Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a visually stunning action-adventure game that blends engaging combat and charming characters. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn’t do well, and if it’s worth buying.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits Review Overview
What is Kena: Bridge of Spirits?
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an action-adventure game that follows Kena, a young Spirit Guide, as she helps restless spirits transition to the afterlife. Set in a beautifully animated world, the game combines fast-paced combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration with a rich, emotional narrative.
Kena Bridge of Spirits features:
⚫︎ Stunning Pixar-like Visuals
⚫︎ Adorable Rot Companions
⚫︎ Photo Mode
⚫︎ Fast Travel
⚫︎ Meditation Spots
⚫︎ Expansive World with Linear Progression
⚫︎ New Game+
| Digital Storefronts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Steam |
 Epic |
 PlayStation |
 Xbox |
| Price | $39.99 | ||
Kena: Bridge of Spirits Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Stunning Visuals Engaging Combat System Emotional Storytelling Adorable and Useful Companions |
Underdeveloped Protagonist Linear Progression Lack of Story-Based Side Quests |
Kena: Bridge of Spirits Overall Score - 82/100
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an enchanting game that strikes a balance between stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and a heartfelt story. While it may not be perfect—falling short in areas like character depth and gameplay complexity—it excels in creating a visually captivating world filled with emotional weight. The score reflects a game that is solid in all aspects but doesn’t quite reach the heights of a masterpiece. Still, for those looking for a beautiful, indie experience that rivals AAA titles, Kena is well worth your time.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits Story - 8/10
Kena: Bridge of Spirits offers a unique narrative that revolves around Kena’s journey to the Spirit Mountain, helping spirits transition to the afterlife. The story itself is heartfelt and engaging, but it takes a while to fully reveal Kena’s purpose. While the NPCs and their stories are nuanced, Kena’s own character arc feels somewhat underdeveloped. This lack of depth in the protagonist’s backstory prevents the story from reaching its full potential. However, the emotional weight carried by the spirits and the village’s tragic history makes up for some of these shortcomings, resulting in a solid score.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits Gameplay - 8/10
The gameplay in Kena: Bridge of Spirits is both enjoyable and accessible. It balances combat, exploration, and platforming in a way that feels natural, with a linear progression system that doesn’t become monotonous. The combat, especially after unlocking the bow, shines with its versatility. The boss battles are challenging and distinct, keeping the action engaging. That said, the game’s linearity can sometimes feel limiting, and while the mechanics are solid, they don’t push any boundaries. The overall gameplay is fun and rewarding but could benefit from a bit more complexity to elevate it further.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits Visuals - 9/10
Visually, Kena is stunning. It feels like playing through a Pixar movie, with vibrant, lush environments and beautifully crafted character models. The attention to detail is remarkable, especially in the cutscenes where facial expressions convey emotions so well. The only reason it’s not a perfect score is that, while breathtaking, the visuals don’t introduce anything groundbreaking beyond what’s expected in modern games. Still, Kena is a visual treat and one of the best-looking indie games out there, deserving of a high score.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits Audio - 8/10
The audio in Kena is strong, with a soundtrack that complements the atmosphere of the game beautifully. The music during boss battles is particularly noteworthy, adding to the intensity of the encounters. However, while the audio design is solid, it doesn’t always stand out. There are moments where the sound could have been used more effectively to enhance the immersion, and the voice acting, though good, doesn’t always hit the emotional highs you’d expect. Overall, the audio is well-executed but not without room for improvement.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits Value for Money - 8/10
For $39.99, Kena: Bridge of Spirits offers a substantial experience. The game’s length, combined with its high production values, makes it feel like a great deal. You’re getting a visually stunning game with engaging gameplay and a touching story for a reasonable price. However, it’s worth noting that for just a few dollars more, you could get titles from bigger names in the industry. While Kena holds its own as an indie title, this price point puts it in competition with more established franchises. Still, considering the quality of the experience, it remains a strong value for the money.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits Review: The Spirit of Indie Excellence
Kena: Bridge of Spirits has been out for a few years, but it only made its way to Xbox this August. Before this, I hadn’t played the game on PS or PC, even though it had been on my radar for quite some time. So, with the Xbox release, it felt like perfect timing. As you read this review, keep in mind that this is a fresh take on Kena: Bridge of Spirits, experienced for the first time, even though it’s been available in the gaming world for a while. Coming from an indie studio, Kena: Bridge of Spirits stands tall against some of the more prominent AAA titles, with its own unique strengths. Let's dive into the gameplay and visuals that make this game truly shine.
The gameplay follows a fairly straightforward approach: a massive map to explore, where you progress linearly, destroying corrupted areas, battling bosses, collecting loot, and moving on to the next region. For me, the combat was a standout feature, especially when Kena unlocked her bow. I’ve always preferred long-range attacks in games, so the bow became my go-to. Her normal, heavy, shield, bow, and bomb attacks all come with upgradeable skills, allowing you to tailor combat to your playstyle. The bow, in particular the ability to slow down time when jumping, reminded me of Horizon Zero Dawn—a game that ranks among my all-time favorites—so any similarities there are a big plus.
