Developer Ember Lab has been trying to make the world of Kena: Bridge of Spirits the kind of place that players would want to inhabit and explore, and judging by the reception of the 4-minute-long gameplay trailer revealed today at the 2021 Tribeca Games Spotlight, it has succeeded. This video showcases Kena: Bridge of Spirits running at 4K 60fps on PS5 and the result is breathtaking.
The trailer shows off several gameplay mechanics including grabbing out-of-reach items, righting fallen statues, and jumping up cliffs with the help of Kena's staff and magical glowing flowers. Also prominently featured is the Rot, a group of adorable little spirits that follow Kena around Pikmin-style and help her with various tasks. Everything shown looks absolutely stunning, with even scenes of Kena walking around the forest easily matching the quality of an animated movie.
This game may look like a Pixar movie, but according to studio co-founder Josh Grier, Kena: Bridge of Spirits was actually inspired by The Legend of Zelda and other adventure games that came before it. Ember Lab has also stated that most of the team behind the game has a background in animation and film, and that influence is clear in the detailed facial animations and cinematic approach to storytelling. Add in some surprisingly fluid action and spectacular-looking combat and Kena: Bridge of Spirits seems like a recipe for success.
In the video, the developers mentioned that the Rot was originally conceived as an antagonistic force of nature. The decision to make them benevolent little creatures that assist Kena on her quest helped to define what the game would end up as. The developers also described going to Bali to record the soundtrack, which is a collaboration between Ember Lab's Jason Gallaty and Dewa Putu Berata, performed by traditional Balinese performing ensemble Gamelan Çudamani. Kena: Bridge of Spirits won't just look good--it will sound good as well, with songs that range from dark and threatening to soft and wondrous adding a new dimension to the game's world.
Visual excellence doesn't guarantee a good game, of course, but it can't be denied that Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a wonder to watch in action. Ember Lab has put an incredible amount of detail into the forest, the abandoned village, and the wandering spirits that Kena must set free. Whether Kena: Bridge of Spirits truly lives up to the label of playable Pixar movie remains to be seen, but if this trailer is anything to go by, it has a good chance.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is due to release on August 24, 2021, on PC, PS4, and PS5.
