Tales of Kenzera: Zau Is NOT About Death | Bytesized

[@tommycwills]

I’m a psychologist specializing in grief and loss and I just wanted to say you absolutely did this game justice in talking about its themes and I really appreciated the personal touch you gave in talking about your own experience. Great video. You should be proud of this.

[@chips989]

The producer for this game came to my university for a presentation and Q&A. Nice guy, seems like a great company :)

[@unavezms8167]

As a person who grew up in de facto colony where many traditions were lost due to parents not wanting to pass on their religion, language and culture in fear of prosecution the video hit me on deeply personal level.

[@Garbageman28]

As someone who's experienced grief - don't try and prepare for it. There's litterally nothing you can do to stop it and anything you try to do to prepare yourself will fail you. So appreciate the good people while they're here, mourn them when they're gone but focus on the smile you'll have thinking about them again one day.

[@ichijofestival2576]

I'm trying *super* hard here to not be sarcastic, but that is just... *horrible* advice. Turns out having "experienced grief" doesn't make you an expert; it only puts you in the exclusive club of "almost everyone." True, there is no 'definitive' way for any given person to deal with grief, but expectation plays a massive role in trauma and recovery. Generally-speaking, if you have a chance to say goodbye, get affairs in order, gain closure on lingering issues, and/or emotionally prepare for a loss, you will fare better than if you hadn't. Doesn't mean it won't hurt. But don't take any advice suggesting you should just sit there and wait for it to hit you.

[@Garbageman28]

@@ichijofestival2576 I think there’s a subtle but important difference between acknowledging that something will happen, as opposed to pretending it won’t. I was firmly in the latter camp, through I suppose naïveté and who I was in the past can’t really be changed. What I’m trying to get at is that people will die, it’s just the cost of love. I don’t think there’s any point in getting distressed in trying to anticipate how you’ll feel when that happens. Otherwise you spend a lot of time feeling something that you’re going to feel regardless. Of course, this is all my experience and I can only speak from how I’d like to have been talked to.

[@generic120]

@@Garbageman28 Acknowledging that people will die is not even remotely close to not preparing for it. Like what? Going to second ichi's remark that the way you put it in your original comment comes off as a terrible attempt at giving advice.

[@teeess970]

Damn some disrespectful ass commenters today. Share your differing experiences/beliefs/etc re: grief. This is some personal shit. Don't be rude, ffs ("terrible advice" and similar) *facepalm*

[@imightbebiased9311]

But I spend so long building this house of cards!

[@RaistlanCE]

From seeing this at The Game Awards, through now, I just can't get over how beautiful this game is. And now, the narrative and other writing in it sound great, too. It has definitely overcome my aversion to gameplay that relies on my reflexes; I need to try and experience this.

[@tommysalty5864]

I really respect how open KC is about his feelings on this game. It's so nice to learn how someone with a completely different background feels about life. I really appreciate this perspective. One of the best videos by KC.

[@sben3167]

This might be my favorite Bytesized yet! Thanks for the great work KC

[@user-xsn5ozskwg]

God, this sounds stellar. Clearly so much artistry and love behind it.

[@CJBooks4]

I knew of this game thanks to The Game Awards, but KC here just convinced me even more to play this. Thank you KC, and by proxy, thank you everybody at Second Wind for shining a spotlight on this.😄💖

[@NotaWalrus1]

This might be the most glowing review I've seen from this channel. This game must truly be special.

[@mrpernickety3]

wow this game was not on my radar but now it totally is! Great write up KC.

[@DeegeCar91]

Pretty cool! I'm a huge Raised by Wolves fan so when I saw Abubakar Salim posting about this game I was intrigued, but wasn't really sure what to expect - I didn't realize it was a metroidvania until now. Glad to see it's getting this kind of exposure!

[@TheKasimkage]

That thing you mention about not inheriting a lineage you know next to nothing about. My grandparents could speak English, but I felt guilty about forcing them to go through the effort of translating those thoughts into words I could understand. After the deaths of two grandfathers, I’m now down to one grandmother who can just about tell me to close the door (because it’s letting the heat out). The stories they had are no longer accessible to me in any way, as there’s a good chance that they never passed them on (they were of the generation which worked hard for long hours and kept their heads down as minorities in a new country, so likely had little time or energy to tell them to the half-dozen kids they each had). The few stories my parents have told me are… Scant. I also, sadly, never picked up the language they spoke so I have no way of communicating meaningfully to my grandma whose sight is failing, so sticking stuff into Google translate for her to read is no longer becoming an option (and it’s too unclear for her to hear and for me to repeat). So you and I are both staring down the barrel of losing a cultural heritage we may be a bit too westernised to fully adopt, or at least comprehend. I’d try to learn the language if a half-decent app like Duolingo had it, but sadly it’s only shoddy apps and KZbin videos which I lack the attention span for, despite downloading and saving them all with the best intentions.

