The studio is undecided on what its next project should be, but does know that it’ll be another narrative-driven game. Meanwhile, Grier also says that thanks to Kena’s success, Ember Lab is “not going back to commercials” and will be a full-time game developer going forward. “It’s hard to tell what’s a huge success,” said Ember Lab co-founder Josh Grier. Speaking to Bloomberg about Kena: Bridge of Spirit’s sales since launch, though Ember Lab didn’t provide any specific figures, they did confirm that the game has already recouped its initial development costs and that the developer has been pleasantly surprised with how it’s been selling. And though it doesn’t always happen, it looks like here the game’s critical success is being mirrored in commercial success as well. It's such a satisfying gameplay hook.Kena: Bridge of Spirits generated quite a bit of hype and anticipation in the months leading up to its launch, and upon release, the solid critical reception it enjoyed certainly reaffirmed a lot of people’s belief that Ember Lab’s debut title was going to be a good game. Landing these shots is an empowering experience, and you are tasked to do it constantly.
When Kena leaps into the air and pulls back the bowstring, time slows, allowing for an arrow to hit the exact spot you want – whether it’s a small weak zone on an enemy's chest or a hanging lantern below a galloping behemoth. It feels incredible and is designed with pinpoint precision in mind. Tagging an enemy with a carefully placed bomb is good fun, but the bow is the true star of combat.
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Along the way, Kena learns how to turn her staff into a bow and channel its powerful energy to create bombs. Some of the staff’s augmentations unlock through purchase, but the most significant additions are earned by making progress in the story. These battle sequences hum with intensity, are loads of fun, and expand with complexity when Kena learns to use the staff in new ways. She can evasive roll, block, and perform parry’s to stun her adversaries. Kena’s movements are swift, and the staff’s melee strikes land with a satisfying wallop. Throughout the entire game, Kena only uses her staff to take down these foes, but this simple weapon is about as adaptable as they come. When Kena enters these locations, enemies materialize from red mist and combat ensues. You don’t know what the Rot are or why they are helping Kena, but you keep gathering them (up to 100 in total) and hope they continue to be your allies as the story unfurls.Īs Kena bounds through the sun-soaked forest, she’ll come across areas of corruption littered with thorns, muck, and gray vines leading up a red, pulsating blob called a Tangled Heart. They play a massive role in both the gameplay and story, but more importantly, they wear cute hats (another item to track down). These adorable tiny blobs are called Rot and are one of the game’s most sought-after collectibles. Ember Lab’s artists make every little detail pop, whether within the sprawling forest Kena journeys through or the little creatures she meets along the way. Bridge of Spirits is as beautiful as games come, and that beauty encourages exploration – you’ll want to see all of this fantasy kingdom. Be prepared to enter photo mode numerous times during your playthrough.
The serenity of the experience extends to the world. I found myself humming along to the excellently composed low-key melodies, some sung by Ayu Larassanti, the same actress that brings Kena’s voice to life. Many of these revelations play out within beautifully animated story sequences that swell with emotion and are amplified by an outstanding soundtrack featuring traditional Balinese music. By exploring the land, their pasts are unearthed, and you learn of their triumphs and hardships through brief flashbacks that make the story sing in intriguing ways and help flesh out its key players. Before sending them on their way, she needs to learn about their lives, and ultimately what happened to them. Kena (pronounced “Kay-nuh”) is an inexperienced Spirit Guide who must locate wayward souls that are reluctant to leave this mortal coil.
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