I'm Here for Tales of Kenzera: Zau's Afrofuturist Revolution | Bytesized Preview

[@SecondWindGroup]

Hey folks! So we're still figuring out what a "preview" looks like on Second Wind, but this our first attempt and we wanted to make it something a bit more than a recap of what was played by providing some interesting details about the game and its background. A bit of an essay / preview mashup, if you want to call it that. Let us know what you think to help us shape these kinds of previews going forward!

[@LizT-qx3xl]

I like the thoughtfulness that is put into previews. Sometimes they devolve into "BUY THIS SO WE CAN GET PAID," or "BY THE WAY, WE CAN'T BE TRUSTED TO GIVE A NUANCED REVIEW WHEN IT FINALLY COMES OUT FOR REALS-Y." Not a fan. This leaves KC room to say something like "I loved the concept, but the gameplay didn't live up to my experience with the demo." Not saying that'll happen, but no matter what, I'd believe his review for this if he came out with one.

[@arthurcoser]

I think it would be cool to differentiate the thumbnail in some way, adding "Preview" alongside "Bytesized" and/or changing the green graphic color at least a bit (I remembered the game from the game awards and thought "Oh, it has launched already?" for being on Bytesized)

[@classycasual3910]

I personally thought this was a great preview that both got me looking forward to the game as well as thinking about the context around it! Thanks so much KC, I love it!

[@TheFerrett3]

Have you read any nnedi okorafor? Her works are amazing and seem right up your alley, even if the subject matter is often pretty heavy. Binti seems a 'fun' place to start.

[@spineyswordfish]

The in-depth focus on the creator was nice. Knowing the background and inspirations to the game makes me want to play it more. Personally, I like seeing a creator's name and vision poured into something. I would agree with another commenter though, maybe change up the thumbnail. Include something to indicate the type of preview. Like "behind the creator" or something much more clever. Overall, I liked the video!

[@MariaVosa]

It's really wonderful if game designs and stories take inspiration from a greater variety of human cultures. And it's even better when it's not just brought in as a way of making the world "exotic", but by people genuinely knowledgeable and passionate about it. Hope this game is a success.

[@ExtremeVariety]

Always nice to see something that looks fresh and filled with passion!

[@fdiw]

I had no idea about this game and I'm so excited! Afro futurism is one of my favorite sci Fi genera and I'm beyond stoked for a video game in that space! I'm sad it hasn't gotten more attention before but so glad your spot lighting it

[@disky01]

I saw this game on TGA, and I thought it looked really cool, and Abubakar Salim seems like a great guy. Loved him in Raised By Wolves and so I followed him on Twitter, he seems like he legitimately loves games and I trust that he's putting that love into Takes of Kenzera. I hope it's great and I wish him all the best.

[@TetanusSnowfall]

A metroidvania is a really smart choice to explore these themes and introduce people to this setting and aesthetic. The character art looks gorgeous and the voice acting I've heard is top-level for sure.

[@ranitomimicanjo8518]

I have no direct connection to this culture. None whatsoever. But I WANT this Game! I love how it looks, I Want to learn more about this culture seeing its inspiration rendered beautifully here. I also never realized this genre had a name. Afro-Futurism. And I want to see MORE! Once this game comes out I Will be trying my hardest to get some time to play it.

[@notanotaku1101]

The broadening of fictional settings by allowing more diverse voices to tell new stories is definitely a good thing, and it only works if there's an excitement to hear these stories. So stay excited and listen well, and let's all hope that there's more to come from even more new and creative minds.

[@melephs_cap]

​​​​​@@dojelnotmyrealname4018 What buzzwords? "Diverse"? That's a buzzword broth at most.

[@brendo7363]

If you actually bought this, leave a steam review. There are zero steam reviews and nearly nobody even played the demo.

[@Sirscruggz]

Yo this is awesome. Would love to see more African themed games along with other cultures.

[@jacobs483]

A person with a creative passion and story to be told, partnering with artist and professionals to help bring it to life, and a fresh take on a strong foundation? It sounds like all the things you need to make something cool. It looks stunning too.

[@randomguy970]

Had no idea this existed. Now firmly on my radar. Thanks!

[@MotherKojiro]

I would love to see more of this kind of setting and more exploration of cultures other than the ever-present Greco-Roman and Norse Mythologies; I'm all for this, too!

[@unavezms8167]

I loved Kizazi Moto. I wish every story in there was turned into a long animation film. I have never heard of the actor before but I am wishlisting the game now.

[@BeebletheBee]

This looks so stylish and cool, I'm interested to see more

[@samppawest]

Looks cool! I hope EA kept their hands away other than giving money to this project. Can’t wait to play it!

