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'''''Kena: Bridge of Spirits''''' is an [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] [[video game]] developed and published by Ember Lab. The story follows Kena, a young spirit guide who uses her magical abilities to help deceased people move from the physical to the [[Spirit world (Spiritualism)|spirit world]]. The game is presented through a [[Third-person view|third-person perspective]]. The player uses Kena's staff for attacking enemies, and her pulse ability for defending against attacks. They are tasked with collecting small spirit companions known as the Rot, who help to complete tasks and battle against enemies.
'''''Kena: Bridge of Spirits''''' is an [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] [[video game]] developed and published by Ember Lab. The story follows Kena, a young spirit guide who uses her magical abilities to help deceased people move from the physical to the [[Spirit world (Spiritualism)|spirit world]]. The game is presented through a [[Third-person view|third-person perspective]]. The player uses Kena's staff for attacking enemies, and her pulse ability for defending against attacks. They are tasked with collecting small spirit companions known as the Rot, who help to complete tasks and battle against enemies.


The game's development was led by brothers Mike and Josh Grier, founders of Ember Lab. Having spent several years creating commercials and branded applications, the development team shifted to creating an original video game. They partnered with [[Sony Interactive Entertainment]] for a console-exclusive deal, and grew the team to 15 core employees. The game's art was created in collaboration with Vietnamese animation studio [[Sparx Animation Studios|Sparx]], and its fictional world is inspired by Eastern locations such as [[Japan]] and [[Bali]]. The original score was composed by Jason Gallaty, who collaborated with Balinese ensemble group Gamelan Çudamani to create respectful [[gamelan]] music.
The game's development was led by brothers Mike and Josh Grier, founders of Ember Lab. Having spent five years creating commercials and branded applications, the development team shifted to creating an original video game after 2016. They partnered with [[Sony Interactive Entertainment]] for a console-exclusive deal, and grew the team to 15 core employees. The game's art was created in collaboration with Vietnamese animation studio [[Sparx Animation Studios|Sparx]], and its fictional world is inspired by Eastern locations such as [[Japan]] and [[Bali]]. The original score was composed by Jason Gallaty, who collaborated with Balinese ensemble group Gamelan Çudamani to create [[gamelan]] music respectful to the culture.


''Kena: Bridge of Spirits'' was showcased at the [[Tribeca Film Festival]]. Following some delays, partly due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the game was released on September 21, 2021, for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 4]], and [[PlayStation 5]]. It received generally positive reviews, with particular praise directed at its artistic design, original music, and the use of the Rot; critics were divided on the gameplay, narrative, and characters.
''Kena: Bridge of Spirits'' was showcased at the [[Tribeca Film Festival]] in 2021. Following some delays, partly due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the game was released on September 21, 2021, for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 4]], and [[PlayStation 5]]. It received generally positive reviews, with particular praise directed at its artistic design, original music, and the use of the Rot; critics were divided on the gameplay, narrative, and characters.


== Gameplay ==
== Gameplay ==
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''Kena: Bridge of Spirits'' is an [[action-adventure game]] played from a [[Third-person view|third-person]] perspective.<ref name="Game Informer Announce"/> The player controls Kena, a young spirit guide with magical abilities.<ref name="VentureBeat Announce"/> In combat, the player uses Kena's staff for light, heavy, and charged attacks. An upgrade transforms the staff into a [[Bow and arrow|bow]],<ref name="Game Informer Questions"/> which can be used to attack enemies, act as a grappling hook, or hit crystals to solve puzzles.<ref name="Shacknews Review"/> When defending against enemies, the player can activate Kena's pulse ability, which acts as a shield and has a [[health meter]] that depletes when attacked;<ref name="Game Informer Questions"/> it also serves to provide clues and activate objects,<ref name="Game Informer Cover"/> and an upgrade allows the player to dash forwards, which can be used to pass through barriers to the Spirit Realm, dodge attacks and stun enemies, and corporealize spirit enemies. Activating the pulse ability before an attack stuns the enemy.<ref name="RPS Abilities"/> The player also gains the ability to use Spirit Bombs, which can be used to float shimmering rocks for platforming or as an attack against enemies.<ref name="Digital Trends Review"/>
''Kena: Bridge of Spirits'' is an [[action-adventure game]] played from a [[Third-person view|third-person]] perspective.<ref name="Game Informer Announce"/> The player controls Kena, a young spirit guide with magical abilities.<ref name="VentureBeat Announce"/> In combat, the player uses Kena's staff for light, heavy, and charged attacks. An upgrade transforms the staff into a [[Bow and arrow|bow]],<ref name="Game Informer Questions"/> which can be used to attack enemies, act as a grappling hook, or hit crystals to solve puzzles.<ref name="Shacknews Review"/> When defending against enemies, the player can activate Kena's pulse ability, which acts as a shield and has a [[health meter]] that depletes when attacked;<ref name="Game Informer Questions"/> it also serves to provide clues and activate objects,<ref name="Game Informer Cover"/> and an upgrade allows the player to dash forwards, which can be used to pass through barriers to the Spirit Realm, dodge attacks and stun enemies, and corporealize spirit enemies. Activating the pulse ability before an attack stuns the enemy.<ref name="RPS Abilities"/> The player also gains the ability to use Spirit Bombs, which can be used to float shimmering rocks for platforming or as an attack against enemies.<ref name="Digital Trends Review"/>


