Kena: Bridge of Spirits, the action role-playing game developed by Ember Labs, launched to critical acclaim. But a lack of trailers, screenshots and reviews prior to the game's launch likely left many fans wondering exactly what Kena: Bridge of Spirits was.
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After numerous delays and brief spots in various PlayStation State of Plays, Kena: Bridge of Spirits might have remained a mystery to some. Before diving deep into this lengthy single-player adventure with its sprawling landscapes, epic story and frantic combat, players need to know what they're getting themselves in for. So a handful of tips, tricks and expectations will go a long way before you begin your adventure.
10 You're Going To Be Doing A Lot Of Platforming
While it would be a little untrue to call Kena: Bridge of Spirits a platformer, it's fair to say that players should expect quite a bit of PlayStation 2 era platforming. From towering treetop houses to precariously positioned bridges jutting out from a lake, Kena will leap and bound from all sorts of platforms.
Outside of simply double-jumping from one platform to another, Kena will also clamber around structures. By latching onto a loose ledge, Kena can leap from one to another, or drop down onto a platform below. While platforming certainly won't be the main activity you will encounter, it is certainly a key component to Kena: Bridge of Spirits' varied gameplay.
9 The World Is Linear And Broken Into Sections
One question fans likely have on their minds is whether or not Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an open-world game. While parts of its segmented world are certainly open, for the most part, you can expect to navigate around linear pathways. Fortunately, Ember Labs have managed to make even the tightest of corridors feel quite large through the illusion of a dense forest sprawling out in all directions.
While exploring, players might notice that parts of the map have a padlock icon on them. Through exploration and completion of certain puzzles and missions, these routes can be unlocked. Before then, however, they are blocked off by a gate that will prevent you from going through.
8 There Are A Ton Of Things To Collect
Kena: Bridge of Spirits offers an abundance of things to collect while you adventure across verdant valleys and foreboding forests. The main thing players will discover in each area is the game's form of currency. However, while this can be obtained through more obvious means such as chests and barrels, there are less obvious ways to obtain it. Through exploration and use of a bow and Rot, you can collect quite a lot of currency.
Outside of currency, there are numerous other collectables to be found. From hats for your Rot to the Rot themselves which are scattered all across the map, Kena: Bridge of Spirits' world is teeming with things to find.
7 Timing Is Everything In Combat
While Kena: Bridge of Spirits isn't combat-heavy, whenever players engage in a combat encounter they need to be prepared, as one wrong move can lead to Kena's untimely death. Fortunately, there are a handful of tips and tricks you can use to avoid such a fate. For starters, utilising Kena's shield effectively in combat is essential for her survival.
Several of the larger enemy types can rush Kena and catch her off guard. Fortunately, they telegraph these attacks rather early, which affords enough time to prepare yourself. By using Kena's shield ability (by pressing L1) at the right time, you can block the attack and briefly stun your enemy. This will open them up for a lot of damage and is an efficient way to deal with a lot of the tougher enemies.
6 Using Your Rot Effectively In Combat
Kena's Rot are adorable. That is simply undeniable. However, they're also incredibly useful outside of looking cute. Players will find they're particularly strong and adept at picking up large items to uncover more Rot or complete puzzles. However, where they are most useful is in combat.
During combat, Kena can utilise her Rot for various different things. The most important of these is to heal her. In most battles, there will be a flower or two that Kena's Rot can heal. In doing so, Kena will regain some of her health. However, once you do this, the flower can't be used again. As fights tend to last a long time, using this ability at the right time is crucial for Kena's survival.
5 There Is Plenty Of Light Puzzling
Kena's puzzles aren't terribly difficult, but there are a lot of them. Similarly to the platforming elements, it's surprising to see just how many puzzles players will have to solve in order to progress. While some of the puzzles are optional, many are integral to completing certain missions.
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Fortunately, for players who aren't fond of puzzle-solving in video games, Kena: Bridge of Spirits' puzzles are often very easy to solve. There are a few exceptions, such as the rather obtuse Fishing Shrine puzzle, but for the most part, you can expect the puzzle elements to be rather light.
4 Upgrading Is Very Important
It's quite easy to get swept up by Kena: Bridge of Spirits' engrossing gameplay and stunning environments, so looking at stuffy menus instead sounds rather boring. However, if you want to get the most out of Kena: Bridge of Spirits, you should absolutely head into the upgrade menu at least once in a while.
Upgrades in Kena: Bridge of Spirits are incredibly important. Not only do they make Kena far more powerful and combat a lot easier, but they also make the overall experience a lot more fun. Using abilities such as the Rot Hammer, or the ability to slow down time as you ready your bow is incredibly fun.
3 Buying Hats For Your Rot Makes The Game More Fun
As you explore the wonderful world in Kena: Bridge of Spirits, you'll likely come across hidden hat carts or puzzles that give you a brand new hat. Hats can be given to the many Rot you'll collect during your journey. Each hat must be applied individually, so you may be spending a significant portion of your currency on getting your little friends some fashion.
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However, it is honestly worth putting in the time and money to kitting out your Rot with hats. Not only do they look increasingly more adorable, but it also just adds a nice bit of flavour to the game. It helps make each Rot feel unique and is great for those who want to get into the role-playing element of the game.
2 Using Your Bow In Combat Is Crucial
Players will unlock Kena's bow when they reach Rusu Mountain. Upon unlocking it, you'll discover access to many new abilities, as well as being able to utilise the bow in both combat and exploration. While many players will likely stick to hitting enemies with their staff, using the bow is incredibly beneficial, and if anything it should be used most of the time.
Some of the larger enemy types have glowing yellow orbs on them which, if shot, not only deal a lot of damage to the enemy but also drop an action point for Kena's rot. Additionally, Kena can slow down time when either jumping and aiming her bow, or after unlocking an ability, when simply aiming. This ability is incredibly effective at hitting enemies in the head, especially the types that hide behind their shields.
1 Look Just How Beautiful Kena: Bridge Of Spirits Is
While Kena: Bridge of Spirits showcased its visuals during its various trailers, you may not be quite ready to experience the game's incredible vistas. Exploring the world is a truly mesmerising experience, and you may find yourself slowing to a crawl.
It's likely that the screenshot button will be broken by the time you wrap up the experience, as Kena: Bridge of Spirits is undoubtedly one of the best looking games on the PlayStation. Fortunately, the developers have added a photo mode feature that can be used at any time.
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