Kena: Bridge of Spirits Switch 2 Review – Spirited away to a new console

It’s at all times good to be stunned. Kena: Bridge of Spirits proved that, by being a brand-new IP from a brand-new studio, and instantly getting into the dialog in 2021 as one of many PS5’s greatest action-adventure video games. Whereas we’ve had the announcement for its much-anticipated sequel, Bridge of Spirits has a newfound territory to purify: Nintendo’s latest platform, the Switch 2. Curiously, after 5 years, that is the place Kena: Bridge of Spirits feels most at house.

Kena is a Spirit Information. This function sees her tasked with coping with unruly, wakeful spirits who haven’t travelled to the afterlife, and who’re seemingly extra fascinated about corrupting the world and attacking individuals than, , entering into peace. Kena may be very eager on serving to them get there too, a few of which includes smacking them within the head with an enormous stick, and her journey sees her steadily acquire in confidence and data as she restores the land round her, whereas serving to spirits to go away in peace.

At its unique launch, a lot was product of Kena: Bridge of Spirits’ Pixar-like visuals and the unbelievable artwork route of the world. The transition to the Swap 2 hasn’t dimmed any of these qualities, and it is a recreation that feels really cinematic, enveloping you instantly due to its engaging artwork design, lovable creatures, and beautiful ambient soundtrack.

There are concessions right here when evaluating the PS5 model to this Swap 2 port, however this was at all times a cross-gen launch, so a mix of a pleasant artwork route and the utilisation of DLSS ensures that that is nonetheless a recreation that appears completely beautiful. It additionally runs properly, with a responsive and strong body charge that feels dependable and constant. Curiously, the advertising and marketing for the Swap 2 model has focused a visible enchancment over the opposite handheld variations of the sport, which is actually saying that the expertise right here might be higher than taking part in on a Steam Deck.

The important thing variations for Swap 2 lie within the telltale shimmer of anti-aliasing, significantly on onerous edges, and Kena herself. There’s as soon as once more a transparent distinction within the texture and motion of her hair, and simply as we’ve seen with current ports like Star Wars Outlaws and Resident Evil Requiem, there’s a transparent must tune down the looks and responsiveness of hair, because it should show too pricey by way of processing. It doesn’t look unhealthy, however in case you’ve performed on PS5 or higher, it’s instantly noticeable. It doesn’t, after all, change one iota of the sport’s exploration or storytelling, and except you’re an almighty graphics snob, the Swap 2 model of Kena: Bridge of Spirits nonetheless appears to be like beautiful.

The celebs of the sport stay the lovable Rot. These little of us cover amongst the surroundings, forcing you to hunt them out, and as you accumulate extra of them you unlock new talents and abilities that the Rot can carry out for you, lifting, carrying and purifying as they go. They’re unbelievably characterful, and the power of the sport’s allure can largely be laid at their door, particularly when you begin to costume them in a wide range of hats. Kena is completely fantastic as a protagonist, however it’s the Rot that you simply’ll care about.

Alongside the entire earlier DLC and updates, the group at Ember Labs have aimed to make this the definitive and most accessible model of the sport thus far. First up, there’s now 5 issue ranges, versus the unique launch’s 4. The group have added a brand new intermediate Apprentice Spirit Information setting, which is harder than the extraordinarily forgiving Story Mode, however much less taxing than the usual issue, suiting gamers who’re on the lookout for a contact extra problem, however nonetheless not an excessive amount of. Maybe, as it is a Nintendo console, it caters particularly for youthful gamers. It’s an excellent addition regardless, not least as a result of choices are at all times good.

I’d forgotten simply how beautiful Kena: Bridge of Spirits is, and with a much-anticipated sequel on the way in which, now could be the proper time to take a look at Kena’s unique journey.