The player is tasked with collecting small spirit companions known as the Rot.<ref name="VentureBeat Announce"/> They can be directed to complete tasks, such as moving objects, taking certain shapes, or distracting enemies. The player must damage enemies before the Rot build enough Courage to join battles.<ref name="Game Informer Questions"/> Directing the Rot to complete a task during battle will expend Courage, which can be regained by continuing to attack enemies and collecting the dropped Courage.<ref name="PC Gamer Review"/> The Rot can infuse the player's arrows or bombs to provide a stronger attack.<ref name="RPS Abilities"/> The Rot can be customized with different hats,<ref name="Game Informer Questions"/> which are discovered by completing tasks or opening chests;<ref name="Digital Trends Review"/> when discovered, they become available at the Rot Hat Cart, where they are purchasable using Gems earned and discovered throughout the game world.<ref name="RPS Rot Hats"/> The player also earns Karma by completing tasks and finding collectibles, which is used to unlock upgrades and abilities such as more powerful attacks or a stronger shield.<ref name="RPS Abilities"/> Throughout the world, the player may discover Spirit Mail, which is used to unlock areas within the village and free the spirits within.<ref name="Destructoid Review"/> The player may also find locations to [[meditate]]; doing so will increase their overall [[health bar]].<ref name="Shacknews Review"/> The game utilizes the [[DualSense]] controller's [[Haptic technology|haptic feedback]] for features such as Kena's Spirit Bow.<ref name="VentureBeat Announce"/>
The player is tasked with collecting small spirit companions known as the Rot.<ref name="VentureBeat Announce"/> They can be directed to complete tasks, such as moving objects, taking certain shapes, or distracting enemies. The player must damage enemies to collect enough courage before the Rot can join battles.<ref name="Game Informer Questions"/> Directing the Rot to complete a task during battle will expend courage, which can be regained by continuing to attack enemies and collecting the dropped courage.<ref name="PC Gamer Review"/> The Rot can infuse the player's arrows or bombs to provide a stronger attack.<ref name="RPS Abilities"/> The Rot can be customized with different hats,<ref name="Game Informer Questions"/> which are discovered by completing tasks or opening chests;<ref name="Digital Trends Review"/> when discovered, they become available at the Rot Hat Cart, where they are purchasable using Gems earned and discovered throughout the game world.<ref name="RPS Rot Hats"/> The player also earns karma by completing tasks and finding collectibles, which is used to unlock upgrades and abilities such as more powerful attacks or a stronger shield.<ref name="RPS Abilities"/> Throughout the world, the player may discover spirit mail, which is used to unlock areas within the village and free the spirits within.<ref name="Destructoid Review"/> The player may also find locations to [[meditate]]; doing so will increase their overall [[health bar]].<ref name="Shacknews Review"/> The game utilizes the [[DualSense]] controller's [[Haptic technology|haptic feedback]] for features such as Kena's spirit bow.<ref name="VentureBeat Announce"/>


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
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Kena seeks to help the village's Woodsmith, Adira (Amber Goldfarb); on the way, she encounters the spirit of Adira's partner, Hana (Gita Miller). After Kena finds relics of Adira's memories, Adira tells her that she and Hana had discovered how to focus the energy of the Mountain within the Village Heart, but it had started to fade. When the sickness began to spread throughout the village, Hana left to search for food and supplies, but never returned. To help Hana find her way home, Adira built a tower and put the Village Heart at the top of it; while doing so, the Mountain Shrine exploded, wiping her out. Kena tells Adira to forgive herself, and that the work she built with Hana would forever be a part of the land; Adira and Hana embrace, and their spirits move on.
Kena seeks to help the village's Woodsmith, Adira (Amber Goldfarb); on the way, she encounters the spirit of Adira's partner, Hana (Gita Miller). After Kena finds relics of Adira's memories, Adira tells her that she and Hana had discovered how to focus the energy of the Mountain within the Village Heart, but it had started to fade. When the sickness began to spread throughout the village, Hana left to search for food and supplies, but never returned. To help Hana find her way home, Adira built a tower and put the Village Heart at the top of it; while doing so, the Mountain Shrine exploded, wiping her out. Kena tells Adira to forgive herself, and that the work she built with Hana would forever be a part of the land; Adira and Hana embrace, and their spirits move on.


To reach the Mountain Shrine, Kena attempts to help the powerful masked spirit, revealed to be the former village leader Toshi (Masashi Odate), but his corruption overpowers her. Kena finds relics of Toshi's past in the spirit realm and attempts to free him of corruption, but he overpowers her again and takes control of the Rot. She confronts him atop the mountain, where he fuses the Rot with corruption to create a giant corrupted Rot monster. Kena takes back the Rot and defeats the creature. Toshi tells Kena that, after the village was overcome with sickness, he sought answers; Zajuro told him that it was the natural cycle of the Rot God and that they must find a new home, but Toshi refused. He confronted the Rot God atop the Mountain to inquire about the suffering inflicted upon his people. The Rot God did not answer, provoking Toshi to kill it and causing the explosion that wiped out the village and its inhabitants. Kena tells Toshi to forgive himself, and the spirit of him and Zajuro move on. Kena bids farewell to the Rot, revealed to be fragments of the Rot God. The Rot combines to restore the spirit of the Rot God while Kena meditates on the Mountain Shrine.
To reach the Mountain Shrine, Kena attempts to help the powerful masked spirit, revealed to be the former village leader Toshi (Masashi Odate), but his corruption overpowers her. Kena finds relics of Toshi's past in the spirit realm and attempts to free him of corruption, but he overpowers her again and takes control of the Rot. She confronts him atop the mountain, where he fuses the Rot with corruption to create a giant corrupted Rot monster. Kena takes back the Rot and defeats the creature. Toshi tells Kena that he sought answers after the village was overcome with sickness; Zajuro told him that it was the natural cycle of the Rot God and that they must find a new home, but Toshi refused. He confronted the Rot God atop the Mountain to inquire about the suffering inflicted upon his people. The Rot God did not answer, provoking Toshi to kill it and causing the explosion that wiped out the village and its inhabitants. Kena tells Toshi to forgive himself, and his and Zajuro's spirits move on. Kena bids farewell to the Rot, revealed to be fragments of the Rot God. The Rot combines to restore the spirit of the Rot God while Kena meditates on the Mountain Shrine.


== Development ==
== Development ==
[[File:Kena Bridge of Spirits village.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|right|The fictional world of ''Kena: Bridge of Spirits'' is inspired by Eastern locations such as [[Japan]] and [[Bali]].]]
[[File:Kena Bridge of Spirits village.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|right|The fictional world of ''Kena: Bridge of Spirits'' is inspired by Eastern locations such as [[Japan]] and [[Bali]].|alt=The main village world consisting of tall wooden buildings surrounded by taller trees, with a tall snowy mountain in the background.]]


