Kena: Bridge of Spirits

The narrative of Kena: Bridge of Spirits receives praise for its emotional themes and artistic presentation, with several critics highlighting its poignant exploration of grief, loss, and healing. Jeuxvideo.com lauds the story as "poetic and touching," emphasizing its delicate handling of the afterlife and memorable cutscenes that rival Disney and Pixar in quality. Slant Magazine appreciates the elegant integration of puzzles and combat with themes like love, fear, and regret, while Impulsegamer describes it as a "gentle and meaningful story" centered on connection and restoration. TheSixthAxis notes its "rich and emotional story" without excessive dialogue, and Inverse compares its storytelling to The Legend of Zelda, calling it "powerful and effective." Critics like ComicBook and MMORPG.com commend the game’s immersive world-building and unique character backgrounds, which create a "stunningly depicted" tale reminiscent of animated films. These reviews underscore the game’s ability to evoke empathy through its themes and visual storytelling, even if its structure is occasionally simplistic. However, multiple reviewers criticize the story for lacking depth, character development, and narrative cohesion. VGC and NME argue that the plot feels "incongruous with gameplay" and "underbaked," respectively, while PC Invasion calls the protagonist’s journey "generic and uninspired." Meristation and GRYOnline.pl point to insufficient exploration of Kena’s backstory and the village’s history, and GamingBolt finds her a "dull protagonist" with a "predictable" narrative. Critics like Wccftech and Gamersky note repetitive mechanics tied to the story, with the latter describing the pacing as "too flat." Pure Xbox and Game Revolution label the storyline "bland" and "forgettable," respectively, while Destructoid acknowledges the compelling setup but highlights unremarkable characters. Many also critique the lack of emotional engagement, with Press Start Australia and Vandal noting that while the tragic spirit backstories are moving, the overall narrative fails to deeply connect players to Kena or the world’s lore. Despite mixed reactions, the overall consensus leans toward a narrative that is emotionally resonant but unevenly executed. While critics like Jeuxvideo.com and Inverse celebrate its heartfelt themes and cinematic quality, others such as PC Invasion and GamingBolt emphasize its shortcomings in character depth and originality. The story’s reliance on helping spirits transition to the afterlife is seen as both a strength and a limitation—its simplicity allows for accessibility and charm (as noted by Push Square and GamingTrend), but its lack of complexity frustrates those seeking deeper immersion (as highlighted by VGC and Wccftech). The game’s narrative is often described as "underdeveloped" or "not particularly engaging," yet it retains enough emotional weight and visual artistry to leave a lasting impression. This duality reflects a tale that aspires to be profound but occasionally falls short of fully realizing its potential, resulting in a polarizing yet memorable experience.

The gameplay of Kena: Bridge of Spirits is generally praised for its nostalgic charm, engaging mechanics, and unique elements that elevate the experience. Many critics highlight the Rot creatures as a standout feature, with GameGrin and Metro GameCentral noting their "interesting twist" and "Pikmin-like mechanics," respectively. The combat, while simple, is described as rewarding and fun by TheGamer and GameSpot, with the Rot companions adding a tactical layer that encourages teamwork and creativity. Platforming and traversal are also commended, with XboxEra and Vgames pointing to "smooth and exhilarating" challenges and "enjoyable navigation," while Gfinity and Impulsegamer appreciate the sense of progression through upgrades and abilities. The game’s environmental puzzles and collectibles, such as those mentioned by Vgames and GameGrin, contribute to a satisfying blend of exploration and problem-solving, and its semi-open-world approach (as noted by Wccftech) offers a refreshing take on classic action-adventure structures. However, several critics point to repetitiveness and lack of innovation as significant drawbacks. GameGrin and KeenGamer both describe the combat as "simplistic and shallow" with "limited options" and "repetitive" mechanics, while PC Invasion and God is a Geek criticize the absence of depth and the underwhelming evolution of combat systems. The linear progression, though engaging, is seen as restrictive by Metro GameCentral and MGG, who note the game’s "limited" and "simplistic" structure. Boss battles, while challenging, face criticism for narrow dodge windows (PC Invasion) and balance issues (Merlin'in Kazanı), leading to frustration. Additionally, some reviewers, like Destructoid and PC Gamer, mention screen clutter, animation issues, and unclear puzzle expectations, which can detract from the experience. The reliance on familiar mechanics, while comforting, is deemed "safe" and "unoriginal" by TheGamer and others, with limited creative risk-taking in design. Overall, the critics agree that Kena: Bridge of Spirits delivers a fun and accessible gameplay loop that balances exploration, combat, and puzzles, but with notable flaws. While it’s often compared to PS2-era classics (Metro GameCentral, TheSixthAxis) and praised for its emotional storytelling and world-building (GameSpot), the consensus leans toward it being a well-executed but derivative experience. The Rot companions and traversal mechanics are frequently highlighted as positives, yet the repetitive combat and linear structure are recurring criticisms. Despite these issues, many reviewers, including Vgames and Gfinity, acknowledge the game’s satisfying progression and engaging boss fights, suggesting it appeals to fans of traditional action-adventure formulas. The overall sentiment reflects a mixed reception, with the game being seen as a charming, if not groundbreaking, title that prioritizes nostalgia and accessibility over innovation.