Boss battles are another highlight. They’re intense and challenging, with each one feeling unique. The big encounters come with music that adds to the atmosphere, and there’s no shortage of these battles either. Some of the smaller bosses even return later as regular enemies, which keeps things interesting. It’s a nice touch that revisits some of the most fun and difficult fights. The platforming elements also shine, providing a break from the combat and adding variety to the gameplay.
Now, let’s talk about the world itself. The map is enormous, and in an open-world game like this, that’s a good thing. You can use quick travel points called "warp" to move around more easily, which becomes essential when you need to deliver spirit mail scattered throughout the land back to the village. It’s a feature that saves time and frustration, letting you focus more on the adventure rather than backtracking endlessly.
Visually, playing Bridge of Spirits feels like stepping into a Pixar movie. The game is filled with cutscenes that never lose their charm, and the characters’ facial expressions are spot-on, adding depth to the storytelling. The world is vibrant, beautifully crafted, and feels alive. There’s even a photo mode that lets you capture moments with your adorable Rot companions, positioning them however you like.
Speaking of the Rots, these little dark creatures that accompany you are unbelievably cute. They immediately reminded me of the Warawara from Studio Ghibli's The Boy and The Heron. But don’t be fooled by their cuteness—these little guys pack a punch. They’re essential to your journey, helping with everything from moving pillars to aid in traversal, to attacking enemies and boosting your own attacks with their magic.
As for the story, it doesn’t immediately reveal who Kena is or what her ultimate goal might be. So, if you haven’t looked up anything about Bridge of Spirits before playing, you might find yourself a bit lost at first. The story unfolds slowly, but I didn’t find that to be a bad thing. Early on, you discover that Kena is searching for the Spirit Mountain.
From there, the narrative takes you through a series of spirits who need help moving on to the next life. The NPCs you meet along the way are full of personality, each one with their own story to tell. However, it’s a bit disappointing that we don’t get to explore much about Kena herself. The game spends time fleshing out other characters, but Kena’s own story feels somewhat underdeveloped.
At the heart of the story is a village struck by tragedy and misfortune. After its inhabitants have fallen, the land becomes corrupted, and Kena must cleanse these areas to restore the land on her journey to the Spirit Mountain. It’s a compelling backdrop that adds weight to your mission.
In conclusion, Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a game that masterfully balances various elements—gameplay, visuals, and story—and does so with finesse. While I wish it had delved deeper into Kena’s character, the overall experience is a visual treat and engaging enough to keep you pushing forward until the end.
Pros of Kena: Bridge of Spirits
| Things Kena: Bridge of Spirits Got Right |
|---|
|
Stunning Visuals Engaging Combat System Emotional Storytelling Adorable and Useful Companions |
Stunning Visuals
One of the most striking aspects of Kena: Bridge of Spirits is its exceptional visual design. The world is meticulously crafted, with vibrant colors, lush forests, and breathtaking landscapes that create an immersive atmosphere. The attention to detail is evident in every scene, from the way the light filters through the trees to the intricate designs of the characters and enemies.
The cutscenes, in particular, feel like they were pulled straight from a high-budget animated film, reminiscent of Pixar’s work. This level of polish isn’t just rare for indie games—it’s a testament to the skill and passion of the developers at Ember Lab. The seamless transition between gameplay and cinematics ensures that the visual experience remains cohesive and engaging throughout the entire journey. This visual fidelity is a major draw, keeping players invested in the world and its story.
Engaging Combat System
Combat in Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a dynamic blend of action and strategy, offering a satisfying challenge without being overwhelming. The combat mechanics are easy to pick up but allow for enough complexity to keep things interesting. As you progress, Kena unlocks new abilities, such as her bow and bomb attacks, which add depth to the combat. The variety of enemies you face, from basic grunts to towering bosses, keeps each encounter fresh and exciting. Boss battles, in particular, are a highlight, often requiring a mix of strategy and quick reflexes to succeed.
The game’s upgrade system allows you to enhance Kena’s abilities, tailoring the combat to your preferred playstyle. Whether you favor close-range attacks or long-range precision, Kena offers flexibility. The Rots also play a crucial role in combat, providing support by distracting enemies or empowering Kena’s attacks. This combination of different combat elements creates a well-rounded and enjoyable experience that keeps players engaged from start to finish.
Emotional Storytelling
The narrative of Kena: Bridge of Spirits is one of its most compelling aspects. At its core, the story revolves around Kena’s journey to help lost souls find peace, a theme that is handled with emotional depth and nuance. Each spirit you encounter has a unique backstory, often filled with tragedy and loss, which Kena must help resolve. The game takes its time to build emotional connections between Kena, the spirits, and the world around them, allowing players to become deeply invested in the outcome of each spirit’s story.
