Platform games have been a long-standing favorite genre for our editorial team. However, the genre has recently struggled with innovation and maintaining relevance. Nintendo continues to deliver timeless experiences (most recently with Bowser’s Fury), but titles like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart didn’t quite reach the heights of previous entries. This raises the question of whether, similar to the fondly remembered point-and-click games, the core platforming concept requires a fundamental reimagining. Kena: Bridge of Spirits executes many elements well and demonstrates ambition, but ultimately falls short of creating a truly compelling experience.
Players assume the role of Kena, a Spirit Guide tasked with guiding lost souls to their final rest. Wielding a magical staff, she can project light and defend against dark forces. She is also aided by small, endearing companions called Rots, which can be directed to perform special attacks or cleanse corrupted flora. The narrative unfolds within an enchanting world where Kena faces trials and is driven to assist lost spirits.
Kena is immediately striking for its inviting and visually appealing aesthetic. The graphics evoke the polished style of recent Disney animated films, featuring charming character designs and picturesque environments. While the finer details may lack some refinement, Ember Lab, as a relatively small studio, has achieved a commendable level of visual quality. The sound design effectively complements the narrative, and the voice acting is well-executed.
However, when evaluating the level design and core gameplay mechanics, it becomes apparent that the same level of inspiration and ambition is not consistently present. The level layouts feel somewhat linear and conventional, and the combat system, comprised of light and heavy attacks, dodging, and special abilities, while functional, results in somewhat rigid and uninspired encounters. Given the significant amount of time spent in combat later in the game, this impacts the overall player experience. Kena draws parallels to older titles such as Zelda: Majora’s Mask, but released nearly 25 years later, elements like magical masks and a straightforward companion system struggle to offer novelty, leading to a sense of familiarity.
While initial bugs have been addressed, dedicated platforming enthusiasts might find Kena: Bridge of Spirits worth exploring, particularly given its relatively lower price point compared to other PS5 titles. However, it’s crucial to approach the game with realistic expectations. While visually appealing and generally enjoyable, the experience can feel somewhat predictable, lacking a compelling “just-one-more-time” quality, similar to Tamarin (though Kena represents a clear improvement). The issue might not solely reside with this specific game. It’s possible that this particular style of third-person platformer has reached a point of stagnation. Enhanced presentation alone is insufficient; the genre requires more significant innovation. This could involve more inventive level design, more dynamic boss encounters, or other unexplored mechanics. The current formula of jumping, moving objects, and engaging enemies with limited button combinations may not provide the same deeply satisfying experience it once did 20-30 years ago.