[@armelior4610]

Not afro-futurism, but I know of one afro-fantasy game with good reviews on steam : Aurion legacy of the Kori-odan (not a metroidvania, more a beat them all with RPG elements). Haven't played it yet, it's on my way too long wishlist.

[@HistoryTeacherSteve]

This sounds amazing, thanks for brining it to our attention!

[@masalaman7820]

Hey, appreciated this review, just a quick thing for quality control in future videos: The name Abu Bakr is not typically shortened to 'Abu'. Idk if Abubakar Selim has a particular/individual preference, but it's like shortening 'Jefferson' to 'Son'. Abu actually literally means 'Father' in Arabic (where the name etymologically comes from: Abubakar --> Abu Bakar --> Father of Bakar [reference to a historical figure]). As someone with an 'Abu'-prefixed name myself, I did find it *very* weird to refer to someone named Abubakar as just 'Abu'. Talking personally, I would chafe at being called 'Abu'.

[@KC_Nwosu]

It's the form I've seen used by his team and discord community so I've adopted it, in speaking with him I've not had him correct me on it so I assume he's okay with it, but having a long African name myself I'm also familiar with letting people who struggle with it get off easy. Thanks for the insight though.

[@E3Persona]

Definitely going to play this game. I really emphasize with Abubakar vision for his game because I lost my father 4 years ago. My parents are Nigerian immigrants so I have been exposed to the Nigerian culture. I don't think heard of the term Afro-Futurism but now I know, I want more of it in all entertainment media.

[@lukeskywalker987]

Then you should check out EXO: the Legend of Wale Williams. It was created by a studio in Lagos who are trying to counter depictions of Africa as a poverty stricken craphole. I think they're about to release an "Avengers" type crossover and they can be found in most large bookstores.

[@muncherofbiscuits]

Saw the game when it was announced at the event and immediately added it to the wishlist - can't wait to paly the demo this weekend, it looks so good!

[@ah_dan6572]

Thankyou for highlighting this! I wouldn't have known about it without this, adding to the Steam wishlist now.

[@thulean.uruk-hai]

Now this is exactly what some of us were talking about. Stop the lazy race-swapping of characters, it's an insult to the people they supposedly pander to. Give us new IP with stories we haven't heard yet. Even just watching the first minute of gameplay I reallllllly want to play this game. It looks freakin tight! African culture and folklore is sorely lacking in games, nice to see a fresh entry worth checking out. [edit] found it on Steam, wishlisted... and I see the free demo is there, downloading it now. Sorry, no preorders, even for games I have high hopes for, not anymore. Industry has to learn, no free lunches. If it looks good on launch day and survives the first week of critical review, I will buy it then. Same goes for Collector's Editions, no more trapping me for the swag, put it on a separate store or I will just wait until someone drops it on eBay and lowers the price to a reasonable spot, nab it there. Or get an Etsy knock off if the company insists on locking the swag in a CE and eBay sellers are being greedy. 😏

[@thulean.uruk-hai]

Update: finally got a break from work, already had the demo installed but now I have time to play it. Not very far in, but just found and completed the first challenge to get a trinket. My immediate thought was "hm, just like the trials in Doom 2016, really". So far the whole game is like this... familiar, yet new. The devs are doing an excellent job, from what I've seen to this point, of taking established successful game mechanics and packing them in a new format. All wrapped in African folklore, an area I have been wanting to see more of for a long time, now. This is very refreshing, thank you for bringing this game to our attention! I will be sure to leave a review on Steam, and am looking forward to its release. Advice for others thinking of trying it... I'm a stalwart mouse/KB player myself, but the recommendation at the starting screen of controller being best for this game... is probably right. There is a LOT of jumping, my poor thumb is getting sore from mashing the space bar. 🤣Got a USB 3-button foot pedal accessory somewhere, I really should dig it out and plug it in, be far easier to jump with my foot...

[@wraithwrecker_]

I actually really appreciate that you guys are covering this game on the channel. The format of this kind of preview seems useful to highlight upcoming releases to watch out for, especially if they are doing something unique or new.

[@kevinw1509]

This looks like it'll be pretty fun, good shout. If anyone's interested in afrofuturist fiction I'd recommend checking out the anthology series "Dark Matter" edited by Sheree Thomas.

[@masterofbalance3559]

Bro, I remember this one from the Game Awards and had completely forgotten about it until now. Thanks for reminding me ☺. I hope that it will be on sale, even a little bit, during the Fall Steam Sale (I like a good sale)

[@DMBLaan]

Damn it, another Bytesized that just adds another game to my long list of backlogs lol

[@redipsapap]

Sounds intriguing. Thanks for the preview!