[@TheKasimkage]

@@pinkcloudsnightlightbell Thank you for the recommendation. I’ll have to check it out. I’d just like to note that it is possible to be both brown and USAmerican. X-D

[@coredumperror]

I got the demo on your recommend, earlier this year, and immediately pre-ordered the game after finishing it. I am *even more hyped* to play it after I get home today now that I've seen this vid.

[@RyanBeardy]

Really touching video! thanks for sharing and of course for the review! It's wonderful how video games can be a gateway of exposure to the feelings of death and grief. I had a very similar experience to yours playing through Persona 3 for the first time.

[@jonathanmette8348]

Always on the lookout for new Metroidvanias to play

[@iedawahato]

As a person who upholds some Indigenous African customs, i.e. some of the creatures in this game like Adze are also found in mine, though obviously in a different context lol, I would say that Death is also part of it, but most just oversimplify it, because your legacy and the way it influences future generations is an integral part of our spirituality. We actually have entire customs (mine are mainly Eʋeawó) that concern bringing balance to those who have passed in certain circumstances, because even the dead have feelings and experiences once they've transitioned in our beliefs. They remain involved in the affairs of the world, especially our lives in our beliefs, so seeing Zau go through this process of literally healing those restless ancestral spirits while wrestling with his own sadness and responsibility as a shaman really hit a chord with me. Water is associated with one's connection to the Dead as well in my tradition, so when a certain scene involving it transpired, I understood it not simply as just another fancy plot device, but an authentic metaphysical experience. There's really so much symbolism to unpack in this wonderful game.

[@microfiber]

I appreciate that you've continued to shine a light on this game. It's a brilliant, beautiful step in a new direction, where games can combine culture and identity into something spectacular. I'm excited for what the future holds for more titles like this.

[@foxhound9780]

I do enjoy when the optional stuff feeds into main narrative defiantly more interesting in it now.

[@Brownaut1993]

I wanted to give a shout out to Bytesized's intro animation. It looks really good

[@jcace13]

I too have very little experience with grief, the biggest being one of my dogs passing away at Christmas one year, but it sounds like the themes of the game will still hit me and I look forward to checking it out.

[@Beutimus]

Grief takes many forms. It doesn't heal in a linear path. It can come and go. It can be a constant companion. Ultimately, it has taught me to enjoy the moments I have with people and pets.

[@marvellousm]

I don't tend to buy games at launch but I really want to support this one

[@thessie]

Wow. That was moving. I'm going to get this game, I think I need it.

[@Whattabatt]

So glad Abu's game is solid. Love him on Haunted City

[@SiM717]

I loved him in Rised by Wolfes

[@georgesanxionnat5054]

That's catharsis for you ! That's why video games can be considered art, by making you feel from a point of view that is not yours!

[@CrispyGFX]

Good shit KC

[@ironwolf5802]

I'm not a 2nd generation imaginate but have lost close family. At least for me the closest I can describe it could be losing a landmark close to home or where your most comfortable. Something that felt solid and stable but it's either taken away sudden or slowly degrade over time. I lost my father like an already old tree that had rot in it, so when the roots gave way and it gone wasn't unexpected. My older brother was a weaker tree that wasn't strong but should have had more time till like a tornado riped his roots out one night. Trees and humans both grow, change, and seem like nothing can make them fall, but we all do and missing the security and comfort can be jarring and hurt for a long time. Having other people around to talk to either to distract or work through can be a help and not every loss is the same, but we grow and can be someone else's tree for them.

[@rickimaru915]

My mum died when I was 10. I don’t think I will ever properly deal with the grief

[@leehazell7633]

Need to pick this one up.

[@deebzscrub]

I love these Bytesized videos that are a bit more than just a review of the game. That extra focus on themes and storytelling and personal experience adds a lot to it for me. I hope these aren't going away in favor of the more straight up not-3MR videos. Also great video KC, I'm really excited to dig into this game myself.

[@SecondWindGroup]

Nah they're sticking around, just figuring out how / where on the channel they fit best.

[@NoBeats_]

This was a really good review.