''Kena: Bridge of Spirits'' was developed by Ember Lab, an independent studio based in [[Los Angeles]]. Founded in 2009 by brothers Mike and Josh Grier, the studio has worked on several animated commercials and branded game applications, and in 2016 released a [[Viral video|viral]] short film based on ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask]]'' titled ''Terrible Fate''.<ref name="VentureBeat Announce"/> The development team felt that creating a video game was the "natural next step".<ref name="PS Blog Announce"/> Along with a small team, Mike used his experience with [[Game programming|programming]] to create a prototype over several years, before employing staff with more extensive development experience.<ref name="Game Informer Cover"/> Once the prototype was complete, the team began pitching to potential publishing partners with assistance from industry veteran Tina Kowalewski. They found that several publishers were familiar with their work on ''Terrible Fate''. Around eight months after their first round of pitching, Ember Lab signed a console-exclusive deal with [[Sony Interactive Entertainment]] in October 2017.<ref name="Game Informer Cover"/><ref name="SoulVision"/> The team grew to 15 core employees, with additional help outsourced to other studios.<ref name="Game Informer Cover"/>
''Kena: Bridge of Spirits'' was developed by Ember Lab, an independent studio based in Los Angeles. Founded in 2009 by brothers Mike and Josh Grier, the studio has worked on several animated commercials and branded game applications, and in 2016 released a [[Viral video|viral]] short film based on ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask]]'' titled ''Terrible Fate''.<ref name="VentureBeat Announce"/> Following the release of ''Terrible Fate'',<ref name="Bloomberg Never"/> the development team felt that creating a video game was the "natural next step".<ref name="PS Blog Announce"/> Along with a small team, Mike used his experience with [[Game programming|programming]] to create a prototype over several years, before employing staff with more extensive development experience.<ref name="Game Informer Cover"/> Once the prototype was complete, the team began pitching to potential publishing partners with assistance from industry veteran Tina Kowalewski. They found that several publishers were familiar with their work on ''Terrible Fate''. Around eight months after their first round of pitching, Ember Lab signed a console-exclusive deal with [[Sony Interactive Entertainment]] in October 2017.<ref name="Game Informer Cover"/><ref name="SoulVision"/> The team grew to 15 core employees, with additional help outsourced to other studios.<ref name="Game Informer Cover"/>


In October 2020, former designer Brandon Popovich claimed that Ember Lab did not fully compensate him for his work on the game and failed to honour promises made regarding [[Equity (finance)|equity]] and a promotion; an anonymous source issued similar claims, accusing the company of unpaid [[overtime]] and unfulfilled promises of a full-time position. Ember Lab responded, claiming that it had records of all invoices being paid and denying any promises of equity or promotions.<ref name="Gamesindustry Popovich"/>
In October 2020, former designer Brandon Popovich claimed that Ember Lab did not fully compensate him for his work on the game and failed to honour promises made regarding [[Equity (finance)|equity]] and a promotion; an anonymous source issued similar claims, accusing the company of unpaid [[overtime]] and unfulfilled promises of a full-time position. Ember Lab responded, claiming that it had records of all invoices being paid and denying any promises of equity or promotions.<ref name="Gamesindustry Popovich"/>
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== Release and promotion ==
== Release and promotion ==
The game was announced on June 11, 2020, at [[PlayStation]]'s ''Future of Gaming'' event, with a scheduled for release in late 2020 for [[Microsoft Windows]], PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.<ref name="IGN Announce"/><ref name="PC Gamer Announce"/> It is a [[Timed exclusive|timed console exclusive]],<ref name="TSA Announce"/> and released on Windows through the [[Epic Games Store]].<ref name="Game Informer Questions"/> Players who purchase the PlayStation 4 version are able to upgrade for free to the PlayStation 5 version.<ref name="Destructoid Upgrade"/> In September 2020, Ember Lab delayed the game to Q1 2021, citing development delays as a result of [[Telecommuting|working from home]] during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="IGN Delay"/> In a Sony trailer at the [[Consumer Electronics Show]] in January 2021, the game's release window was noted in [[fine print]] as March 2021; Sony later removed the fine print from the trailer.<ref name="Eurogamer CES"/> During Sony's State of Play presentation in February 2021, a release date of August 24 was set alongside the release of a new trailer.<ref name="IGN August"/> In July 2021, Ember Lab delayed the game again to September 21, citing a need for more time to ensure the game was polished across all platforms.<ref name="GamesRadar September"/> The final pre-release trailer was published on September 20, 2021.<ref name="GameSpot Launch"/>
The game was announced on June 11, 2020, at [[PlayStation]]'s ''Future of Gaming'' event, scheduled for release in late 2020 for [[Microsoft Windows]], PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.<ref name="IGN Announce"/><ref name="PC Gamer Announce"/> Players who purchase the PlayStation 4 version are able to upgrade for free to the PlayStation 5 version.<ref name="Destructoid Upgrade"/> In September 2020, Ember Lab delayed the game to Q1 2021, citing development delays as a result of [[Telecommuting|working from home]] during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="IGN Delay"/> In a Sony trailer at the [[Consumer Electronics Show]] in January 2021, the game's release window was noted in [[fine print]] as March 2021; Sony later removed the fine print from the trailer.<ref name="Eurogamer CES"/> During Sony's State of Play presentation in February 2021, a release date of August 24 was set alongside the release of a new trailer.<ref name="IGN August"/> In July 2021, Ember Lab delayed the game again to September 21, citing a need for more time to ensure the game was polished across all platforms.<ref name="GamesRadar September"/> The final pre-release trailer was published on September 20, 2021.<ref name="GameSpot Launch"/> The game is a [[Timed exclusive|timed console exclusive]],<ref name="TSA Announce"/> and the Windows release is exclusive to the [[Epic Games Store]].<ref name="Game Informer Questions"/>