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praised the graphics and visual design of Kena: Bridge of Spirits, highlighting its artistic brilliance and immersive aesthetic. Many drew comparisons to renowned animation studios like Pixar, Studio Ghibli, and DreamWorks, noting its "Pixar-like art style" (GameRant, GameGrin) and "stunning cinematic visuals" (NME, Screen Rant). The game’s environments were consistently described as lush, vibrant, and meticulously detailed, with critics like Game Revolution and Gamer.no lauding its "exceptional visuals" and "immersive world that encourages exploration." The use of Unreal Engine 4 was a standout feature, with BaziCenter and MondoXbox emphasizing its ability to create "beautiful environments" and "high-quality presentation," while Gfinity and App Trigger celebrated the "vibrant and exciting world" through elements like "illuminated moss" and "impressive water physics." The art direction, inspired by Japanese and Southeast Asian cultures, was noted for its "sumi-e style" (Slant Magazine) and "spiritually charged world" (Noisy Pixel), blending cultural motifs with a whimsical, magical tone. These elements, paired with "wonderful animation work" (Game Revolution) and "seamless transitions" (But Why Tho?), created a visually arresting experience that many called a "masterpiece." However, some critics pointed out minor technical and design flaws that slightly detracted from the experience. Slant Magazine noted that while the game’s cultural details were beautiful, the world itself "lacks a sense of liveliness," feeling disconnected from its artistic roots. VGC and BaziCenter critiqued the visual inconsistency between pre-rendered cutscenes and gameplay, with the latter mentioning that "distant areas lack detail" and the game being a "AA title" in terms of graphical fidelity. GameStar and Everyeye.it observed technical hiccups, such as "occasional framedrops" and "minor texture issues," while CGMagazine pointed to "some inconsistent character designs." Additionally, VGC and PlayStation Universe noted that the "frame rate in cutscenes may be a minor issue," and MGG acknowledged that the game’s "limited exploration" in some areas could feel restrictive. These critiques, while valid, were often framed as minor blemishes in an otherwise visually impressive title. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was that Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a visual masterpiece, with its art style and design standing out as a defining strength. Outlets like TheGamer and PC Gamer praised its "warm, rounded art style" and "big-eyed inhabitants" that "radiate with personality," while God is a Geek and Checkpoint Gaming compared its character animations to "Pixar" and "Hollywood quality," respectively. The game’s ability to blend cultural inspiration with technical polish was a recurring theme, with TheXboxHub highlighting its "Studio Ghibli aesthetics" and Press Start Australia marveling at its "beyond what’s expected in the indie sphere." While some noted areas for improvement—such as environmental consistency or technical optimization—the praise for its "gorgeous landscapes" (COGconnected), "distinctive animated aesthetic" (CGMagazine), and "charming atmosphere" (Android Central) underscored its status as a visually groundbreaking title. For most reviewers, the game’s artistry and attention to detail far outweighed its technical shortcomings, cementing its reputation as a standout in modern gaming visuals.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Kena: Bridge of Spirits as a standout element that significantly enhances the game’s atmosphere and emotional depth. Reviewers like IGN France and GameSpot highlighted the soundtrack’s exceptional quality, noting its ability to complement storytelling and create an immersive experience. The incorporation of Balinese and Indonesian influences, particularly gamelan-inspired instrumentation, was frequently celebrated for its cultural authenticity and unique aesthetic. Press Start Australia emphasized the collaboration with the Balinese ensemble Gamelan Çudamani, calling the score “excellent” and describing its blend of breezy rhythms and playful strings as “special and stirring.” Additionally, the use of silence in corrupted areas, as mentioned by RPGamer, and the dynamic shifts in music during exploration and combat, noted by PC Games and Vgames, were seen as effective tools for building tension and wonder. The DualSense’s tactile feedback, such as creaking bow noises, was also highlighted by COGconnected as a clever addition to the audio experience, while Gameblog.fr and GamingBolt appreciated the balance between intimate rustic arrangements and dramatic symphonic pieces. However, some critics pointed out minor flaws or areas for improvement. Gamer.no noted issues with dialogue being too low and music overpowering in certain sequences, which occasionally disrupted immersion. MGG and PC Games mentioned that the sound design could become repetitive over time, while GamingTrend criticized combat sound effects as