Should You Play Kena: Bridge of Spirits in 2024? | Game Review

Kena Bridge of Spirits gameplay review. Should I play Kena Bridge of Spirits? While I like Kena Bridge of Spirits? If you're waiting for Horizon Forbidden West Burning Shores DLC and Hogwarts Legacy like me, then I definitely recommend checking out Kena: Bridge of Spirits while you wait! The major anniversary update on September 27th, 2022 added New Game+, cosmetic outfits, new abilities, Charmstones, Spirit Guide Trials, a new quest, new rot hats, and more! These additions made an already excellent game even better!
Kenaversary Update Playstation Blog Post: blog.playstation.com/2022/08/...
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⏱️Video Chapters⏱️
0:00 - Game Cutscene
0:36 - Getting Started
1:08 - Game Overview
2:31 - Combat Is No Joke!
4:12 - My Thoughts
6:25 - Major September Update!
8:46 - Final Thoughts
9:15 - Wrapping Up
Music: From the official Kena: Bridge of Spirits soundtrack
#KenaBridgeOfSpirits #Review #Gameplay #AnniversaryUpdate #Update #Patch #HorizonDLC #BurningShores #ForbiddenWestBurningShores #HorizonForbiddenWestBurningShores #GodofWarRagnarok $HogwartsLegacy #Recommendation #WhatGameShouldIPlay #Guides #Walkthrough #Arktix

[@mickpegg4363]

I’m super happy to see your review of Kena. Your horizon forbidden West content is the best assessment, evaluation, and tip source for any game that I have ever seen and I was hoping that you would continue your high quality work on other games. I finished the original Kena when it first came out but I’m looking forward to the update and to your guidance as I try and work through it at a higher difficulty level. Keep up the great work! And thanks very much.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Wow thanks! Glad you find my work high quality 😄 I definitely plan on covering GoW and Hogwarts Legacy, too. I’d like to do a combat tips video o for Kena as well, but I want to see what changes come in the update first!

[@id104335409]

Agree! I was shocked to see how much garbage Horizon videos are out there, but this channel is like an encyclopedia on that game.

[@garryblack764]

Dude, your videos are amazing! Short enough but packed with all the info we want. Very concise, straight to the point, no filler. Keep doing what your doing, you’re well on your way to becoming a KZbin giant. Thanks!

[@ArktixOfficial]

Hey thanks Gary! That’s very kind of you 😄 Glad you find my videos to be good quality 🙂Thanks for your support! 🤜🤛👍

[@ethanst28]

Just started watching your let’s play series for Kena and love the theme and art design, as well as the simplicity of the gameplay. The whole game seems like a really fun and peaceful time. I’ll definitely have to pick it up soon.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Cool! Yeah I think you’ll enjoy it. Hope you don’t mind the pure audio quality too much in those Let’s Plays lol. I hadn’t figured out how to record good audio yet 😅

[@palahbutoh]

Will put Kena on my wishlist after this vid! Thanks man, love your content

[@ArktixOfficial]

Cool! Glad you liked this 😄 I think you’ll really enjoy Kena! Thanks for your comment!

[@JosephCheetah]

I saw the trailer for this game right before the PS5 launch. I've been interested in it since then, but I never got around to picking it up. I know I will play it eventually, but I still have a pretty long list of games to work through before hand.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Cool! Yeah I know what it’s like to have a list to get through. I still haven’t had a chance to play Ghost of Tsushima lol 😅 Hopefully you get a chance to play Kena at some point!

[@Ajay_Ghale18]

@@ArktixOfficial oh Ghost of Tsushima is amazing, you’ll definitely have fun when you get round to it.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Cool! Good to know. Thanks!

[@devonwilliams7071]

Same here

[@jeffghant4760]

@@ArktixOfficial Ghost of T. should've been a top priority 😡

[@fossilimprint2954]

Wow, this is a game that I did not know about, thanks for the review. Must check it out.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Definitely! Kena is a great game that kinda flew under the radar for a lot of people. Give it a try!