''Kena: Bridge of Spirits'' was showcased at the 2021 [[Tribeca Film Festival]], allowing virtual attendees to play an hour-long [[Game demo|demo]]; it competed for the inaugural Tribeca Games Award.<ref name="THR Tribeca"/> The Tribeca Game Spotlight included a new trailer for the game, showcasing new gameplay.<ref name="Push Square Tribeca"/> Reception to the game's demo was positive; critics compared it to ''[[Pikmin]]'',<ref name="IGN Preview"/><ref name="Polygon Preview"/><ref name="Ars Technica Preview"/> ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'',<ref name="Ars Technica Preview"/><ref name="PC Gamer Preview"/><ref name="GameSpot Preview"/> and the films of [[Pixar]].<ref name="IGN Preview"/><ref name="GameSpot Preview"/><ref name="GamesRadar Preview"/> Lauren Morton of ''[[PC Gamer]]'' described the game as "a compact, confident action adventure in a world that belongs on a theater screen",<ref name="PC Gamer Preview"/> and Sam Loveridge of ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' called it one of the most anticipated games of the year.<ref name="GamesRadar Preview"/> On September 20, 2021, Ember Lab announced that the game would feature a photo mode, allowing photographs to be taken in-game.<ref name="IGN Photo Mode"/> A physical version of the game was also announced, set for release in November 2021 by [[Maximum Games]].<ref name="GamesRadar Physical"/> Following the game's release, Mike Grier said that Ember Lab was considering possible expansions to the game's combat,<ref name="GamesRadar DLC"/> and Josh Grier said that they would consider releases on other platforms after launch.<ref name="Shacknews Platforms"/> Josh Grier also said that the team was unsure if they would make a sequel, but they are willing to explore other mediums like television or film.<ref name="SoulVision"/>
''Kena: Bridge of Spirits'' was showcased at the 2021 [[Tribeca Film Festival]], allowing virtual attendees to play an hour-long [[Game demo|demo]]; it competed for the inaugural Tribeca Games Award.<ref name="THR Tribeca"/> The Tribeca Game Spotlight included a new trailer for the game, showcasing new gameplay.<ref name="Push Square Tribeca"/> Reception to the game's demo was positive; critics compared it to ''[[Pikmin]]'',<ref name="IGN Preview"/><ref name="Polygon Preview"/><ref name="Ars Technica Preview"/> ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'',<ref name="Ars Technica Preview"/><ref name="PC Gamer Preview"/><ref name="GameSpot Preview"/> and the films of [[Pixar]].<ref name="IGN Preview"/><ref name="GameSpot Preview"/><ref name="GamesRadar Preview"/> Lauren Morton of ''[[PC Gamer]]'' described the game as "a compact, confident action adventure in a world that belongs on a theater screen",<ref name="PC Gamer Preview"/> and Sam Loveridge of ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' called it one of the most anticipated games of the year.<ref name="GamesRadar Preview"/> On September 20, 2021, Ember Lab announced that the game would feature a photo mode, allowing photographs to be taken in-game.<ref name="IGN Photo Mode"/> A physical version of the game was also announced, set for release in November 2021 by [[Maximum Games]].<ref name="GamesRadar Physical"/> Following the game's release, Mike Grier said that Ember Lab was considering possible expansions to the game's combat,<ref name="GamesRadar DLC"/> and Josh Grier said that they would consider releases on other platforms after launch.<ref name="Shacknews Platforms"/> Josh Grier also said that the team was unsure if they would make a sequel, but they are willing to explore other mediums like television or film.<ref name="SoulVision"/>
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== Sales ==
== Sales ==
''Kena: Bridge of Spirits'' was the most-downloaded PlayStation 5 game of September 2021 in Europe, and the third-most in North America; the PlayStation 4 version was 16th in Europe.<ref name="PS Blog September"/>
''Kena: Bridge of Spirits'' was the most-downloaded PlayStation 5 game of September 2021 in Europe, and the third-most in North America; the PlayStation 4 version was 16th in Europe.<ref name="PS Blog September"/> By October 2021, the game had [[broke-even]]; Josh Grier said that Sony was "happy" with the results.<ref name="Bloomberg Never"/>


== References ==
== References ==
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<!-- Development -->
<!-- Development -->

<ref name="Bloomberg Never">{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2021-10-22/sony-s-hit-video-game-for-the-playstation5-almost-never-happened-in-covid |title=Sony's Breakout Video Game Owes its Success to a Hazmat Suit |last=Schreier |first=Jason |authorlink=Jason Schreier |work=[[Bloomberg News]] |publisher=[[Bloomberg L.P.]] |date=October 23, 2021 |accessdate=November 5, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022195141/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2021-10-22/sony-s-hit-video-game-for-the-playstation5-almost-never-happened-in-covid |archivedate=October 22, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>


<ref name="Ember Lab Beck">{{cite web |url=https://www.emberlab.com/2021/09/10/meet-james-beck-our-kena-bridge-of-spirits-combat-wizard/|title=Meet James Beck, our Kena: Bridge of Spirits combat wizard |publisher=Ember Lab |date=September 10, 2021 |accessdate=September 29, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910190121/https://www.emberlab.com/2021/09/10/meet-james-beck-our-kena-bridge-of-spirits-combat-wizard/ |archivedate=September 10, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="Ember Lab Beck">{{cite web |url=https://www.emberlab.com/2021/09/10/meet-james-beck-our-kena-bridge-of-spirits-combat-wizard/|title=Meet James Beck, our Kena: Bridge of Spirits combat wizard |publisher=Ember Lab |date=September 10, 2021 |accessdate=September 29, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910190121/https://www.emberlab.com/2021/09/10/meet-james-beck-our-kena-bridge-of-spirits-combat-wizard/ |archivedate=September 10, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Revision as of 07:39, 5 November 2021

Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Key art, featuring the logo "Kena Bridge of Spirits" in white letters on the left; on the right is the protagonist Kena (young girl with black hair, white shirt, blue cape, holding her staff and necklace) looking at her small, black Rot companion on her shoulder. They are standing in a forest.
Developer(s)Ember Lab
Publisher(s)Ember Lab
Director(s)Mike Grier
Producer(s)Josh Grier
Designer(s)Jacqueline Yee
Writer(s)Josh Grier
Composer(s)Jason Gallaty
EngineUnreal Engine 4
Platform(s)
ReleaseSeptember 21, 2021
Genre(s)Action-adventure
Mode(s)Single-player

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an action-adventure video game developed and published by Ember Lab. The story follows Kena, a young spirit guide who uses her magical abilities to help deceased people move from the physical to the spirit world. The game is presented through a third-person perspective. The player uses Kena's staff for attacking enemies, and her pulse ability for defending against attacks. They are tasked with collecting small spirit companions known as the Rot, who help to complete tasks and battle against enemies.

