    - Simple, fluid, easy-to-master battle system
    - DualSense controls
    - Epic, well-crafted soundtrack
    - I love the Rot (i called them friends, while I played the game :D)

    Slight cons:
    - Kena backstory could have been more fleshed out
    - Difficulty spikes, which were odd at certain times

    A must-have, for the current price they're asking for it, it's a steal. One of the best in 2021.    … Expand
  9. Otakool
    Aug 27, 2022
    10
    First experience that felt like it was worth getting a PS5. Love the fighting mechanics. Cool boss fights. Amazing graphics and a decent story. Must play.
  10. i360Smasher
    Sep 27, 2021
    10
    Absolutely fantastic game, it's just a pleasure to play this gem. Outstanding graphics, good performance, smooth gameplay, great combat, exploration and traversal engaging. And all of that for a fair price. The developers outdid themselves, can't wait to see what they're doing next.
  11. MattchewHawk
    Sep 5, 2022
    10
    What a pleasure it was playing this game for the first time. I had seen the trailers and I was so excited. I actually pre-ordered the game (which is something I no longer do after the Last of Us 2) and I couldn't have been happier. The game is beautiful. It really is like playing an animated movie. The sound, visuals, gameplay, presentation, story, everything absolutely gets a 10/10.
    If    What a pleasure it was playing this game for the first time. I had seen the trailers and I was so excited. I actually pre-ordered the game (which is something I no longer do after the Last of Us 2) and I couldn't have been happier. The game is beautiful. It really is like playing an animated movie. The sound, visuals, gameplay, presentation, story, everything absolutely gets a 10/10.
    If you can play this game please do.
    The combat was totally different than I was expecting, much harder and tactical. But it works and it works well. I don't usually go for harder games, and there are difficulty modes where it's more in line with what you'd expect so don't worry kids can happily play it too. But I enjoyed playing it on the harder mode as it was a great challenge. All in all this is one of the greatest games I've ever played. Hand on heart, I absolutely loved every minute in this world.    … Expand
  12. leviathanarg
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    Game Specs. on PS5 (performance mode).
    60 FPS. Dynamic 4K. HDR. Sound accepts Night Mode (reduced range). Game length, 15 hours one playthrough on normal difficulty. Genre: Adventure, exploration with combat. Level of woke-ness very low.
    Pros: Graphics are vivid. Music is great. Style is nice and cute, similar to a Pixar movie. Exploration is perfect, the world is not too big (to    Game Specs. on PS5 (performance mode).
    60 FPS. Dynamic 4K. HDR. Sound accepts Night Mode (reduced range). Game length, 15 hours one playthrough on normal difficulty. Genre: Adventure, exploration with combat. Level of woke-ness very low.
    Pros: Graphics are vivid. Music is great. Style is nice and cute, similar to a Pixar movie. Exploration is perfect, the world is not too big (to discourage you if you work or have other activities) yet has many nooks and crannies.

    You can define this game by saying that it is a Soul's like game if the producer were a Pixar guy.
    Bosses on normal difficulty are quite hard (not as hard as a Souls like). I anticipate the platinum will not be easy. The gameplay is fun.
    The story is sad yet entertaining, set in what could be a fantasy south east Asia. No woke elements pushed through. Characters are original and well developed. Mechanics are interesting.
    Recommended.    … Expand
  13. vancityboy
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    graphics - stunning
    story - Immersive
    exploration: Fun and exciting to figure out.
    gameplay- not as easy, good challenge

    I couldn't recommend this game more. Having a blast with it. Pure Quality.
  14. FelicityFenwick
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    Pretty amazing first effort from a new team... Kudos, from a lover of Zelda-type games and all things cute.
  15. azerty123456
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    Fantastic game, amazing visuals, I was scared the game wouldn't be as good as a whole in comparison to the videos we have seen before, but it really is and even more, goty 2021 so far
  16. Frankdnb
    Sep 28, 2021
    10
    Loved this game; the music, the art style, the graphics, the story. It all hit home for me. The story is emotional and deep. The gameplay is simple and reminds me of old N64 and PS2 games. I hope that the devs make a sequel, Kena needs more character development. Overall a great experience.
  17. 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!!
  18. Mareli
    Sep 25, 2021
    10
    I don't know what this game does perfectly but it does it!

    If you played games like Jak and Daxter, Beyond Good & Evil back then on the PS2 and enjoyed them you will love Kena! Bridge of Spirits plays very much like an old PS2 game what I mean by that is gameplay-wise it keeps it simple but has an entertaining story and cool boss fights. It's so nice to have such a beautiful game    I don't know what this game does perfectly but it does it!

    If you played games like Jak and Daxter, Beyond Good & Evil back then on the PS2 and enjoyed them you will love Kena!
    Bridge of Spirits plays very much like an old PS2 game what I mean by that is gameplay-wise it keeps it simple but has an entertaining story and cool boss fights.

    It's so nice to have such a beautiful game done by a small development team that is more enjoyable than most AAA games.
    Everything fits perfectly together with great gameplay mechanics cool fights nice music a beautiful detail-rich world and a story you will care about.
    Somehow It's just one of the better games I played and I hope to see more games from this Studio.

