Tales of Kenzera ZAU Review: Exploring Grief and Courage

In Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, an adventure by Surgent Studios, players navigate the intriguing world of Kenzera as Zau, a young shaman, in a poignant quest to reclaim his father’s spirit. The narrative, intertwined with its 2D Metroidvania-style gameplay, is rich with themes of grief and perseverance, drawing from Bantu culture. The vibrant environments and touching story are complemented by the game’s challenging platforming mechanics and engaging combat, though its execution in these areas hasn’t fully set it apart from similar titles.

As the adventure unfolds, Zau traverses mythical terrains, wielding his shamanic powers to bargain with the God of Death. The storyline has been lauded for its emotionally compelling depiction of grief, and many players have found solace in its relatable journey. The African-inspired world design showcases lush, diverse biomes that are both visually captivating and treacherous. Combat, while satisfying, sometimes falters due to imprecise controls and occasional lack of enemy variety. Yet, the world of Kenzera feels alive, buzzing with cosmic energy that is further amplified by a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack.

Despite gameplay that occasionally lacks depth compared to the genre’s standards, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU excels in the art of storytelling. Its use of folklore, combined with the parallel tale of Zau’s father, crafts an emotionally nuanced tapestry that speaks to audiences on a deeply personal level. The game bravely tackles a topic often shunned in gaming: grief. This bold exploration is woven into every dialogue and battle, making the narrative’s triumphs outweigh any technical shortcomings.

What sets Tales of Kenzera: ZAU apart is its fusion of story and gameplay. By daring to transform a Metroidvania into a medium for exploring deeply human emotions, the game breaks the mold of traditional 2D platformers. The animations are fluid, and Zau’s cosmic powers offer a fresh twist, even if the platforming sequences sometimes lack polish. Boss battles stand out as exhilarating yet unforgiving challenges, while the world itself is a rich tapestry that demands exploration.

Ultimately, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU doesn’t revolutionize the Metroidvania genre, but it does offer a compelling and deeply moving journey that is worth experiencing. It’s a celebration of life, loss, and the courage to continue against all odds, wrapped in a visually stunning and thoughtfully crafted world.

RATING: 4.0 out of 5.0.

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is available for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X.

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