The game's development was led by brothers Mike and Josh Grier, founders of Ember Lab. Having spent five years creating commercials and branded applications, the development team shifted to creating an original video game after 2016. They partnered with Sony Interactive Entertainment for a console-exclusive deal, and grew the team to 15 core employees. The game's art was created in collaboration with Vietnamese animation studio Sparx, and its fictional world is inspired by Eastern locations such as Japan and Bali. The original score was composed by Jason Gallaty, who collaborated with Balinese ensemble group Gamelan Çudamani to create gamelan music respectful to the culture.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits was showcased at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2021. Following some delays, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the game was released on September 21, 2021, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. It received generally positive reviews, with particular praise directed at its artistic design, original music, and the use of the Rot; critics were divided on the gameplay, narrative, and characters.

Gameplay

The player character (a young girl with long black hair in a bun, wearing a blue and white outfit) throws a blue bomb at some rocks. Her staff transforms into a bow, with which she shoots the bomb. The rocks explode, creating a platform that the character jumps across.
In Kena: Bridge of Spirits, the player uses Spirit Bombs to float shimmering rocks for platforming. The player's staff also transforms into a bow for combat and puzzle-solving.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an action-adventure game played from a third-person perspective.[1] The player controls Kena, a young spirit guide with magical abilities.[2] In combat, the player uses Kena's staff for light, heavy, and charged attacks. An upgrade transforms the staff into a bow,[3] which can be used to attack enemies, act as a grappling hook, or hit crystals to solve puzzles.[4] When defending against enemies, the player can activate Kena's pulse ability, which acts as a shield and has a health meter that depletes when attacked;[3] it also serves to provide clues and activate objects,[5] and an upgrade allows the player to dash forwards, which can be used to pass through barriers to the Spirit Realm, dodge attacks and stun enemies, and corporealize spirit enemies. Activating the pulse ability before an attack stuns the enemy.[6] The player also gains the ability to use Spirit Bombs, which can be used to float shimmering rocks for platforming or as an attack against enemies.[7]

The player is tasked with collecting small spirit companions known as the Rot.[2] They can be directed to complete tasks, such as moving objects, taking certain shapes, or distracting enemies. The player must damage enemies to collect enough courage before the Rot can join battles.[3] Directing the Rot to complete a task during battle will expend courage, which can be regained by continuing to attack enemies and collecting the dropped courage.[8] The Rot can infuse the player's arrows or bombs to provide a stronger attack.[6] The Rot can be customized with different hats,[3] which are discovered by completing tasks or opening chests;[7] when discovered, they become available at the Rot Hat Cart, where they are purchasable using Gems earned and discovered throughout the game world.[9] The player also earns karma by completing tasks and finding collectibles, which is used to unlock upgrades and abilities such as more powerful attacks or a stronger shield.[6] Throughout the world, the player may discover spirit mail, which is used to unlock areas within the village and free the spirits within.[10] The player may also find locations to meditate; doing so will increase their overall health bar.[4] The game utilizes the DualSense controller's haptic feedback for features such as Kena's spirit bow.[2]

Plot

In the world of Kena: Bridge of Spirits, deceased people can remain between the physical and spirit worlds if they are traumatized or feel unfinished. The task of spirit guides is to understand their difficulties and help them to move on.[3] In the game, a young spirit guide named Kena (Dewa Ayu Dewi Larassanti) travels to an abandoned village in search of the sacred Mountain Shrine. She collects small companions called the Rot, who help her throughout her journey. On the way to the village, she confronts a powerful masked spirit who reveals himself to be the cause of corruption in the forest, forcing it to decay and unleashing deadly monsters on the land. Kena insists that she can help his spirit move on, but he refuses and leaves. In the village, Kena meets former elder Zajuro (Vlasta Vrána), who informs her that she must help the trapped spirits before being granted passage to the shrine.

Kena follows the spirits of two young children, Saiya (Sam Cavallaro) and Beni (Joshua Vincent), whose older brother Taro (Tod Fennell) is a restless spirit struggling to move on. After discovering relics of Taro's memories, Kena defeats the corruption that has overtaken him. Taro tells her that, after a sickness killed their parents and spread throughout the village, he took his siblings and sought help from Rusu (Alan Adelberg) but they were told to return to the village. On the journey back, Taro witnessed the explosion of the Mountain Shrine; its impact wiped out the village. As a spirit, he desperately searched for his siblings, but the corruption overwhelmed him. Kena tells Taro to forgive himself, and that his siblings need him; he embraces them, and their spirits move on.

Kena seeks to help the village's Woodsmith, Adira (Amber Goldfarb); on the way, she encounters the spirit of Adira's partner, Hana (Gita Miller). After Kena finds relics of Adira's memories, Adira tells her that she and Hana had discovered how to focus the energy of the Mountain within the Village Heart, but it had started to fade. When the sickness began to spread throughout the village, Hana left to search for food and supplies, but never returned. To help Hana find her way home, Adira built a tower and put the Village Heart at the top of it; while doing so, the Mountain Shrine exploded, wiping her out. Kena tells Adira to forgive herself, and that the work she built with Hana would forever be a part of the land; Adira and Hana embrace, and their spirits move on.

To reach the Mountain Shrine, Kena attempts to help the powerful masked spirit, revealed to be the former village leader Toshi (Masashi Odate), but his corruption overpowers her. Kena finds relics of Toshi's past in the spirit realm and attempts to free him of corruption, but he overpowers her again and takes control of the Rot. She confronts him atop the mountain, where he fuses the Rot with corruption to create a giant corrupted Rot monster. Kena takes back the Rot and defeats the creature. Toshi tells Kena that he sought answers after the village was overcome with sickness; Zajuro told him that it was the natural cycle of the Rot God and that they must find a new home, but Toshi refused. He confronted the Rot God atop the Mountain to inquire about the suffering inflicted upon his people. The Rot God did not answer, provoking Toshi to kill it and causing the explosion that wiped out the village and its inhabitants. Kena tells Toshi to forgive himself, and his and Zajuro's spirits move on. Kena bids farewell to the Rot, revealed to be fragments of the Rot God. The Rot combines to restore the spirit of the Rot God while Kena meditates on the Mountain Shrine.