[@alwayswrite2011]

Kena was amazing. It was like candy for the eyes and ears. My only complaint was the same as your second, and that's the lack of development of Kena's character. The closest we come is a hint that her father used to be a Spirit Guide, too. We don't even know her age. The animation style makes her age ambiguous, but it'd be nice to know at least *ONE* detail about her! Oh... I always play a game in story mode first for... reasons. And even on story mode, bosses can be punishing.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Cool! Glad you enjoyed Kena too 😄 Yeah I wish we’d learned more about her. I did see an interesting tidbit on the developer’s site what said Kena is not as young as most people think…so that’s interesting 🧐

[@amrothxxx]

I'm happy you gonna play GOW and looking forward to your videos about it.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Yes! I’m excited for it too! Need to find time to do a 2018 replay before November 😅

[@ConfuzenWorks]

Gr8 video, all your stuff is excellent, keep it up! And thx. :D

[@ArktixOfficial]

Thank you! Glad you’re enjoying my content 😄

[@digitalstatictv]

Bought this game on this recommendation, absolutely zero regrets, thank you. :)

[@reaper9390]

I was gonna suggest this one to you😍😍😍

[@ArktixOfficial]

Hey Reaper! Cool you liked Kena 😄 I didn’t know you played it. Hope you and Eevee are doing well 👍

[@hederahelix4600]

Thanks for this. I have not played this game yet but it has been on my backlog list. Your video did make me want to get it and play it now but if there's an update coming, maybe I should wait so I can play it with all the changes. I don't think I will play it twice because of my backlog list and lack of time. Looking forward to your review of the update.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Thank you! Glad you liked this. Yes, if you plan to only play once I would wait for the update so you can do charmstones and any other new content too!

[@kaeldrarhiannon]

I freaking LOVED Kena. Can't wait for the free DLC so I can play it all over again with New Game +

[@ArktixOfficial]

Cool! Good to hear you enjoyed it 😄 Only a couple more days until the big update!

[@beyondxhorizon4992]

I loved this game. Will definitely be re playing when the big update comes this month

[@ArktixOfficial]

Nice! Yeah the update should be good!

[@floriankritzinger6779]

Good content I might play I soon

[@ArktixOfficial]

Thanks! And cool! I hope you enjoy it if you play 😄

[@HCliff-ki6xi]

This was a wonderful surprise! So happy to see that you played Kena and are recommending it. It's a wonderful game - except on Master difficulty. I had started a Master playthrough to get the platinum but ended up abandoning it after a while. Master mode is a brand new playthrough where you have to get everything again - rot, upgrades/skills, etc. Now with NG+, it may make Master difficulty a bit easier seeing as though you don't have to spend as much time gathering everything again. Master difficulty is BRUTAL - and this is coming from a Dark Souls/From Soft fan. But anyways ... thanks again Arktix for your videos and keep up the great work! Now I'll get to watching your Let's Play ... :)

[@ArktixOfficial]

Oh yeah it's really tough! I think it surprises everyone pretty much lol. Hope you enjoy the let's play! Unfortunately, I haven't finished that series because it didn't really get any traction. Plus those were the very first videos on my channel, so they're kinda rough 😅 I'd like to go back to Kena at some point though now that NG+ is out and I have a bigger audience.

[@dontbeshady411]

Never heard of this game but now I'm interested. Keep the recommendations coming!

[@ArktixOfficial]

Cool! Yeah it kinda flew under the radar/was overshadowed by bigger titles, but it was really good!

[@belodrin3550]

Beat the game and platinumed it on both ps4 and ps5. Can't wait for the update.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Nice! Yeah I’m looking forward to the update too.

[@Razzy_82]

Been waiting for this to come on sale for a while now, cant wait to play it.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Nice! Yeah maybe there will be a sale around the anniversary update. That would be cool!