    + The World is beautifully designed and is not too big so it makes sense and is fun to explore.
    + Gameplay is simple but addicting
    + Storytelling is done phenomenal!
    + The soundtrack is really enjoyable
    + Fights are cool and don't feel repetitive
    + Boss fights are so much fun!
    + It has a PS2 game vibe (Jak and Daxter)

    - The only little con I can think of is the Kena Character Animation it's not that bad but could just be a little smoother.

    Respect Ember Lab's and thank you for this masterpiece!    … Expand
  19. 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.
  20. Cupcake214
    Jan 3, 2022
    10
    The graphics are beautiful and will age wonderfully. There is a large world to explore with lots to find and collect. Combat is challenging on hard mode and borrows elements from souls-like games.

    Story could be clearer and more emotionally hard hitting, standing/walking animation of the character could be improved to be on par with the other character animations. You’re missing out    The graphics are beautiful and will age wonderfully. There is a large world to explore with lots to find and collect. Combat is challenging on hard mode and borrows elements from souls-like games.

    Story could be clearer and more emotionally hard hitting, standing/walking animation of the character could be improved to be on par with the other character animations.

    You’re missing out if you don’t play this gem. Well worth 23 quid.    … Expand
  21. ilya899
    Sep 26, 2021
    10
    Великолепная игра. Растрогала до слез. По геймплею god of war, только попроще. Меньше умений, меньше разнообразия, но поверьте, игра потрясающая.
  22. rrkwarmonger
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Pretty impressive what they've managed to achieve on their first try. The combat is varied and effective. Reminds me of twrrnigma and illusion of gaia. Story is decent and the world has a certain charm to it. Amazing experience for what's it's worth… Expand
  23. AudioRemedy
    Apr 17, 2022
    10
    This game almost passed me by, but I'm very glad it didn't. It has since skyrocketed from relative obscurity and straight into my personal "top indie games of all time" list. Much respect.
  24. SugoiSama
    Sep 27, 2021
    10
    Chora caixista Chora caixista Chora caixista Chora caixista Chora caixista ;p
  25. bouxesas
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    Amazing game from a small studio.
    Graphics,story,combat,music, characters almost a Pixar movie.
    Well done emberlab.
  26. tottyNA
    Sep 27, 2021
    10
    Animation-house gone Video game studio,

    Ember Lab busts the symbolic magical door of video games DOWN with a familiar set of formulas, but mechanics that make it clear this game has depth, and my god, this has to be one of maybe three of the most incredible looking video games of all time, and that extends to every singular aspect of how this game represents it's carefully,    Animation-house gone Video game studio,

    Ember Lab busts the symbolic magical door of video games DOWN with a familiar set of formulas, but mechanics that make it clear this game has depth, and my god, this has to be one of maybe three of the most incredible looking video games of all time, and that extends to every singular aspect of how this game represents it's carefully, painstakingly carved and lush detailed world, and what you're there to do in it. It might be simple, but wow, Kena is for sure my game of the year. I made a joke in my head that a Nintendo Game from the future fell off a time truck and landed on the Playstation 5 in 2021, which is to say, this game not only looks incredible, but moves even better. PC or PS5 this game actually impresses me magnitudes more than ratchet and clank did- this may be down to subjective design, and yea, R+C looks stupid pixar good, but this from a small studio, with so little advertising, with only quiet hype not knowing what to expect- on top of being possibly the most animated-film looking game I've EVER seen for SURE, the game is just, chill and fun, and challenging, and no, it doesn't break new ground but it does do what it comes to do, and it does it very well. Combat, you have a parry, it's a bubble shield like master chief, it looks really cool when you nail it, it's not easy, the enemies are tree people and the light heavy decisions and cancelling using the bubble shield , along with all the Rot, bow, and of course photo mode, this modest sized game balloons cartoonsihly in every sense into a -so far- 40 hour jump into what an alternate reality Zelda might be if it were set in Bitey of Brackenwood by Adam Phillips. Down to the refraction in water droplets. This game really is a must see, and I suspect while you inspect what definitively is a next generation game defining video game- and put your brain into chill-as-if-you-were-going-to-pixar-movie, you'll absolutely love this game, and spend hours just staring at the grass, in an open-linear experience that is more about being in the very vibrant world kena is painted in, because it is so special and run-aroundable- and, because the game is also very, very good. Kena to me doesn't feel like it evolves gameplay, but visually absolutely, but on the gameplay side, every single aspect is at least taken from the best, and incorporated into systems and mechanics for each aspect of what this game wants you to do- from combat to jumping to rolling to parrying, that if you're anything like me, that difficulty option is a welcome excuse for second run. Here's hoping Kena 2 happens, and that other studios take very serious note of what is on display in this very very unique, weird, out of nowhere totally awesome adventure game.    … Expand
  27. agramonte
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    A fantastic game with a great soundtrack. It really is a joy to play and explore the world.. One of the best Games I have played this year with presentation right up there with AAA games that cost much more.
  28. GetRaki
    Sep 25, 2021
    10
    Игра не без технических косяков, но а большим уважением к игроку. Одна из лучших игр за 2021
  29. anglk7
    Sep 24, 2021
    10
    Amazing game, simple but great combat mechanics, lovely characters. Do yourself a favor and buy it right now!
  30. Pan_T
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    Kena is like 3D Ori or Zelda in next-gen visuals. I was afraid the game would be too small, but I've been playing for 15 hours, and I still haven't collected everything. At this price? I have nothing to complain about. Amazing!
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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.
    Read full review
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