Development

The main village world consisting of tall wooden buildings surrounded by taller trees, with a tall snowy mountain in the background.
The fictional world of Kena: Bridge of Spirits is inspired by Eastern locations such as Japan and Bali.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits was developed by Ember Lab, an independent studio based in Los Angeles. Founded in 2009 by brothers Mike and Josh Grier, the studio has worked on several animated commercials and branded game applications, and in 2016 released a viral short film based on The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask titled Terrible Fate.[2] Following the release of Terrible Fate,[11] the development team felt that creating a video game was the "natural next step".[12] Along with a small team, Mike used his experience with programming to create a prototype over several years, before employing staff with more extensive development experience.[5] Once the prototype was complete, the team began pitching to potential publishing partners with assistance from industry veteran Tina Kowalewski. They found that several publishers were familiar with their work on Terrible Fate. Around eight months after their first round of pitching, Ember Lab signed a console-exclusive deal with Sony Interactive Entertainment in October 2017.[5][13] The team grew to 15 core employees, with additional help outsourced to other studios.[5]

In October 2020, former designer Brandon Popovich claimed that Ember Lab did not fully compensate him for his work on the game and failed to honour promises made regarding equity and a promotion; an anonymous source issued similar claims, accusing the company of unpaid overtime and unfulfilled promises of a full-time position. Ember Lab responded, claiming that it had records of all invoices being paid and denying any promises of equity or promotions.[14]

Art design

For the game's art, Ember Lab partnered with Vietnamese animation studio Sparx. The team visited the studio in Vietnam early in development to ensure a smooth process. Lead environment artist Julian Vermeulen, who worked with Mike Grier on the original prototype in 2016,[15] worked with both studios.[5] An early prototype used the Unity game engine, but later shifted to Unreal Engine 4.[3] The majority of development took place on PlayStation 4;[16] the team was unsure if they would be provided a development kit for the PlayStation 5, but Sony eventually approved.[5] The team wanted to make a "rich experience" that could be completed in a weekend.[5] The game's fictional world is inspired by several Eastern locations, including Japan and Bali.[3] The symbols throughout the game are inspired by Japanese and South East Asian cultures.[17] Combat designer James Beck, who started on the project as animator and lighting/shading artist before transitioning to combat, found that working on character animations and enemy behavior simultaneously led to a more seamless integration.[18]

Character design

An animated GIF with the close-up of a young girl, with blue eyes and black hair. Her facial expression changes throughout the GIF: smirking, smiling, scared, and sad.
The development team created a digital library of animated expressions for Kena, allowing for refinement and consistency in the character.[19]

Earlier prototypes of the game focused on the Rot as antagonists, and did not feature Kena. When the team created Kena, she was initially younger—around seven or eight years old—but they felt that the story and themes required a more experienced and mature protagonist. She originally lacked many powers and relied more heavily on the Rot to complete tasks, which Mike Grier compared to the 2009 game A Boy and His Blob. After exploring more concepts, the team made Kena strong on her own, but more powerful when teamed with the Rot. Lead character designer Vic Kun designed Kena's appearance to match the world while also standing out. At one point, Kena had a long cape, but its animation was deemed too distracting and replaced with a shawl. Kun intended her clothes to feel asymmetrical, handmade, and practical. The game's characters were hand-animated using keyframe animation to add more detailed personality.[20] The team wanted the player to feel connected to the Rot by using subtleties of emotion during the game, and use this bond for effective combat gameplay.[21] The original 3D prototype model of Kena was built by Rodrigo Gonçalves, who refined the real-time rendering on details such as the character's hair. The team also collaborated with Carlos Ortega on 3D character work. For Kena's hair, the team discovered a blend between solid geometry (for effective lighting and defined shapes) and alpha planes (for individual hair details). Similar work was applied to Kena's clothing and staff, intended to reflect the character's tradition and devotion. The team created a digital library of animated expressions for Kena, allowing for refinement and consistency in the character.[19]

Kena is a young Asian girl. Josh Grier said that the team "always planned for a unique lead character that gamers haven't seen before".[13] Dewa Ayu Dewi Larassanti, who voices Kena, originally became involved in the project through her parents, who founded the Balinese ensemble group Gamelan Çudamani and worked with Ember Lab on the game's score; Larassanti performed on some of the songs.[22] Larassanti was chosen for the role partly due to her connections to both Balinese and American cultures, having frequently traveled between the two countries as a child. Larassanti found that the game's themes were aligned with her life experiences in Bali, and used her knowledge of Balinese culture from her father when interpreting Kena; for example, she would speak in a softer and more formal tone when interacting with her elders. Similarly, she treated the Rot as Balinese people treat the Sesuhunan, the sacred spirits from whom they often ask for blessings and protection. Larassanti found that her studies—a major in world arts and cultures and a minor in ethnomusicology at the University of California, Los Angeles—helped with "opening [her] mind up" for the role.[23] Larassanti often rehearsed with her mother, also a voice actress, before performing for the role. She also studied interactions between actors in games like Grand Theft Auto, as well as static or fighting sounds from shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra.[23] The physicality of the role led Larassanti to move while recording, often hitting the microphone or the walls of the recording booth.[24] She would intentionally argue with her brother before recording combat sequences in order to make her performance more believable.[22] She performed most of her recording in mid-2020.[23]

