Kena: Bridge of Spirits is one of the best Soulslike games, but it’s somehow managed to fly under the radar. FromSoftware’s blockbuster Dark Souls series has spawned countless imitators, giving rise to the now ubiquitous Soulslike sub-genre. The genre’s hallmarks include combat that emphasizes player positioning and reflexes, RPG-like character stat customization, and, of course, punishingly difficult battles against all-powerful bosses.
Many have tried, with varying degrees of success, to imitate the Dark Souls formula. Some of the most notable Soulslike imitators are big-budget, AAA powerhouses, including Team Ninja’s Nioh series and its successor Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. Others are big-name franchise tie-ins like Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin or Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and its delayed sequel Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. It may be the first game by developer/publisher Ember Lab, but despite being something of a dark horse, Kena: Bridge of Spirits can give any popular Soulslike game a run for its money.
Kena’s Cartoonish Art Style Masks Brutal Difficulty
Second to difficulty, Soulslike games are perhaps best known for crafting rich dark fantasy worlds. Kena: Bridge of Spirits goes to show that dark fantasy doesn’t have to be literally so dark. As Kena, players will explore an abandoned village, seeking a forgotten shrine that may restore its cursed forest. The environment is rendered in gorgeous detail, covered with dense foliage, roaring waterfalls, and glowing magical artifacts. Players can recruit fuzzy, big-eyed critters called the Rot to help in battle. Cuteness aside, the enemies are no joke, and Kena’s multi-stage boss fights pose a surprising challenge, especially on Master difficulty level. As with any Soulslike, players will have to watch their HP as they chip away at Kena‘s formidable foes.
Kena’s Unique Features Help It Stand Out From Other Soulslike Games
Kena: Bridge of Spirits breaks up the frustration of agonizing boss battles with some mechanics that are less common to Soulslikes. Although Kena can only equip one weapon – her staff – it’s a versatile one, and can be used as a melee weapon, a bow-like ranged weapon, or a catalyst for casting spells. Unlike many Soulslike games, platforming factors into exploring Kena‘s colorful world; players will have to double-jump across canyons, climb craggy rocks, and transmute temporary platforms. Puzzles sometimes block the path, often requiring the player to uncover and fire at distant targets. Side content, like finding every hat for Kena’s Rot friends, is abundant. Kena isn’t just a slog through one difficult boss after another, it’s a varied experience.
Kena is a Soulslike through and through, but it’s no mere imitator – it has an identity all its own. Its art style isn’t just cute, but memorable and unique, while its platforming and puzzle-solving sections keep the game fresh and interesting. Kena: Bridge of Spirits may have gone unnoticed by many when it was released in September 2021, but its quality Soulslike gameplay is currently available on PS4, PS5, and Windows PCs.
