Kena: Bridge of Spirits

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a visually stunning action-adventure game that combines beautiful Pixar-like graphics with a heartfelt, emotional story about grief, loss, and spiritual growth. Players take on the role of Kena, a spirit guide tasked with cleansing a corrupted mountain and helping spirits move on. The gameplay blends platforming, puzzle-solving, and challenging combat reminiscent of souls-like games, featuring a variety of abilities and the adorable Rot creatures that assist in exploration and combat. While the early game is accessible and slow-paced, difficulty ramps up notably in later boss fights, providing a satisfying challenge for players willing to learn enemy patterns and master the mechanics. The soundtrack, incorporating unique Indonesian instruments, enhances the immersive and meditative atmosphere. Though some players find the combat and controls occasionally janky or frustrating, the generous save system and adjustable difficulty modes make it approachable. Overall, Kena offers a concise yet meaningful experience lasting around 10-20 hours, praised for its artistic direction and emotional depth.

Highlights

Players widely praise Kena's breathtaking graphics and animation, often likened to a Pixar movie, with lush environments and expressive characters. The gameplay mechanics, including fluid combat, platforming, and the charming Rot companions, are engaging and rewarding. The story, while focused more on the spirits and environment than Kena herself, delivers emotional resonance and meaningful themes of healing and loss. The soundtrack, featuring traditional Indonesian instruments, is uniquely atmospheric and deeply complements the game's tone. Additionally, the game balances challenge with accessibility through multiple difficulty settings and generous checkpointing, appealing to both casual and more experienced players.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include a steep difficulty spike in later boss fights, sometimes perceived as unfair or frustrating, especially for those expecting a casual experience. Some players report janky or sluggish controls, inconsistent parrying mechanics, and occasional targeting issues. The story and exploration can feel repetitive or underdeveloped to some, with limited character development for Kena herself. Performance hiccups like stuttering during particle-heavy scenes have been noted, and the game’s linear structure may disappoint those seeking a more expansive open world. Additionally, some find the combat system lacks depth and that certain gameplay elements, like currency use, are underutilized.