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Kena: Bridge of Spirits 2021
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a 2021 action-adventure video game developed and published by Ember Lab. The game features a third-person viewpoint and centers on Kena, a young spirit guide who uses her powers to assist lost souls transition from the physical world into the spirit realm. Players control Kena using her staff for offensive actions and her pulse ability for defensive purposes. Throughout the game, players collect small spirit companions called the Rot, which aid in solving puzzles, fighting enemies, and completing objectives.
The creation of the game was guided by brothers Mike and Josh Grier, who are the founders of Ember Lab. Prior to focusing on this original project, the team had worked for five years developing commercials and branded applications. After 2016, they decided to build their own video game, eventually partnering with Sony Interactive Entertainment for a console-exclusive release. The core team expanded to 15 employees during development. Art assets were created in collaboration with Vietnamese animation studio Sparx, and the fictional setting draws inspiration from Eastern locales such as Japan and Bali. The soundtrack was composed by Jason Gallaty, who worked closely with Balinese group Gamelan Çudamani to produce authentic gamelan music that honors regional traditions.
The game premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2021. Delays occurred partly due to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kena: Bridge of Spirits launched on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows in September 2021, followed by releases on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S in August 2024, and Nintendo Switch in 2 in March 2026. Reviews were largely favorable, with commendations for its visual design, original score, and integration of the Rot. Critics had mixed opinions regarding gameplay mechanics, story elements, and character development. The title garnered multiple awards and nominations from gaming publications and ceremonies. A follow-up titled Kena: Scars of Kosmora is set to arrive in 2027.
Trailer
Plays from YouTube only after you click.
Crew
- Director
- Mike Grier
- Designer
- Jacqueline Yee
- Writer
- Josh Grier
- Producer
- Josh Grier
- Music
- Jason Gallaty
Details
- Developer
- Ember Lab
- Publisher
- Ember Lab
- Platforms
- PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2
- Modes
- Single-player
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
