This action-adventure title invites players into a beautifully realized world as Kena, a young Spirit Guide. Her journey takes her to a forgotten village nestled within an overgrown forest, a place where spirits linger, trapped by unresolved issues from their past. Kena's mission is to help these spirits find peace and ascend, while also seeking the sacred Mountain Shrine.

The game blends exploration with fast-paced combat, offering a narrative-driven experience. Players will uncover the secrets of this abandoned community and the reasons behind the spirits' unrest. The atmosphere is a key element, with a focus on visual storytelling and environmental detail.

Story and Setting

The narrative centers on Kena's role as a Spirit Guide, tasked with assisting spirits who are unable to move on. She arrives in a secluded village, now reclaimed by nature, where the veil between the living and spirit worlds is thin. The environment itself tells a story, with the overgrown forest and decaying structures hinting at the village's former life and the lingering presence of its inhabitants.

Kena's quest involves understanding the plight of these trapped spirits and guiding them towards resolution. This often involves confronting corrupted spirits and cleansing areas affected by spiritual imbalance. The game's setting is designed to evoke a sense of mystery and melancholy, underscored by a vibrant yet somber aesthetic.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

At its heart, the gameplay loop involves exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Kena utilizes her staff for both melee attacks and ranged abilities, engaging in fluid combat encounters. A unique mechanic involves the "Rot," small, adorable spirit companions who aid Kena in various ways.

The Rot can be directed to interact with the environment, solve puzzles, and even assist in combat. They can be upgraded and their abilities expanded as Kena progresses. Exploration is rewarded with hidden collectibles, lore, and opportunities to improve Kena's skills and the Rot's capabilities. The game emphasizes environmental interaction, with Kena's abilities often tied to the natural elements of the world.

What makes this game unique?

The distinctive visual style, characterized by its vibrant colors and detailed animation, sets this game apart. Coupled with the integration of the Rot companions as integral gameplay elements, it offers a fresh take on the action-adventure genre. The narrative approach, focusing on themes of loss, memory, and spiritual balance, contributes to its unique appeal.

The Role of the Rot

The Rot are more than just visual companions; they are a core gameplay mechanic. Players will learn to command them to:

Manipulate objects in the environment.
Activate ancient mechanisms.
Assist in combat by distracting enemies or amplifying Kena's attacks.

The effectiveness of the Rot can be enhanced through upgrades found throughout the game, making them increasingly valuable allies.

Exploration and Progression

Players are encouraged to explore the interconnected world, uncovering hidden paths and secrets. Progression is tied to both Kena's personal growth and the development of the Rot. Finding spiritual essence allows Kena to upgrade her abilities, while collecting specific items can unlock new powers for her companions.

How is the combat structured?

Combat is a blend of agile melee attacks with Kena's staff and strategic use of her spiritual abilities. Players will need to master dodging, parrying, and timing their attacks to overcome a variety of spiritual adversaries. The Rot can also be deployed to disrupt enemy patterns or provide support during challenging encounters.

Game Information

This is a main game, released in September 2021. It is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. The game is classified within the Role-playing (RPG), Adventure, and Indie genres.