Developer: Surgent Studios
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC
Release date of: April 23, 2024
Among the thousands of indie games that are emerging, few manage to overcome the barrier of fun and offer players moments of pure feeling. When this occurs, we identify a singular work, as is the case of Tales of Kenzera: ZAUa little jewel of Surgent Studios that goes beyond being just another metroidvania, turning into an emotional journey that challenges and inspires.
The themes of grief and loss have always been hallmarks of any narrative. In Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, these timeless feelings come to life through the adventures of Zau, the protagonist. Under the direction of Abubakar Salimthis work transcends entertainment, becoming a mirror of the deepest desires of the human soul.
In the fictional world of Kenzera, lush biomes and intricate challenges serve as a backdrop for primal human emotions: sadness and hope. The meetings with Kalungathe god of death, and other mythical beings are not just clashes of skills, but also clashes of ideas and emotions, echoing the feelings of loss and redemption that dwell within each of us.
The story of Tales of Kenzera: ZAU puts us in control of Zau, a young man facing the difficult loss of his father. Guided by an unbreakable inner strength, Zau embarks on an exciting and dangerous journey in search of redemption and truth.
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Although the game’s protagonist is Zau, it’s hard not to relate him to Abubakar Salim, especially after his moving presentations on the game, where he shared his own experience of parental loss and the inspiration behind the game’s creation. This personal connection between the game director and Zau adds a layer of emotional depth to the narrative.
During his journey, Zau will face a wave of emotions and mysteries, where every corner holds new secrets and challenges. From the first moments, we are immersed in a world rich in Bantu mythology and African cultural influences. Zau, a young man of intense emotions, unwavering determination, and indomitable courage, emerges as a captivating protagonist whose journey of self-discovery resonates with us all. Accompanied by several memorable characters, each with their own story and motivations, Zau faces challenges that transcend the boundaries of time and space.
The story’s progression is expertly structured to evoke an emotional rollercoaster where triumph and despair coexist. With each twist in the plot, we are led to uncover ancient secrets and face unimaginable adversities. The ability to incorporate cultural and mythological elements offers players an immersive experience filled with the lush landscapes and mythical creatures that populate Kenzera. It is this integration that brings the game to life, transporting us to a realm of wonders and mysteries that capture not only our imagination, but also our heart.
During our journey through the stunning landscapes that make up the game, players will delight in a skillful mix of platforming, combat and exploration mechanics. The demanding platform mechanics require precision and agility, putting Zau in the spotlight with his acrobatics. Each jump and dodge requires precise timing and skill on the part of the player. Responsive and fluid controls ensure players feel truly in control of Zau, even in the most challenging situations.
On the battlefields, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU’s gameplay becomes a mix of skill and strategy. With the unique abilities of the Sun and Moon Masks that Zau has at his disposal, the player can engage in short and long-range combat with ease. The ability to choose between different fighting styles tactically deepens confrontations, allowing players to adapt their approaches depending on the challenges they face.
Zau’s unique abilities play a crucial role in gameplay, shaping not only the play style but also the narrative itself. From the elemental abilities of the Masks of the Sun and Moon to the mystical powers acquired throughout the adventure, each ability is a valuable tool that expands gameplay possibilities and enriches the players’ experience.
Exploration is fundamental in any metroidvania, and Tales of Kenzera: ZAU does not disappoint in this regard. Every discovery is significant, just as every corner reveals new secrets and hidden treasures. From vast plains to deep underground caverns, there is always something new to discover and explore. The exploration mechanics, although simple, are effective in keeping players engaged and motivated to unravel the mysteries of Kenzera.
Challenges throughout the game are varied and demanding, testing players’ skills in all areas. From puzzles to epic boss showdowns, each challenge represents an opportunity for growth. The difficulty increases organically as we progress through the story.
The character upgrade and customization system is a welcome addition to the gameplay experience. From improving the abilities of the Masks of the Sun and Moon to unlocking new abilities and mystical powers, there is always something new to discover and experience.
The balance between challenge and fun is meticulously calculated, with peaks of difficulty expertly balanced by moments of triumph and accomplishment. Although there are moments of frustration, especially during the more intense confrontations and some puzzles, the sense of fairness in the game is never compromised.
In terms of length and reward for exploration, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU offers a rich and satisfying experience that can be enjoyed for hours on end. With a main campaign lasting approximately 8 hours, and an additional two or three hours for players who want to explore every corner of Kenzera, the game provides a generous amount of content for players to enjoy.
While the game is to be praised, not everything is rosy in Kenzera. The map has some design issues, which can be confusing and frustrating for players. Furthermore, the lack of enemy variety and the absence of a defense option may be points that some players may not like.
Graphically, the game is a real treat for the eyes, with meticulously detailed art that invites us to appreciate each new scenario that unfolds before us. From vibrant verdant landscapes to vast desert, cave or woodland biomes, each environment is richly rendered with stunning colors and meticulous detail. The diversity of scenarios and biomes offers a wide variety of landscapes for players to explore and discover, ensuring a diverse and immersive gaming experience.
The soundtrack, competent and emotional, alternates between calm and introspective melodies and moments of tension and action, contributing to the game’s unique atmosphere and transporting players to the living and mysterious world of Kenzera. As for the sound effects, they were carefully designed to immerse players in the game world, creating moments of realism and offering depth to make the player’s experience even more immersive and intense.
One of the most notable points is the voice acting, with emotional and convincing performances that bring the characters and their stories to life. From the moving dialogues between Zau and the inhabitants of Kenzera to the epic conversations with Kalunga himself, the characters’ voices resonate with emotion and authenticity, significantly contributing to the immersion in the game’s narrative.
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU It is truly competent, a pearl in the world of indie games. The reason why the EA Originals invested in it is evident, not only due to the engaging gameplay and its mechanics, but also due to the narrative depth and the emotional impact it provides to players. I would say it is a journey centered on accepting loss, overcoming and forgiving. A moment of self-knowledge and growth, where happiness often resides where we least expect it. Although it’s not perfect, it’s an extremely competent metroidvania.