[@g.hollis1785]

Really loved this demo I gotta say. This is a definite purchase for me and I'd recommend it to anyone who digs these types of games. Stellar work so far.

[@Patoshlenain]

Disney also has a tv show called Iwaju with a similar aesthetic that is coming up at the end of this month

[@SpyHunter89]

Only discovered this game now, but you had me at "Afrofuturist Metroidvania".

[@mattsmith2247]

It looks amazing and I cannot wait to play It. As somebody who's been big into anthropology in the last few years I also look forward to expanding my knowledge of other cultures

[@OriginalBoondocksXVIII]

This was a highlight of TGA '23 for me. Really hope they stick the landing.

[@JediMB]

And... demo downloaded. Game looks absolutely gorgeous.

[@TheCreepypro]

this sounds amazing!

[@mstegosaurus]

Dandara is Brazilian rather than African, but I think it's worth checking out as a close cousin to afro-futurism.

[@Reckhs]

If studios could get authors like Nnedi Okorafor to license some of their IP or write for a game, I'm sure it would be amazing, from a story and cultural immersion. I hope to see more afro-futurism in games!

[@paulrmenezes]

Afro Futurism might finally break the post apocalypse rut. Being the go to setting for every game. Just hope it focuses on the world building in carefully. Otherwise you get weird spots of reverse racism... still can't believe Black Panther got his powers from purple drink!

[@sebfernandes7708]

Great review! I was looking to get a new Metroidvania that wasn’t made by Ubisoft so this is my first preorder in 6 years

[@fissionphoenix4995]

gameplay and visuals got me thinking of Ori and the Blind Forest/Will of the Wisps. Very excited to look into it when it releases.

[@Jo-Jet]

There has been one game I've heard talk of with a African fantasy setting, "Wagadu Chronicles". I think it was recently released, on steam. The studio behind it also made a free D&D5e campaign setting for it.

[@killaman22]

Looks fantastic, I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for it.

[@rotarychicken1]

Sounds like a lot of thought has gone into this game's design and I appreciate an actor coming in and doing something on a smaller scale where they have more freedom to play with the medium as oppose to a big triple A blockbuster. Let's hold our horses on the whole "expanded universe" thing and simply cheer the game on. Here's hoping for a console release! (My PC is a potato and this title looks really good!)

[@TheLordDracula]

God this show is just banger after banger. Edit: I downloaded the demo and played it. Movement and combat is really smooth. I'm not a fan of arena combat myself, but I do love that you have melee and ranged options. And the aesthetic of sun and moon is really cool. And the fact it's voice acted and it's good is the cherry on top. Only other thing I'm a bit worried about was the lag on steam deck but I suspect that will be optimized.

[@eccentric-j]

Cool! This game definitely caught my attention at the VGAs

[@revzsaz9418]

This game looks amazing and I can't wait to see about playing it😊

[@Rav0ria]

2D metroidvania has been really thoroughly explored as a genre at this point, so it's a good place to try out different themes. I could see this being a good middle-of-the-road game in a crowded market, standing out bc of the setting

[@Skyking549]

This looks pretty dope! Good essay!

[@lax9586]

I am most def wishlisting this game. After listening to a few african based fantasy audiobooks I am here for this. We most def need more fantasy/scifi with a heavy african influence.

[@hefoxed]

Looks quite interesting! Fyi for anyone confused ny second generation. Sometimes first generation is usef to mean first generation born in new country, but sometimes that's second generation like used here. When i looked into it, both are used, i thiiiink the usage here is more common tho but not sure. Using the definition here, I am second generation. But I'm white with British parents, so while there is some differences, culturally and language wise, it's similar enough to American culture that it didn't effect me mouch (outside having a weird accent that most people can't place since it not distinctly either).

[@kieranhosty]

This is awesome, I'd never even heard of this until this video, I'm very interested in this now. Ngl I don't know anything about Kenyan culture or folklore, so a game with that as a basis and a design focus on the emotions it evokes sounds like everything I could ask for

[@thescrewfly]

I was kind of half expecting you to reference the recent(ish) afrofuturist movie Neptune Frost which is a hard-to-describe alternate future apocalyptic romance/musical mashup set in East Africa (Burundi or Rwanda?). It's pretty good - literally afro and future - but I'm not sure how much of the cultural layering I really understood.

[@Coral_skies]

Super excited to play this game! Metroidvania AND Afrofuturist? Sign me up!

[@gamepapa1211]

All my excitement for this game is dampened by the fact that it will be released under the banner of EA and its notorious microtransaction disease.