lacking in quality. Voice acting received mixed feedback, with NME and XboxEra describing it as “dispassionate” or “underwhelming,” and Meristation and KeenGamer calling it “flat.” Multiplayer.it and COGconnected also mentioned functional but unremarkable voice acting, though Gfinity and Hey Poor Player praised specific performances, like Ayu Larassanti’s work, as “brilliant” and “masterful.” Additionally, a few reviewers, including Screen Rant, noted occasional audio glitches, and some, like Meristation, felt the music’s cultural elements could have been more deeply integrated. These critiques, while valid, were often framed as minor compared to the overall strengths of the audio design. Despite these criticisms, the overwhelming consensus among critics was that the sound design and music in Kena: Bridge of Spirits are highly effective and memorable. Many highlighted the soundtrack’s ability to evoke a “whimsical” and “magical” atmosphere, with Game Rant comparing it to a “Pixar film” and Vandal praising its “excellent compositions” that align with the visuals. While a few noted technical or repetitive issues, the majority emphasized its role in elevating the game’s emotional and immersive qualities. For instance, RPGamer and GameOver.gr appreciated the blend of traditional and modern elements, and GameSpot and Vgames called it “immersive” and “cinematic.” Even critics who mentioned voice acting shortcomings, like NME and Everyeye.it, acknowledged the music’s impact. Overall, the audio design was seen as a critical component of the game’s identity, with its cultural resonance and atmospheric depth earning it widespread acclaim.

The voice acting in Kena: Bridge of Spirits receives significant praise from several critics, particularly highlighting the authenticity and emotional resonance of the performances. RPGamer commends the "solid performances from the cast," noting that the villagers' stories are "touching and satisfying," while AusGamers describes it as "impressive and adds to the overall presentation." Game Informer and Gfinity specifically laud Ayu Larassanti’s portrayal of Kena, emphasizing how her voice brings the character to life and enhances the game’s serenity and cultural depth. Critics like Hey Poor Player and Impulsegamer call it "fantastic" and "compelling," respectively, with Hey Poor Player crediting it for the game’s emotional impact and Impulsegamer noting its seamless integration with the narrative and gameplay. Additionally, GameStar and New Game Network praise the "fantastic" and "nuanced" voice acting in cutscenes, which they argue elevates the storytelling experience. These reviews collectively underscore the voice acting’s ability to complement the game’s visual and thematic strengths, particularly in conveying Kena’s gentle personality and the spiritual tone of the world. However, several critics express concerns about the voice acting’s consistency and depth. KeenGamer finds it "not bad but delivered flatly," while Attack of the Fanboy notes that Kena’s voice is "soft and sometimes unimpactful," which might align with her character but risks diluting the experience. BaziCenter and VGC point to "inconsistencies," with BaziCenter criticizing Kena’s performance for lacking depth and VGC comparing the voice work to "B-tier animations" for failing to engage players emotionally. COGconnected and Destructoid describe it as "functional" or "hit-or-miss," respectively, while CGMagazine and GamingBolt criticize it for "lacking energy and passion" beyond the Rot characters. Some also mention localization issues, such as Everyeye.it’s observation that the English voice acting "slightly lacks" compared to the game’s audiovisual quality, and Vandal’s note that Spanish translations are "unremarkable." These critiques suggest that while the voice acting is generally competent, it occasionally falls short in delivering the same level of emotional or narrative impact as other elements of the game. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for the voice acting’s strengths, particularly Kena’s performance, while acknowledging its flaws. Many praise the cultural authenticity, with GameOver.gr and Jeuxvideo.com highlighting the Balinese singer’s contribution to Kena’s character, and IGN France noting the "cultural authenticity" in the English voice work. However, the criticisms of inconsistency, flat delivery, and lack of emotional depth are recurring, especially from outlets like VGC and PC Invasion, which question its immersion. Despite these reservations, a majority of reviews—such as those from But Why Tho? and TheSixthAxis—describe the voice acting as "excellent" or "great," with some even calling it "some of the best in games." The divide likely stems from differing expectations, with some critics valuing its subtlety and others seeking more dynamic or expressive performances. Ultimately, while not flawless, the voice acting is seen as a meaningful component that enhances the game’s narrative and world-building, even if it occasionally fails to meet the high standards of its audiovisual design.

