Kena: Bridge of Spirits: Everything You Need to Know

After several delays, Kena: Bridge of Spirits is finally due to arrive next week, on 21 September. The charming-looking game has had a lengthy road to release: it was first unveiled alongside the PlayStation 5 and originally intended to launch with the console. We put the game on our cover, although it would be understandable if the details have faded somewhat since then. If you are still deciding whether Kena’s adventure is for you, this useful guide covers the essentials.

Who Is Developing Kena: Bridge of Spirits?

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is the first game from Ember Lab, a small studio established in 2009 by brothers Mike and Josh Grier. The company’s work has chiefly involved producing animated content for major brands including Coca-Cola, MLB and KFC. Its best-known project may be the animated short inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, which went viral in 2016. With Kena, the team is using its animation and world-building expertise in game development for the first time.

Who Is Kena?

Kena, pronounced “kay-na”, is the adventure’s protagonist: a young spirit guide. Her role is to help distressed spirits pass calmly into the afterlife. If someone dies with unresolved issues or trauma, their spirit may be left stranded between the worlds of the living and the dead. These lingering ghosts can create problems for the living, so Kena resolves their troubles and helps them move on to the next life peacefully. She is also the sole person able to cleanse a consuming blight that is slowly taking over the world.

What Is the Story?

Despite its release approaching, much of Kena’s story remains unknown beyond its premise. She journeys to an abandoned village, far from her homeland, while searching for a sacred mountain shrine. A mysterious curse has afflicted the surrounding region, transforming corrupted spirits into threatening monsters. As the only person capable of curing the land, Kena sets out to do exactly that.

What Type of Game Is Kena: Bridge of Spirits?

Kena is a third-person action-adventure game. Its combat centres on basic light- and heavy-attack melee combinations performed with Kena’s magical staff. She can also transform the staff into a spirit bow to attack from range. Kena has a selection of spirit abilities too, including a pulse bubble that can parry incoming strikes, and she can summon a spirit dragon for additional power in combat.

Away from fights, players will climb, shuffle along ledges and jump through the environment in a way comparable to the Uncharted series, while solving environmental puzzles to reach fresh locations. Kena can use her abilities to cleanse routes obstructed by corrupted growth. You will also bring peace to unsettled souls by curing what troubles them, gradually restoring and repopulating the deserted village that acts as the hub area.

Is Kena Set in a Large Open World?

No. In our cover feature, former Game Informer editor Jeff Cork aptly described Kena’s world structure as “wide linear”. You will follow a distinct main route, but can take diversions to investigate alternative paths that may contain rewards, such as hidden Rot.

Rot: What Are They?

The Rot are the game’s other main stars. These tiny, adorable creatures handle decomposition, breaking down decaying matter to allow new life to emerge. In that way, they complement Kena’s responsibility for sustaining the cycle of life, death and rebirth. After Kena forms a bond with them, the creatures accompany her and help in both combat and puzzle-solving.

During battles, the Rot are initially too timid to offer direct assistance. However, repeatedly landing hits fills a gauge representing their courage. When it is full, players can summon the Rot to enhance Kena’s attacks with stronger offensive effects. They can also be sent to distract enemies, causing them to lower their guard and creating opportunities to attack.

You can collect up to 100 Rot, 60 of which are optional. They may be concealed beneath rocks, inside hanging fruit and in other hidden corners. Collecting more Rot strengthens your attacks and gives you more helpers outside combat. You can also customise them by buying a selection of cute hats for them to wear.

Hats? Does That Mean Microtransactions?

There are no microtransactions in Kena: Bridge of Spirits. Items are bought from vendors with in-game currency.

Can the Rot Die?

Thankfully, no. Although the Rot have some gameplay similarities to Pikmin, they are far less fragile, meaning you will not need to fear losing your adorable companions during a fight. Throw them at as many monsters as you like!

How Long Is Kena and How Much Does It Cost?

Ember Lab says that finishing Kena takes between 8-10 hours, while completionists should expect nearer 12 hours. Its smaller scale is reflected in its US$39.99 price across every platform. A US$49.99 Deluxe Edition is also available.

Which Platforms Is Kena Available On?

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is coming to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC through the Epic Games Store. It will only be available digitally, though Ember Lab has indicated that a physical edition could arrive later.

What Are the Differences Between PS5 and PS4?

We have not yet seen the game running on PS4. On PS5, however, more Rot will be visible on screen and the foliage looks thicker. The DualSense controller’s haptic feedback provides realistic resistance when drawing back the bowstring, alongside other sensory effects.

For more information-packed stories about Kena: Bridge of Spirits, visit our exclusive cover story hub.