A story-driven, action adventure combining exploration with fast-paced combat. Untangle the past as Kena, a young Spirit Guide in search of the sacred Mountain Shrine. Help free the spirits trapped in a forgotten village with the help of the Rot, her adorable (yet powerful) spirit companions.
Players take control of Kena, a young Spirit Guide, and use a diverse array of melee and ranged attacks to defeat the corrupted spirits that stand in her way. The combat system is fast-paced and challenging, requiring players to hone their skills to master the different enemy types and boss encounters. Reviewers praise the depth and variety of the combat, highlighting Kena's ability to execute basic sword strikes as well as more advanced combos. Players can also call upon the Rot, Kena's adorable spirit companions, to provide powerful support abilities during battles. While some reviewers note that the parry mechanic can be slightly delayed, the overall combat experience is considered a strong point, delivering a satisfying and fair challenge, particularly on higher difficulty settings.
The game world is filled with hidden areas, collectibles, and secrets, encouraging players to thoroughly explore their surroundings. Reviewers highlight the charming and beautifully crafted environments, praising the attention to detail that rewards players who take the time to search every nook and cranny. The puzzles, while not overly complex, are described as satisfying to solve, often requiring the use of Kena's abilities and the Rot's powers. This combination of exploration and puzzle-solving perfectly complements the game's combat, creating a well-balanced and engaging gameplay loop.
As players progress through the game, they can unlock and upgrade a variety of abilities and powers for both Kena and her Rot companions. Reviewers appreciate the sense of progression and the ability to customize Kena's playstyle, with the upgrades feeling meaningful and impactful. The inclusion of optional challenges and trials, such as wave defenses and obstacle courses, further adds to the game's depth and replayability, giving players additional ways to test and improve their skills.