[@ManwithoutfearJDK]

Ok now I'm excited for Tales of Kenzera too!

[@tairyu2574]

Definitely has a great visual style.

[@deebzscrub]

This looks incredible I want to play it real bad.

[@surgentstudios]

What a video, thank you for this! We're truly humbled by everyone's support 🙏

[@ReclaimedDasein]

So good KC. I really appreciate it. I watch all of the streams and it's nice seeing somebody who isn't white. SHOUT OUT TO MY MEXICANS! or male SHOUT OUT TO MY AMY! Thank you so much for doing this. Really great.

[@Billy.Bacsko]

I would also like to see more games tackle themes of the future and past from India.

[@quartzofcourse]

I know it came out years ago but Dandara was fantastic

[@saint23thomas]

this futurism has science so soft you can spend it on toast

[@Deadforge]

This is an instant buy for me due to Abu alone. While I know some, I'd love to learn more about African culture/mythology. To top that off, I love Metroidvania games.

[@MerryMac1000]

The art is really good, the way they have done the 2.5D side scrolling looks much better than Metroid Dread and Oddworld Soul Storm.

[@Whattabatt]

Abubakar is great on Glass Cannon's Haunted City Blades in the Dark actual play podcast!

[@ethanwilliamson9654]

Wanted to confirmation that this is Afrofuturism due to the creator being second gen when it sounds like it’s more Africanfuturism given its focus and mythology. Look amazing though!

[@Jase_LV]

This is what is needed and what people demanded - black actors or game characters being in appropriate mythological settings (according to the racists who can't fathom that sometimes the important part is how good the character is played and not what colour their skin is, especially if it's not lore relevant). Let's see if they put their money where their mouth is.

[@14styrofoampackingpeanuts88]

I wonder if the villain will be a certain Big Headed Scientist...

[@qwefg3]

While I am not interested in it I hope it does well as it would be a new IP exploring a new idea. Maybe not game wise, but story or setting wise. Better a new IP celebrating different cultures rather than new cheap race swaps.

[@qwefg3]

Passion is good. EA and it's habit of cheap money grabs from someone with little experience with making a game just worries me. EA worries me.

[@daninjamonkey1]

for those who want more Afro-futurism try and track down "Neptune Frost", I'm not a musical guy but that shit slaps

[@yonos007]

You deserve a reward for never bringing up Black Panther when talking about Afrofuturism.

[@stenzel27]

Looks cool, reminds me of Guacamelee and the newest PoP game

[@spritelessGirl]

Oooh bet it comes out before Silksong

[@HeroineDark]

I can't be the only one who listened up to "tales of...." And thought of yet another jrpg in the bandai series. Glad to be wrong and looks like a great game to try.

[@willywallyb2379]

I get the feeling by looking at gameplay a lot of the execs are looking far more at its appeal as a "black" game rather than an actual induvidual title, using that inspiration. And he is right that it is a problem. However, seeing EA putting its name in the hat and seeing new teams working on it doesn't give me a lot of confidence this game has the correct backing to truly shine as a testament to the culture. I do hope I'm wrong, but I am having a hard time being optimistic from the way it is marketed. Like most games, if it requires an explanation of why it's important, it's going to be hard to sell to any who just see it at face value, which in turn will make thus title suffer

[@JOZiable]

I've had a world and early gameplay for a game in the afro futurism style setting I've been chipping at for a years now. Lol the issue for me is two fold. A. I don't have the money / notoriety to make it look amazing B. Players don't play in settings they're unfamiliar with unless the game looks amazing or is incredibly simple.

[@bencoomer2000]

I would love more Afrofuturists stuff. Even as a mayonnaise white guy.

[@jens1639]

It would be nice if game developers took a break from Greek and Norse mythology for a while. There is so much else to do. This clearly shows it.

[@AngryBoozer]

Ryan George leaving ScreenRant, you leaving Escapist, I love when the actual workforce gives the middle finger to the corporate. Now if I could only get the delivery guys bring me stuff without paying Amazon...

[@Cryten0]

Firstly good content, dont let my second comment infer that I dislike your material. Secondly I miss when people did normal reviews of games. Being entertaining and informing is far more profitable but I miss people telling me if they enjoyed it, how it looked and how the game handled.

[@alantelemishev9335]

Could anyone point me in the direction of a game that does afro fantasy? I would love to see what the many nations of Africa have in the vein of Tolkien-esque folklore/mythology and I'd love to play it.

