While 2021 hasn't been the biggest year for game releases yet, there have been a ton of exciting announcements about what's to come. From PlayStation exclusives like Horizon Forbidden West and God of War 2 to Microsoft publishing Bethesda games, there's a lot going on in the world of gaming. With so much to look at and think about, it can be hard to keep track of all the games launching in 2021. However, PlayStation fans should be sure not to miss Kena: Bridge of Spirits.
There have been a few bigger releases this year including Resident Evil: Village and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, and there's more to come with games like Forza Horizon 5, Life is Strange: True Colors, and Horizon Forbidden West. But it's important to pay attention to the smaller titles as well, and Kena: Bridge of Spirits looks like it could be one of the stand-out indie games this year. With a confirmed August release date, players can start looking forward to it soon.
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Kena: Bridge of Spirits looks beautiful, with Disney-quality animation, captivating characters, innovative gameplay, and a great story. The game isn't out yet, but there are extensive gameplay demos and trailers for Kena. Ember Lab has given players a good idea of what to expect from the game, but new details are coming out all the time, making the release much more exciting.
The story follows Kena, a young guide tasked with helping lost souls find their way to the spirit world. The adorable little black creatures that follow her around are timid spirits known as the Rot, and they help Kena on her journey. The precious creatures have somewhat stolen the show, and there are Rot plushies.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits has been compared to other popular games ranging from Horizon Zero Dawn, Breath of the Wild, and God of War. All three of those games have sequels on the way, but they could be a long way off. It's also comparable to Pikmin because of the way Kena collects and controls the Rot during combat using their unique and magical capabilities.
Even while drawing inspiration from other games, Kena: Bridge of Spirits still feels fresh and new. Kena is coming in August, so it's the perfect way to scratch that itch for those AAA games it's reminiscent of in the meantime.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits isn't just an opening act for upcoming blockbuster titles. It looks like an incredible game on its own, even when compared to huge AAA releases. Fans have been following it since PlayStation revealed it during the June 2020 Future of Gaming event. It was one of the event's surprise hits and looks like it has all the makings of an indie classic.
Kena is appealing for a few other reasons, one being the price tag. A lot of upcoming PlayStation titles are priced at $69.99, a $10 increase from the previous generation. Many players aren't happy about the increase, especially considering the financial stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. By comparison, Kena is a more affordable $39.99. It's not going to be a 30-hour game, but the great thing is that the price reflects this shorter length.
Generally speaking, Kena: Bridge of Spirits also just looks like a wholesome and uplifting game. With so many games being dark and violent, Kena is bright and magical. It's also family-friendly; the combat and story seem intriguing enough to satisfy adult gamers, but it's also appropriate for younger players. In more ways than one, Kena: Bridge of Spirits really looks like it'll be the video game equivalent of a Pixar movie. This is a busy time for the gaming industry, but Kena could still be the sleeper hit of the summer.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is available for pre-order now and will release August 24 for PC, PS4, and PS5.
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