[@ashscar8878]

Kena was one of the games I had platinumed at the start of this year. Definitely recommend it to anyone who's on the fence about it since its story, art and music can be enjoyed by everyone, and hardcore players who desire a challenging experience will definitely not be disappointed on the higher difficulties.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Great to hear you enjoyed it! Yeah I totally agree you can get a good challenge out of it on the higher difficulties.

[@Aliessil]

This caught my eye when I saw the first trailer a couple of years ago; it and HFW are why I bought the PS5 even though I couldn't find one at RRP. I'm now about to finish my first NG+ for HWF and I'm about a third through Kena - great games! HFW is how/why I found your channel - great work, btw! (Once I've finished Kena, I'll probably play God of War next, and then Ragnarok when it lands on PS+ - you can be sure I'll be checking your guides when the time comes!

[@ArktixOfficial]

Hey thanks! Glad you're enjoying Kena! I feel like it's a really underrated game. Hope you have fun with GoW if you play it too!

[@west5385]

Pixar Souls was a great game!! Would recommend as well, nice video. Liked👍

[@MadHatChS]

Interesting to see stuff other than your Horizon content (which is really good btw!) Kena's 'shortness' might actually make it more appealing for me to check it out, so thanks aha Horizon DLC is still a while away, I know you've got some cool stuff you're working on for Horizon but wouldn't mind you branching out more since you've got a good style :) either way, best of luck

[@ArktixOfficial]

Thank you! Glad you enjoy my content 😄 And yeah I’m planning to cover GoW Ragnarok and then I’ll dive into Hogwarts Legacy too when that comes out. Definitely not planning to do only Horizon forever…though I do love it 😁 lol. And yeah give Kena a try! The big update drops on Tuesday!

[@Sunnyacres55]

Hi! Thanks for the video. I was going to ask you what was another good game for a beginner as I'm at the last quest on HFW, and holding off as I hate finishing such a fun game. Now I will check out your videos on Kena as it looks nice and fun. I probably will do HFW game+ first though, ha. I couldn't do these games without going to your videos for help all the time. You have opened a new chapter in my life at 76 yrs. and I am enjoying the heck out of it!! (ps.. if you wonder..that's Orion, one of my llamas for my icon) Thanks again for a great review. Gotta ck out that Gods of War thing too.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Hi! Glad you liked this! Yeah I think you’d enjoy Kena. So glad to hear you’re enjoying gaming 😄 Props to you again for starting with a tougher game like Horizon too! Say hello to Orion for me! 😄

[@paulflorence8630]

Great video mate. Might have to check this game out while i wait for horizon DLC , looks cool

[@ArktixOfficial]

Hey Paul! Thanks! Yeah I really enjoyed Kena. Not nearly as complex at Horizon, but it was kinda of refreshing to be honest. Looks like the new photo mode updates coming in the Sept 27th update should be pretty good too 😉

[@sonny5552]

I got Kena on day 1! Such a great game. Taro's story was really well-done, it's definitely stuck with me. But oh god, the timing on the parry was so tricky haha.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Cool! Yeah I remember you mentioning you had played it. Glad to hear you liked it 😄 I agree Taro’s story was very well done. And yes, those parries had to be perfect lol

[@cheetybird9106]

So glad you checked out kena. Combat is very fun on expert and master. And it’s just a very beautiful and adorable game.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Yes! I really enjoyed it. Glad to hear you liked it too 😄

[@Ellerbeetimes100]

Oh, how I wish I could get your advice on some of this. Just started a few days ago, and I had to dial it down. Just too much failing. But I do enjoy it.

[@ArktixOfficial]

It’s surprisingly challenging, isn’t it!? Maybe I’ll do a Kena combat tips video after the update…

[@dondvj22]

Good recommendation. I've been looking for something after HFW. I will give this a try.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Cool! Yeah give it a shot. I think you’ll like it!