For his portrayal as Taro, Tod Fennell "made [his] voice a little more vulnerable" to contrast with the corrupted version of Taro (played by a different actor).[25] When depicting Taro's pain and grief, Fennell recalled his feelings of "anger, vulnerability, sadness, and guilt" that he felt at 23 when his mother died.[25] He said that, after losing a loved one, "it’s really hard not to go over what you think you should or could have done differently".[26] Fennell felt that working with the smaller team at Ember Lab made the process of his performance more "accessible",[27] and he was surprised by the length and content of the script compared to his previous video game work.[28] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic preventing travel, Ember Lab sent recording equipment to Masashi Odate's home in Japan to could record his lines for Toshi; while recording fight scenes, he was visited by a concerned security guard.[29] For her role as Saiya, Sam Cavallaro took inspiration from her own life as a protective big sister. She recorded her lines while talking to the development team on Zoom.[30]

Music production

"Befriending Spirits"
Kena: Bridge of Spirits features traditional gamelan music co-composed by the Balinese ensemble group Gamelan Çudamani. The music features vocals from Kena's voice actress Dewa Ayu Dewi Larassanti, daughter of Çudamani's directors.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

The game's original score was composed by Jason Gallaty. Gallaty was listening to the music of Balinese ensemble group Gamelan Çudamani for inspiration, and reached out in 2017 to seek a collaboration, wanting to remain respectful to the culture.[3][23] Çudamani's associate director and lead singer Emiko Saraswati Susilo was initially hesitant, not wanting traditional gamelan music to be featured in a video game, but agreed to collaborate after speaking to the team and resonating with the game's themes. Gallaty and Mike Grier traveled to Bali to record with the group. Çudamani's founding director, Dewa Putu Berata, created original compositions based on footage and descriptions of the game. When Gallaty presented samples of sacred music, Berata would inform him if it was inappropriate, and instead create a new composition with a similar feeling.[31] The game features music with vocals from Larassanti, Susilo's daughter, who voices Kena.[3][20] Despite being influenced by the films of Disney, the team avoided in-game musical performances to keep the game more grounded.[20]

Release and promotion

The game was announced on June 11, 2020, at PlayStation's Future of Gaming event, scheduled for release in late 2020 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.[32][33] Players who purchase the PlayStation 4 version are able to upgrade for free to the PlayStation 5 version.[34] In September 2020, Ember Lab delayed the game to Q1 2021, citing development delays as a result of working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.[35] In a Sony trailer at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2021, the game's release window was noted in fine print as March 2021; Sony later removed the fine print from the trailer.[36] During Sony's State of Play presentation in February 2021, a release date of August 24 was set alongside the release of a new trailer.[37] In July 2021, Ember Lab delayed the game again to September 21, citing a need for more time to ensure the game was polished across all platforms.[38] The final pre-release trailer was published on September 20, 2021.[39] The game is a timed console exclusive,[40] and the Windows release is exclusive to the Epic Games Store.[3]

Kena: Bridge of Spirits was showcased at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival, allowing virtual attendees to play an hour-long demo; it competed for the inaugural Tribeca Games Award.[41] The Tribeca Game Spotlight included a new trailer for the game, showcasing new gameplay.[42] Reception to the game's demo was positive; critics compared it to Pikmin,[43][44][45] The Legend of Zelda,[45][46][47] and the films of Pixar.[43][47][48] Lauren Morton of PC Gamer described the game as "a compact, confident action adventure in a world that belongs on a theater screen",[46] and Sam Loveridge of GamesRadar+ called it one of the most anticipated games of the year.[48] On September 20, 2021, Ember Lab announced that the game would feature a photo mode, allowing photographs to be taken in-game.[49] A physical version of the game was also announced, set for release in November 2021 by Maximum Games.[50] Following the game's release, Mike Grier said that Ember Lab was considering possible expansions to the game's combat,[51] and Josh Grier said that they would consider releases on other platforms after launch.[52] Josh Grier also said that the team was unsure if they would make a sequel, but they are willing to explore other mediums like television or film.[13]

Reception

Kena: Bridge of Spirits received "generally favorable reviews", according to review aggregator Metacritic.[53][54][55] Mitchell Saltzman of IGN described it as "a wonderful first game from Ember Lab, combining its outstanding pedigree in art and animation with some really solid combat, fantastic world design, and a great balance of action, platforming, puzzle solving, and exploration".[60] Giovanni Colantonio of Digital Trends called it an "exquisitely crafted adventure that fuses classic and modern game design concepts with ease",[7] while Phil Hornshaw of GameSpot wrote that it is "an exciting, often heartbreaking journey that will make you want to explore every corner and crevice to see all that you can".[58] In a less positive review, Kotaku's Alex Walker described it as a "mechanically comforting and a constant visual pleasure, albeit lacking in a little ambition".[62]

Reviewers particularly praised the game's artistic design;[58][63][64] some critics were unsurprised considering Ember Lab's previous work,[57][65][66] and several drew comparisons to the films of Pixar, DreamWorks Animation, and Studio Ghibli.[8][62][67] Ozzie Mejia of Shacknews considered the game's visuals as among the best of the PlayStation 5,[4] and Colantonio of Digital Trends wrote that the developer was "pushing video game animation to its limits".[7] Rachel Weber of GamesRadar+ praised the enemy designs, noting that they continued to feel alive even when duplicated.[59] The detailed environments and variation of color in the art design was also praised.[56][57][61] Some critics noticed a discrepancy between the gameplay and cutscenes, with the latter produced at a lower frame rate;[4][68] Alan Wen of NME considered this outdated, comparing it to PlayStation 2 games.[66] VentureBeat's Mike Minotti lauded the art design but found that it began to become "a little monotonous",[67] while Eurogamer's Malindy Hetfeld questioned the use of Balinese and Japanese iconography due to the absence of explanation.[65]