[@NoobsDeSroobs]

The voice acting and visual style are good, although derivative or even copied from other games, but I do not mind that here. The lore being good is not something I think the studio should be getting credit for as it is the work of centuries of african people creating the tales together, right? He said that he wanted to present african mythos as told to him by his father. What the studio CAN be applauded for is how well they told the story, how they didn't fuck it up, and how they managed to weave futuristic themes into it. Further, making these stories available to a wider audience is also a good thing that should be recognized. Now I just have to see if the game is good and that they actually did manage to do all the things I mentioned above! Looking forward to this one.

[@Schmitty7546]

Always excited for an interesting metroidvania, although most end up not quite meeting the hype. Fingers crossed here though! I would much prefer this more localised angle of the aesthetic, to what the recent black panther movies tried (although admittedly I only saw the first ). Huge respect to all who contributed to that project - some of whom are no longer with us - but it was ultimately a silly movie made by Americans for Americans . (Edit: to clarify that last comment. Outreach to Oakland, California? Considering the region Wakanda is meant to be located? What the heck? Honestly, you could have picked that representation of Wakanda up, put it somewhere in the heart of north america, and it would have made no difference to the movie - bit of a shame and a missed opportunity in my opinion. And I might almost say, a little insulting at certain points, to the roots that it is seemingly so proud of.)

[@royalbandit8106]

Not really hyped for the game personally, looks too basic mechanically for me, but I hope it does well so we get more afro-futurism.

[@madmanwithaplan1826]

I think i like the idea of afro futurism more than the actual look of it. The idea that any culture will survive modernization is a fantasy to me. No matter the culture how rich or storied the culture fades to nothing more than tourist attractions

[@VinAn-d8m]

Perhaps bc you are thinking only in capitalist or globalist futurism. Other universes can be imagined.

[@climatebreakdownpodcast1990]

​@@VinAn-d8mnow-topias (creating free spaces for collective experimentation)

[@NossAMV]

nice ^-^

[@Coral_skies]

Afrofuturism is a MASSIVELY underrated setting for games! It has the potential to really shake up so many genres. An afrofuturistic RPG, for example, would be amazing! I'm tired of the sci-fi and fantasy genres always being based on European or Asian themes.

[@stwenty5758]

Oh holy crap this looks amazing. Kinda wish EA wasn't involved; it's hate to break my No AAA publisher rules, but man I wanna support games like this...

[@sunderark]

I feel you.

[@legitplayin6977]

That’s a stupid rule ngl, it’s not that black and white, like this situation proves

[@stwenty5758]

It's not a "stupid" rule if I'm willing to make exceptions for exceptional games from independent developers. Which I am. I don't have to like it, though, and it's pretty reasonable for me to express that. The really stupid thing is calling someone'e rule stupid without talking to them about it. But this is the KZbin comments section, so whatevs. @@legitplayin6977

[@ben0081]

Sun ra arkestra scores it or i'm out

[@MrEffinBest]

Definitely wish there were more interesting fantasy and sci-fi settings in games, including Afrofuturism. Also, I love Metroidvanias so this game may be something I wishlist. If I'm being completely honest though, the art style and character designs are a little generic for my taste. Not the Kenyan influences, just the overall aesthetic. I think the colorful, cartoony look is getting stale. This looks like Ori-meets-Trine-meets Crash Bandicoot or something. However, the movement and combat looks pretty solid and that's what carries a Metroidvania game.

[@Formoka]

Dang. I want to play this, but I’m terrible at Metroidvania games.

[@davidr6736]

Looks like a wonderful idea, but im awful at the Metroidvania style of game play. Hopefully, as this gains notary and popularity we will see other styles.

[@KarlRamstedt]

Game looks like it has potential, but I'm always wary of hyping unreleased games. Hope it turns out good, but I don't expect anything.

[@88Opportunist]

If one very closely follows the indie scene one knows there have been a couple of games that are based on African mythoiogy, usually with a Sci-Fi twist as well, but nothing that had the budget or quality to really stand out. In fact they all ended up so forgettable that I can't even remember their names to give an example here. Hopefully this game manages to break out from the funk this thematic has found itself in and provides an actual quality experience worthy of being recognized for what it is and not just what it tries to do.

[@ACupOfWarmLatte]

I like the story, but if I'm being honest with you, the name attached to it isn't leaving me with a lot of excitement. EA....

[@schootingstarr]

Man, if only this wasn't a 2d platformer. I like the aesthetic, but the gameplay of these types of games never really spoke to me at all

[@mightygnome]

"Futurist" is a bit of a stretch.

[@thebigdawgj]

Ugh, this is just going to fuel the WE WUZ KANGZ Hoteps.

[@Dandoskyballer]

Sweet Baby Inc. worked on this title.

[@Kevin-zc4sp]

And ?