The technical performance of Kena: Bridge of Spirits varies across platforms, with notable positives for next-generation systems. On the PS5, critics like COGconnected and Finger Guns highlight "phenomenal technical performance" and "excellent" frame rates, respectively, while Gameblog.fr and Meristation praise smooth gameplay in both performance and fidelity modes. Xbox Series X reviewers, including Generación Xbox and MondoXbox, commend its "outstanding" performance and "refined experience," with App Trigger noting a "perfect port" and improved animations over the PS version. For PC, GameStar and New Game Network emphasize smooth operation on recommended hardware, with MMORPG.com lauding its "bug-free" experience and PC Gamer acknowledging "solid performance" despite some later-game frame drops. Overall, the game leverages modern hardware effectively, showcasing its visual and technical potential. However, technical challenges persist, particularly on older platforms. The PS4 version faces criticism for "awkward controls," "clunky jumping mechanics," and "frame rate drops" according to KeenGamer, while RPGamer notes graphical limitations due to its design for next-gen systems. On the PS5, Dexerto and GamingTrend mention "awkward camera controls" and "heavy pop-in," respectively, and Slant Magazine highlights glitches like getting stuck in animations. Xbox Series X users encounter minor issues, such as Pure Xbox’s "occasional frame rate stutters" and XboxEra’s "hitbox-related glitches." Meanwhile, PC players report "texture rendering hiccups" (But Why Tho?) and PC Gamer warns of "significant framerate drops in the second half," requiring graphics adjustments. These issues, while not catastrophic, reveal areas where optimization could be refined. The overall consensus among critics suggests that Kena: Bridge of Spirits is best experienced on PS5 and Xbox Series X, where its technical foundation shines with minimal disruptions. Jeuxvideo.com and IGN Spain acknowledge minor frame drops and glitches but affirm its "solid" performance, while VGC and Vandal highlight its stability and responsiveness. The PS4 version, though playable, is seen as less optimal, with RPGamer and The Games Machine pointing to its hardware limitations. On PC, the game is praised for accessibility and optimization (New Game Network), but PC Gamer’s concerns about later-game performance underscore variability based on system specs. While no platform is flawless, the majority of reviews—particularly from COGconnected, Finger Guns, and Generación Xbox—agree that the technical hurdles are manageable and do not overshadow the game’s strengths, reflecting a generally positive reception for its technical execution.

The reviews of Kena: Bridge of Spirits highlight several positive aspects that contribute to its replay value, particularly for completionists. Critics like Android Central and DualShockers emphasize the game’s hidden areas, collectibles, and difficulty modes, which encourage players to revisit the world for additional challenges and exploration. RPGamer acknowledges the enjoyable adventuring and visuals, while Press Start Australia and XboxEra praise the robust Photo Mode and the incentive to uncover secrets, such as adorable Rot hats or meditation spots. Additionally, Gamer.no and GameOver.gr note that exploration rewards, even if cosmetic, can significantly extend playtime, and Noisy Pixel and Wccftech highlight the appeal of discovering all the game’s collectibles and boss battles. These elements suggest that the game’s design, while not expansive, offers enough depth for players who value meticulous exploration and mastery. However, many critics point to limitations that reduce its replayability for the average player. The Games Machine and COGconnected criticize the repetitive gameplay and lack of strong incentives to chase hidden collectibles, while AusGamers and Meristation argue that rewards are often shallow, focusing on currency and cosmetics rather than meaningful content. Eurogamer Italy and Games.cz note that the replay value hinges on collectibles rather than substantial new material, and Slant Magazine compares the game’s linear structure unfavorably to open-world titles like Breath of the Wild. Game Rant and VGC describe the game as too short or bland, with MGG and PC Invasion pointing to its lack of side quests and minimal variety in rewards. These critiques suggest that the game’s core loop, while polished, may not sustain interest beyond a single playthrough for those not driven by completionist goals. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Kena: Bridge of Spirits offers moderate replay value, primarily appealing to completionists and fans of exploration. While Android Central, XboxEra, and Noisy Pixel highlight features like difficulty settings, hidden areas, and collectibles as reasons to replay, others like The Games Machine and Slant Magazine argue that the repetitive mechanics and linear design undermine this. The game’s short campaign (8–12 hours) and lack of expansive side content are frequently cited as drawbacks, yet elements such as the Photo Mode, New Game Plus, and optional challenges provide enough variation to justify multiple playthroughs for some. Ultimately, the replayability is seen as niche, dependent on individual preferences for exploration and collectibles, with many acknowledging its charm but questioning its longevity for broader audiences.