Several critics found the game's exploration and puzzles to be satisfying, imaginative, and rewarding,[7][58][63] while others felt that the puzzles became repetitive,[56][62] or that their solutions were too simple.[61][65] Colantonio of Digital Trends appreciated the clear purpose of each tool and mechanic,[7] and GamesRadar+'s Weber thought that the best puzzles in the game were the most challenging.[59] Push Square's Stephen Tailby appreciated the game's progression and pacing,[61] while IGN's Saltzman considered it more limiting in terms of player growth.[60] Mejia of Shacknews felt that the bow improved the game's traversal puzzles, but that the bombs began to "feel awkward and clumsy".[4] GamesRadar+'s Weber found the explanation of the new skills unclear,[59] and Video Games Chronicle's Jordan Middler wrote that they added little to the combat sequences.[68] Several critics lauded the challenge and satisfaction of the combat;[10][56][60][61][66] GameSpot's Hornshaw called it "generally tough and exciting" and that the addition of the Rot made it "feel fun and intelligent".[58] Conversely, some reviewers found the combat basic or uninspired,[57][8] and the dodge and parry to be inconsistent or useless;[4][68] Eurogamer's Hetfeld said that the difficulty was unbalanced between standard fights and boss battles.[65] Reviewers praised the game's fast loading times on PlayStation 5 and the integration of the DualSense;[10][61] on Windows, PC Gamer's Kemp noted some dips in frame rate during the game's second half.[8]

An animated GIF from a video game. A small, black, furry creature appears in the centre of the screen, surrounded by other identical-looking creatures who dance and cheer.
The Rot were praised for their design and gameplay function, drawing comparisons to the titular creatures of the Pikmin series.

The game's Rot creatures were praised by critics, many of whom drew comparisons to the titular creatures of the Pikmin series.[10][58][59][60][66] Several reviewers lauded the Rot's involvement in the game's combat;[7][8][56][64] GameSpot's Hetfeld wrote that the Rot "makes Kena stand apart from similar games",[58] and GamesRadar+'s Weber felt that they "heighten every other aspect" of the game.[59] Paul Tamburro of GameRevolution said that the creatures demonstrated the developer's animation skills and appreciated their customization.[57] Push Square's Tailby found the creatures enjoyable in all interactions,[61] and NME's Wen considered them to have more personality than Kena.[66] Conversely, Middler of Video Games Chronicle wrote that the Rot "almost feels like an exercise in marketing".[68]

Mejia of Shacknews found the game's narrative to be powerful and emotional, noting that it was "so touching that mechanical shortcomings can be forgiven".[4] Colantonio of Digital Trends favorably compared the game's story to Hayao Miyazaki films like Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Princess Mononoke, considering it one of the game's best elements.[7] Push Square's Tailby thought the narrative was predictable but "hits an optimistic yet bittersweet tone, akin to any number of animated films" from the last decade.[61] Middler of Video Games Chronicle remarked a discrepancy in the game's story and the player's actions, and described the writing as a "something you'd see in a B-tier Illumination animation".[68] Matusiak of Gry-Online and Wen of NME found the narrative unmemorable;[63][66] similarly, Tamburro of GameRevolution considered it forgettable, noting that the lack of emotion in its delivery of its themes of bereavement and loss were unaffecting.[57] PC Gamer's Kemp said that the story felt incomplete.[8] Shubhankar Parijat of GamingBolt felt that the backstory and details of the game's world told a better story than the main narrative.[69]

GameSpot's Hornshaw wrote that the character interactions made each area of the world feel more alive.[58] Mejia of Shacknews considered the character arcs to be "heartbreaking".[4] Conversely, some reviewers thought that the characters were undeveloped or uninteresting.[8][66][68] Kotaku's Walker lauded the developer's skill in character animation,[62] though Push Square's Tailby found some character designs to be "a bit lacking";[61] Eurogamer's Hetfeld wrote that the Pixar-inspired character designs "made it difficult for me to tell if all these characters with Japanese names were in fact Japanese".[65] Several reviewers criticized the lack of character development for the protagonist, Kena;[62][63][66] IGN's Saltzman wanted to learn more,[60] and PC Gamer's Kemp was curious enough about her story to keep playing.[8] Some critics lauded the cast's performances[56]—Antistar of Jeuxvideo.com praised Larassanti's performance as Kena,[64] and Walker of Kotaku applauded Odate as Toshi[62]—while others criticized the voice acting;[10][56] NME's Kemp noted a preference for a silent protagonist and gibberish-speaking supporting characters.[66]

Reviewers lauded the game's music.[61] Jeuxvideo.com's Antistar appreciated its atmosphere and attention to detail, considering it unforgettable.[64] Hornshaw of GameSpot described the score as "excellent" and "immersive",[58] and Jordan Devore of Destructoid found it "tranquil" with "a few earworms".[10] GameRevolution's Tamburro praised the reflection of the Balinese music on the game's cultural influence.[57] Andrew Reiner of Game Informer said that he "found [himself] humming along to the excellently composed low-key melodies".[56] Gry-Online's Matusiak praised the atmospheric soundtrack, though noted a lack of effective sound design during combat.[63]

Several critics commented on the game's originality and its borrowing of successful elements from other popular games, with both favorable and unfavorable comparisons to Beyond Good & Evil, Jak and Daxter, and The Legend of Zelda.[61][65][66][67] Colantonio of Digital Trends found its familiar structural beats "warm" and "comforting",[7] and Saltzman of IGN considered it "simple and formulaic, but it works elegantly".[60] Kotaku's Walker compared the game to PlayStation-era platformers like Spyro the Dragon and Ty the Tasmanian Tiger, though noted that critical comparisons felt harsh for a first-time production from a small studio like Ember Lab.[62] Push Square's Tailby appreciated the callback to PlayStation 2-era action platformers;[61] similarly, Devore of Destructoid compared it to "a gorgeous, modern-day take on a tried-and-true older-era platformer", which he considered "basic".[10] Antistar of Jeuxvideo.com noted a feeling of familiarity in the game, but appreciated its uniqueness in its personality.[64] Ewan Wilson of Polygon wrote that the "absence of any original identity" signaled a lack of imagination, highlighting particular similarities with Studio Ghibli and its films like Princess Mononoke; Wilson described the game as "God of War without the gruesome finishing moves ... Ghost of Tsushima without the expansive cast of characters ... Horizon Zero Dawn without the sprawling scope".[70] Wen of NME hoped that Ember Lab would continue to build on its inspirations for a more original project in future.[66]

Sales

Kena: Bridge of Spirits was the most-downloaded PlayStation 5 game of September 2021 in Europe, and the third-most in North America; the PlayStation 4 version was 16th in Europe.[71] By October 2021, the game had broke-even; Josh Grier said that Sony was "happy" with the results.[11]

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