The writing is subtle yet powerful, avoiding heavy-handed exposition in favor of letting the emotions speak for themselves. While Kena’s own backstory might not be as thoroughly explored as some players would like, the emotional weight carried by the spirits and the world they inhabit more than makes up for it. The game’s ability to evoke empathy and reflection is a testament to its storytelling prowess, making it a memorable experience.
Adorable and Useful Companions
The Rots, Kena’s tiny, dark companions, are not just adorable—they are integral to the gameplay and story. These little creatures, with their big eyes and playful behavior, bring a sense of charm and levity to the game, balancing out the more serious and emotional aspects of the narrative. But don’t be fooled by their cuteness; the Rots are powerful allies that assist Kena in various ways.
In combat, they can distract enemies or empower Kena’s attacks, adding a layer of strategy to encounters. Outside of combat, they help solve puzzles, move objects, and unlock new paths, making them indispensable throughout the game. Their presence also enhances the game’s exploration elements, as players are encouraged to seek out and collect Rots hidden throughout the world.
Cons of Kena: Bridge of Spirits
| Things That Kena: Bridge of Spirits Can Improve |
|---|
|
Underdeveloped Protagonist Linear Progression Lack of Story-Based Side Quests |
Underdeveloped Protagonist
While Kena: Bridge of Spirits excels in its storytelling, the main character, Kena, feels somewhat underdeveloped compared to the rich world and supporting characters around her. The game offers only glimpses into Kena’s backstory and motivations, leaving much of her character unexplored. This lack of depth can make it difficult for players to fully connect with her, as her journey often feels more like a vehicle for helping others rather than a personal quest.
The spirits she aids are given more narrative focus, which, while effective in building the world, often overshadows Kena’s own development. This is a missed opportunity, as a deeper exploration of Kena’s character could have added even more emotional weight to the story. By not diving into her past or providing more context for her actions, the game leaves players wanting more from its protagonist, which prevents the story from reaching its full potential.
Linear Progression
Despite its open-world appearance, Kena: Bridge of Spirits follows a fairly linear progression. The game is divided into distinct areas that you move through in a set order, clearing corrupted zones, defeating bosses, and collecting items along the way. While this structure keeps the gameplay focused and ensures a steady narrative pace, it also limits the sense of freedom that many players expect from open-world games. Exploration, while encouraged, often feels secondary to the main objectives, and there are few incentives to deviate from the primary path.
This linearity can make the world feel more constrained than it initially appears, and players who enjoy discovering secrets and creating their own adventures might find this aspect somewhat limiting. Although the linear progression doesn’t detract from the core experience, it does prevent the game from fully embracing the open-world genre’s potential for exploration and discovery.
Lack of Story-Based Side Quests
While Kena: Bridge of Spirits offers side activities such as finding Rots, collecting hats, and discovering meditation spots, it falls short when it comes to meaningful, story-driven side quests. The game primarily focuses on its main narrative, leaving little room for additional stories or characters outside the central plot. This lack of side quests can make the world feel less alive and dynamic, as there are few opportunities to interact with the environment and its inhabitants beyond the main storyline.
Story-based side quests could have added more depth to the game, allowing players to explore different aspects of the world and its lore. Additionally, these quests could have provided more opportunities to develop Kena’s character, filling in some of the gaps left by the main narrative. The absence of such content is a noticeable omission, especially for players who enjoy diving into the details of a game’s world.
Is Kena: Bridge of Spirits Worth It?
Kena’s Spirit Makes it Worth Every Moment
Kena: Bridge of Spirits stands out as a well-crafted game that offers more than just beautiful visuals. It weaves an emotional narrative with engaging gameplay, creating a journey that is both heartfelt and challenging. While it’s not without its flaws—like the lack of deeper character development for Kena or more expansive side content—the core experience is undeniably strong. For $39.99, you’re getting a game that looks and feels like a high-budget title, with enough heart and polish to justify its price tag. Whether you’re in it for the combat, the story, or just to explore a beautifully crafted world, Kena delivers on all fronts.
| Digital Storefronts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam |
Epic |
PlayStation |
Xbox |
| Price | $39.99 | ||
Kena Bridge of Spirits FAQ
Are There Any Changes in Enemies When Playing New Game+ in Kena: Bridge of Spirits?
Yes, there are more enemy spawns in New Game+, and bosses also gain new patterns.
What languages does Kena: Bridge of Spirits support?
Currently, Kena: Bridge of Spirits has an English voiceover. Its interface and subtitles have English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, Polish, Portugese, Russian, Chinese, and Korean.
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Kena: Bridge of Spirits Product Information
|
|
| Title | KENA: BRIDGE OF SPIRITS |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 21, 2021 [PC, PS4, PS5] / August 15, 2021 [XONE, XXS] |
| Developer | Ember Lab |
| Publisher | Ember Lab |
| Supported Platforms | PC (Steam, Epic), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One |
| Genre | Action-Adventure, RPG |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| ESRB Rating | T |
| Official Website | Kena Bridge of Spirits Website |
