Charming 3D platformer, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, will have a free upgrade from PS4 to PS5 when it releases presumably this Holiday.
The PlayStation Brahs found the news on the developer's Twitter page. Ember Lab also mentions that the game will have a simultaneous release between PS4, PS5, and PC (Epic Game Store), so no one will be missing the magic (except for Xbox fans).
The upgrade process and the messaging around it has been muddled as the year has progressed. While the Xbox Series X is promising Smart Delivery for many of its games, we still know very little about what will be backwards compatible or will have a free upgrade. News came out on Thursday that Remedy's cult hit Control will only be upgradable if you own the upcoming Ultimate Edition, leaving its most dedicated players in the cold. Meanwhile, CD Projekt Red has said that their futuristic open-world RPG Cyberpunk 2077 will be free to upgrade.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a step in the right direction, and regardless of ownership, it has impressed gamers because of its lush visuals and combat that looks compelling to play. In this cute game, you play as Kena, a Spirit Guide, who finds beings called the Rot who can help her in battle. With their help, you can restore the world that has been ravaged by a curse.
If you decide to upgrade to the PS5 version, you'll be able to use the haptic feedback of the DualSense in this game. One of Kena's weapons is the Spirit Bow, and you'll be able to feel the string's resistance in your hands.
Ember Labs has said that it is "working hard towards a holiday launch," and if the studio meets that, this should be a great PS5 launch title/window release. No release date has been confirmed as of yet.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits could be a standout for the PS5 launch lineup. Rather than the PS4's Knack, it looks like we'll have a relatable character in a beautiful world to explore. The platforming looks super solid, the environments are detailed, and the animation during the cutscenes looks gorgeous. Spider-Man: Miles Morales and this platformer could be a 1-2 punch for Sony.
Source: The PlayStation Brahs