[@duveysgamingacademia6587]

What a coincidence I just finished Taro on Master difficulty yesterday tryna get my last trophy to have the Plat for PS4 & PS5 👌🏾. Definitely one of the best indies on Playstation I'd put it 2nd only to Returnal but thats in terms of gameplay not story 💯. Loved how the combat actually is balanced and wants you to genuinely engage and learn it's mechanics 🎯.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Cool! Yeah I agree the combat was well balanced. At first it almost feels unfair on higher difficulties, but I think that’s only because most modern games make the combat easy enough for pretty much anyone to beat. Like you said, I felt like you really had to get good at the game’s mechanics to beat it on higher difficulties.

[@sketchysketches381]

I would love more reviews and recommendations like this tbh, this game piqued my interest but I forgot about it before release and now I really wanna get it again

[@ArktixOfficial]

Cool! Thanks for letting me know that. I’d like to sprinkle in more recommendation/review videos like this for other games too. I hope you give Kena a try. I think you’ll like it!

[@sketchysketches381]

@@ArktixOfficial It just finished downloading 20 mins ago, I'm already really enjoying it. I can even see the GoW and Zelda vibes already

[@ArktixOfficial]

Awesome! 😄 Yeah it’s a good time. Have fun!

[@razaibrahim9954]

I finished the game on normal then started Master Difficulty level, Taro was the devil's reincarnation!! He was too tough! The easiest on Master difficulty was Samurai, Rot god, Wooden Knight, Stone Guardian and Toshi . The hardest were Taro, flying samurai lady with pink sword. I have forgotten a few but these two gave me hell both on normal and Master difficulty.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Nice! Yeah they combat can be really tough. I haven’t actually done a Master playthrough yet. My first playthrough was on expert, so I’m looking forward to it after the update!

[@triforcepanda4579]

Ive been wanting to play this game since I seen it come out it's on my list of many many games to play lol

[@ArktixOfficial]

Nice! Yeah I know what it’s like working through a list of games lol. I’ve got plenty I haven’t found time to play. Hope you enjoy Kena if you decide to play it at some point!

[@mrhyney1]

Thanks!

[@ArktixOfficial]

No problem!

[@ArktixOfficial]

Hey Mac, so sorry I didn't realize this was a Super Thanks at first! The KZbin Studio mobile app doesn't show them for some reason. Anyway, thanks a lot! 😄 I appreciate your support! 🙏

[@brianlindsay9097]

Kena is a great game! Glad to see it getting the love : )

[@ArktixOfficial]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it!

[@shhh_m_watching]

WTH?! You have Kena content too?! I love this game. My first Day 1 game. Got turned off on my first playthrough due to the tough bosses. I feel stupid missing this but happy I have new content (to me) to watch.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Yeah! Like I said those videos are a little rough around the edges though since they were my first ones lol 😅 I’m thinking I might do a combat tips video for Kena after the update too!

[@shhh_m_watching]

@@ArktixOfficial Yes, that would be awesome. If the combat videos anything even remotely close to your Horizon content, I think I may find more things to love in Kena. Your video on using the Shredder Gauntlet made me a total convert to using it practically all the time for any machine. I think the game mechanics in Kena isn't as sophisticated as Horizon so I'm not expecting too many deep dives there. But for Kena, I appreciate any tip I find - e.g. pulsing picks up courage nearby so you don't have to run to them to pick them up.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Good to know you’d like to see that! Yeah you’re right the mechanics aren’t as complex, but I’ve got some tricks 😉

[@CharlesBurleigh]

Great review! I'm wondering if it makes sense to purchase this game after the anniversary edition comes out? I'm not much of a NG+ player. I enjoy going through a game once, getting the whole story and trying to Platinum my first time through, so I use guides on my first playthrough to get it all. There are so many games to play, I just don't have the time to go back and play a game again.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Thanks Charles! And good question. I would say if you prefer to do one playthrough then wait to play until after the update. You’ll get the most out of it that way. Although it does sound like certain things will only be available in NG+, but I think those will be minor. Hope you enjoy Kena if you play it!

