Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a single-player action game set in an abandoned village. In this adventure tale, players take on the role of Kena, a spirit guide embarking on a journey to help lost and restless souls toward the afterlife. Developed by Ember Lab, it’s available on PC and gaming consoles. 

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is similar to games like  Horizon Zero Dawn™ Complete Edition, Horizon Forbidden West™ Complete Edition, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 2D, and The Legend of Zelda: Black Crown — wherein players use magic to defeat enemies, overcome obstacles, and find clues. 

Who is the main character in Kena: Bridge of Spirits? 

Kena: Bridge of Spirits’ plot revolves around Kena, a guardian spirit that escorts wandering souls to the afterworld. The character has small spirit companions called Rot, which helps players with challenges that they will encounter. Kena’s adventure is set in a mystical village haunted by souls that cannot pass to eternal life. This is due to the lingering resentments these lost spirits hold after dying from a tragedy that struck them.  

In this game, your mission is to restore peace and balance to the abandoned land. Using the character’s magical abilities, players need to fight enemies with the help of their staff — carrying out light, heavy, and charged attacks. Additionally, one of your tasks is to collect Rots along your journey. You can unlock new powerful abilities for your spirit companions the more Rots you discover. 

Exciting mix of combat gameplay 

Another standout feature of this story-driven game is its combat, such as melee attacks, ranged attacks, and Rots. Players can make use of the character’s staff for close-range combat including powerful, sweeping strikes. Likewise, you can upgrade your weapon to a bow for ranged combat, for enemies that are not easily reached with melee attacks. For defense, the character has a pulse ability that generates a shield, which can absorb a certain amount of damage. Aside from distracting enemies and performing attacks, Rots can manipulate the environment to the character’s advantage.  

Besides its vast open world that gamers can explore, the app has a beautiful art style and design attributes. When you first see it, it looks more akin to a Pixar animated movie than a game. Even its story also seems like it is taken directly from a movie — from clearing the corruption in the village to uncovering secrets. It’s like playing an adventure game and watching an animated movie at the same time. 

With its updated properties, it offers a new game option to players wherein they can begin a new adventure after completing the game. The character can also sharpen their skills and unlock rewards in trials, including wave defenses, obstacle courses, and key boss-fights repeatedly. Players can unlock brand new outfits for Kena, as well, by mastering trials. Charmstones, unique lighting setups, and moving cameras are additional brand-new features, too, that you can use to customize your playstyle. However, apart from these things, the game’s combat doesn't offer anything new that has not been done before. 

Be captivated by its endearing narrative

As Kena: Bridge of Spirits shines the most in its story-driven aspect and action-adventure feature, it is a must-try for gamers who are into this genre. Even though its combat is ordinary, the battle dynamics in this game are still quite polished and well-executed. Its beautiful art, coupled with an intriguing narrative, a cute character, and small spirit companions gives players an engaging and memorable experience.