Summary

  • Kena: Bridge of Spirits is expanding to Xbox consoles, offering new players a chance to experience its action and aesthetics.
  • The potential for Kena to become a franchise is significant, even though a full sequel may be unlikely, based on past comments from Ember Lab developers.
  • An expansion on the game's world and narrative structure in a sequel could address previous concerns about the game's length and improve the overall experience.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits, three years after its initial release on PlayStation 5 and PC, is finally expanding beyond its launch console. The debut title from small independent developer Ember Lab, this game is set to finally see a release on Xbox consoles for the first time. Xbox gamers should definitely take the time to try Kena: Bridge of Spirits, one of 2021’s finest titles and a game that deftly blends gripping third-person action gameplay with an adorable Pixar-like aesthetic.

Now that the game is expanding its reach, this could be the beginning of a bright future for Kena. It’s been three years since the game’s original release, and there hasn’t been any major new content since then. Porting the game to another console is a great way to acknowledge it, but Ember Lab should take it to the next level and turn Kena into a proper franchise.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits Should Become A Franchise

A Full Kena Sequel May Be Unlikely

It's important to note that a proper sequel to Kena: Bridge of Spirits might be a bit of a pipe dream, as the team over at Ember Lab once said that a sequel was unlikely. While lead developers Mike and Josh Grier noted that the storyline had a lot of potential for expansion, the duo noted that they would prefer to make a new IP with a similar gameplay loop and storytelling style as opposed to a full-blown sequel.

Still, there’s plenty of potential for a Kena sequel, and surely, there’s an audience for it. After all, Kena: Bridge of Spirits was said to have broken even within its first month of launch, indicating that it sold pretty well for a debut title. It was also an award darling at the end of the year, even taking home a pair of trophies at The Game Awards.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits 2 Could Make Some Improvements

Spending more time in the world of Kena could help address one element of the previous game that some found troublesome: its length. While the game as a whole was well received, Kena's short length became a topic of debate among gamers. Ember Lab could use that as a means to expand in a sequel, potentially opening up a larger world for gamers to explore even if it doesn't commit to a full-blown open-world approach.

A sequel could also expand upon the narrative structure built within the first game. Centered around a spirit guide looking to take down evil with the help of forest creatures called the Rot, Kena: Bridge of Spirits tells a touching, emotional story that doesn’t quite dig deep into lore. A sequel could expand upon that lore by digging into deeper detail on the Rot, and the larger world that Kena explores.

Ember Lab should take it to the next level and turn Kena into a proper franchise.

Maybe Kena’s Comeback Doesn’t Need To Be A Game

Even if Kena: Bridge of Spirits doesn’t receive a proper sequel, there’s still plenty of room to expand this franchise through other means. With Ember Lab having experience with animated films, Josh Grier previously noted that Kena’s story could continue in another, more linear artistic medium, be it an animated film or television show. This could work perfectly, as Kena’s clear Pixar inspiration and beautiful visual style would lend itself wonderfully to a cinematic format.

There are a lot of ways that Ember Lab could continue Kena’s journey, but no matter how it does so, Kena deserves to continue forward as a franchise. Kena: Bridge of Spirits was a refreshing title that carved out a unique niche in 2021, and it’s a shame that it hasn’t been pushed any further since. Hopefully, with the game’s Xbox port, Ember Lab will continue creating Kena content, and turn this game into the franchise it deserves.

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Kena: Bridge of Spirits Tag Page Cover Art
8 /10

Kena: Bridge of Spirits
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Adventure
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Systems
PC-1 PlayStation-1 Xbox-1
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Top Critic Avg: 82 /100 Critics Rec: 86%
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Released
September 21, 2021
ESRB
T for Teen: Fantasy Violence
Developer(s)
Ember Lab
Publisher(s)
Ember Lab
Engine
Unreal Engine 4
Steam Deck Compatibility
Verified
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a story-driven action adventure set in a charming world rich with exploration and fast-paced combat. Players find and grow a team of tiny spirit companions called the Rot, enhancing their abilities and creating new ways to manipulate the environment.

Kena, a young Spirit Guide, travels to an abandoned village in search of the sacred mountain shrine. She struggles to uncover the secrets of this forgotten community hidden in an overgrown forest where wandering spirits are trapped.

Find the Rot: Timid and illusive spirits scattered throughout the forest. They maintain balance by decomposing dead and rotting elements.

Genre(s)
Adventure
How Long To Beat
10 Hours