[@Em-Ost2]

I’ll be getting this on Black Friday.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Nice!

[@brunopimentel8422]

I loved this game. But its really hard even on normal lol but i still love it a lot!

[@ArktixOfficial]

Totally! Yeah it was surprisingly hard, but I really enjoyed it as well.

[@diligencehumility6971]

I will say, Kena has a huge update coming out later this month called Anniversary Update. It will have New Game+, new boss's and boss fights. New abilities and unlocks and a new mode, so maybe that would have your interest

[@ArktixOfficial]

Yup! I talked about it in this video. Not sure if you watched that part.

[@notaadamsunifar4899]

I occasionally play this game. It is a ton of fun waiting for hfw dlc and even this event

[@ArktixOfficial]

Cool! Yeah I enjoyed Kena and I’m waiting for HFW DLC too. I have my fingers crossed for Christmas 🤞

[@notaadamsunifar4899]

@@ArktixOfficial i don't think it will come out on christmas, maybe during 2023 summer, also video idea make a video on how to harvest key upgrade resources such as stormbird cannon, behemoth force loader

[@ArktixOfficial]

Yeah I might be being too optimistic on DLC coming around Christmas. There’s a good chance it won’t be until 2023 for sure. I’m still holding out some hope though! And that’s an interesting idea for a video. I kind of cover how to get those in each of my machine hunting guides, but yeah maybe a dedicated video just on how to get the key upgrade resources would be good. Thanks for the suggestion 👍

[@VoodooV1]

Just started Very Hard NG+ on FW after finally grinding all the parts for the NG+ legendaries. gonna be busy with that for a while. Would really like to play Ghost of Tsushima someday but between Hogwarts and Starfield on the way....something tells me I won't get to it soon

[@ArktixOfficial]

Ah yeah so many games to play and not enough time! And for me, videos to make, too! Believe it or not, I haven’t played Ghost either. I’d also really like to play it. Not sure when I’ll squeeze it in though!

[@paulaagam5071]

The art design is sort of reminiscent of tak on the xbox which is somewhat nostalgic for me

[@ArktixOfficial]

Cool! I haven’t played that, but I’m glad it’s nostalgic for you 😄 I like your thumbnail, too. I’m a big Avatar fan 😬

[@room.beer.controller3032]

ArkTix? I am coiling my Vindicator with 3 Melee-Follow Up Coils for faster knockdown power buildup. Please advise melee tactics for this crazy build :) I personally hold the melee button while Aloy dodges so she does that cool dash, then I jump off and instantly start charging the drill spike for a leg throw. I dunno... what do you think?

[@ArktixOfficial]

Good question! Sounds like you have a pretty optimal strategy for what you’re trying to do to be honest. Might not be worth doing an aerial-jump off though because I don’t think you can draw the spike in the air. Better to just get a quick light attack in and then go for the spike. I believe MFU coils are active for 8s after a melee hit.

[@paristeta5483]

Strange i tried similiar things, including that the last few days. The most difficult thing is getting the hit in, and not counte hit, or just staggered before the hit..or those damn Slitherfang which "runs" from you. How to do it bes depends on the enemy pattern and i think you are doing alright. Just consider what Arktix said (jump off worth it or not). When using it for preperation of Spreadshot / Spread Blast i try to use the freeze stun to get the hit in. Defiance impact spike with MFU coils can also work well melee + quickdraw.

[@paristeta5483]

I´m not convinced yet, maybe you can convince the devs to include Shredder Gauntlets? Then it would be a sale!

[@ArktixOfficial]

Lol ah yes, that would put it over the top 😁

[@matthewpiercy6740]

I'm really looking forward to GOW. This does look interesting though.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Me too! Need to make sure I make time for a playthrough of 2018. It’s been a while!