[@MariaVosa]

Lovely review of what seems like a very special game.

[@Coral_skies]

Shit. I wanted to buy this for the Metroidvania and Afrofuturism aspects, but now I think I NEED to buy this game for its lessons on grief. If they're that affecting, I could actually use those lessons. Thanks for the great video.

[@TheSentinel909]

I wish the game's creators would see this review

[@DarkShaman667]

KC, you really want me to play this game, don't you? I am not a "foreigner" in my country and I don't grief over the dead, but it sounds like a good game that makes one feel something. I think, I will check it out in the future. Thanks!

[@FluxChanneler]

Ooooh, this game seems so cool.

[@VoidNull9222]

I hadn’t heard of this game before but will absolutely check it out. Thanks for bringing it to my attention it looks amazing

[@TheCreepypro]

you had me at metroidvania

[@ruolbu]

I'm genuinely surprised that someone of your age (~30 I assume, looking at your insta) has not had the experience of grief. Not that that's implausible, circumstances are varied. Just that grief and loss and the fear of both is what makes me appreciate the world so much more and I find it hard to imagine to feel this connection to the world without having had that loss.

[@Formoka]

I really want to play and appreciate this game, even tho I’m terrible at Metroidvanias.

[@Exwalmartian]

I love Metroidvania games, and this one sounds like a good one. I just cant do the 2.5D stuff. It always looks generic and poorly made to me. I know thats just my perception and not any sort of fact. I just cant get into the games that look that way

[@abrenmam]

I was slightly interested since i saw the steam next fest video. But was head back by the metriodvania tagline. But seeing this makes me want to get it next paycheck

[@NoOne-gg5mc]

Normally I'm not interested in metrovania styled games. However, everything about Tales of Kenzera, from its setting, themes, and passion has piqued my interest.

[@anthonymoore915]

OK, FINE! I'LL BUY THE GAME ALREADY!

[@obnox1ous_3fe420]

This game looks really good, i have not played it so idk if would like it or not

[@KindSparkdev]

I think they have a demo out right now.

[@thedudewhoeatspianos]

Fuck yeah give me more afrofuturism in my gaming.

[@damie9412]

N8ce

[@prickly10000]

Nope it's not about that it's about the death of its developer lol😂

[@Jase_LV]

I find it hard to want to play a game which ending is already spoiled for everyone beforehand (by the dude creating it) and whose message I disagree with. Because it's clear it's going to end with the father not resurrected and the child deciding that letting go is the answer. It's a magical/God land adventure. Why can't we just have a successful ressurection that ends with them all living happily until they decide to die? It's a fantasy game it can end differently from real life! While I can stomach a game having hidden lore where someone failed at ressurection and summoned cuthulu instead, at least then it's not the main message throughout the game and it doesn't shove "Just accept that people die" message in your face constantly. If a hero puts in the work and determination, then they should be awarded with resurrected non-possessed non-evil princess. This just all feels like it's emotionally overdone as if the narrative screams at you to feel sorrow and grief rather than creating it organically.

[@Artista_Frustrado]

ok i'm too distracted by that tdbit on Outer Wilds to focus on this utterly beautiful game but no, you never even try to stop the sun from exploding in Outer Wilds, if anything one of the mysteries you unwrap involves learning how to keep it exploded

[@AnthonyKeydel]

I SO CAREFULLY avoided spoiling any of the Outer Wilds and then along comes @1:15 fuck me

[@SiM717]

it's like....first 23 minutes of the game dude

[@cheesi]

Yeah that's nothing to worry about, it's really just the basic premise. You should totally play it as soon as possible thoufh, people talk about it a lot!

[@CAlonghair]

augh its "outer wilds" not "the outer wilds" I will never stop blaming "the outer worlds" for making people confused about this :(

[@MeTheOneth]

No one cares.

[@SapphireRose0205]

It's ok, I care 💙. Outer Wilds forever!

[@erif1179]

this is like the third time this game has shown up in a second thought video. I don't like platformers or metroidvanias. Since you won't shut up about it, I'll go give it a try.

[@SecondWindGroup]

Second time. We previewed it awhile back, and this is now after playing the full game.

[@hypertion]

Tales of? Thats going to be a copyright fight, as there is a long running series that is known as the "tales" series.

[@realtalk13]

"Tales of X" is a very generic way of titling a story that is virtually un-copyrightable because of its genericness. Would be like the Tolkien estate coming for any work using "Lord of the X". Nonsensical.