[@matthewpiercy6740]

That's my plan also. Its on my ps5 ready.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Nice!

[@joshuaknaus8824]

I will try it. P.s are you going to continue the Horizon forbidden west let's play?

[@ArktixOfficial]

Cool! I hope you enjoy it 😄 And I do plan to continue it. I just needed to take a break from it for a while to focus on my more popular content. Glad to hear you liked it though!

[@TheLateral18]

I played after the lunch month, its a great game.... Is kind of short

[@ArktixOfficial]

Cool! Yeah definitely a little shorter than I would have liked, but the update should add a bit more and it will be a good game to play while waiting for GoW!

[@HCliff-ki6xi]

Off topic - would you ever consider doing Ghost of Tsushima? It's a long game but definitely well worth it. I know GOW Ragnarok is coming out in a few days and then Hogwarts not too long after the new year. But, if you have free time after all that, it would be great to see Ghost of Tsushima if you're at all interested. Since you like Kena, Horizon, and I'm assuming GOW, then you'd probably really enjoy GoT.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Oh yeah totally. I've been interested in GoT for a while, just haven't had time to dive into it. If things slow down with other games that would be one to check out for sure!

[@stefanie_jones]

I was thinking about waiting for a sale, or the update but now I'm undecided.

[@ArktixOfficial]

You could wait for the update to drop and see if they do some kind of sale or bundle with the deluxe edition or something. If you only plan to play through one time it might be best to wait for the update so you have all the content available.

[@stefanie_jones]

@@ArktixOfficial good idea! Thanks :)

[@ArktixOfficial]

Sure thing!

[@-np9-]

What about a guide on how to beat specters in HFW?

[@ArktixOfficial]

Interesting idea! I hadn’t thought about it, but yeah maybe I could do it. I’d need to get back to a point in the story that I can fight them in a NG+ though.

[@deemon710]

I watched my partner play it but from what I saw it felt like a HZD knock off so I didn't. I may try it out now.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Ah yeah I could see that. It really didn’t feel like a knockoff when I played it though. I think they definitely borrowed some elements, but it has its own distinct feel for sure.

[@AnonNA-qv9eo]

I actually had to put the game on story mode lol and I’ve beat horizon on ultra hard twice

[@ArktixOfficial]

That’s what I’m saying man! I didn’t want to harp on it too much in the video, but the combat in Kena is no joke lol. Hope you enjoyed it though! 😄

[@4rteku955]

Id love to play Kena, but i dont know if i have enough time to do so. It makes me kinda sad ngl…

[@ArktixOfficial]

Aw man! Yeah I know what it’s like to have limited time to play all the games we want to. I hope you can find some time for it! I didn’t mention in the video, but you can save at pretty much any time, so it’s easy to play a little bit and then come back later.

[@thats4thebirds]

Paying my toll lol

[@ArktixOfficial]

Haha thanks man XD

[@furiousstyles08]

So, uhhh, no more new HFW content?

[@ArktixOfficial]

Oh no no. New HFW video coming soon 😉 Just wanted to try something different for 1 video.

[@room.beer.controller3032]

I played the PS5 version. I didn't like it. The soundtrack is beautiful and the visuals are cute, but the gameplay is way too basic and for me....gameplay will always be king. tldr: I don't recommend.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Ah sorry to hear that. It’s definitely more simplistic than something like Horizon. Not for everyone I suppose.

[@room.beer.controller3032]

@@ArktixOfficial I got it for free and yet I still returned it, lol. I only play challenging games like Returnal, etc. I could never get into games like Ittakes2, littlebigplanet, Astro and Kena. They are cute at best.

[@ArktixOfficial]

Lol fair enough. Don’t worry, I’ll be back to Horizon content this weekend 👍

[@room.beer.controller3032]

@@ArktixOfficial Kena's soundtrack and visuals are very beautiful and I am glad the game is getting the recognition it deserves. To each his own. Enjoy.