Tales of Kenzera: ZAU – Review

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is a Metroidvania title that combines stunning Afrofuturist visuals with a poignant story about grief and acceptance. Here’s an in-depth look at this visually striking yet somewhat uneven experience:

A World Steeped in Beauty and Loss

Kenzera boasts a gorgeous art style that blends African aesthetics with futuristic technology. The vibrant environments, from lush jungles to neon-lit cityscapes, are a feast for the eyes. The narrative explores the emotional turmoil of Zau, a young warrior seeking to revive his deceased father by collecting spirits for the God of Death, Kalunga. Kalunga acts as a guide and voice of reason, offering commentary and philosophical musings throughout the journey.

Tight Controls and Satisfying Combat:

The side-scrolling platforming is responsive and precise, with Zau acquiring new abilities like a glide and a powerful dash as you progress. Combat is a mix of melee attacks and ranged options using spirit energy. While not the most complex, it’s satisfying and offers a good challenge, especially against tougher enemies and bosses.

Exploration with a Metroidvania Twist:

Like classic Metroidvanias, Zau unlocks new abilities that allow him to access previously inaccessible areas. The backtracking can feel repetitive at times, but environmental storytelling through hidden lore bits keeps exploration somewhat engaging.

A Heartfelt Story Undermined by Uneven Pacing:

The narrative tackles grief and loss in a mature way, with the bond between Zau and Kalunga offering a touching emotional core. However, the pacing can be uneven, with some stretches feeling rushed and emotional payoffs not fully realized. The voice acting for Zau is particularly strong, conveying his pain and determination effectively.

A Technical Balancing Act:

While the visuals are impressive, the performance on Switch can be a bit rough. Frame rate drops and occasional glitches can disrupt the flow of gameplay in some areas. The auto-save system is a welcome convenience, though.

A Gem with a Few Rough Edges:

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is a visually stunning Metroidvania with a heartfelt story about grief. The tight controls, satisfying combat, and beautiful world design make it a compelling experience. However, uneven pacing, some technical hiccups, and repetitive backtracking hold it back from reaching its full potential.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

• Pros: Gorgeous Afrofuturist art style, touching story about grief, responsive controls, satisfying combat.
• Cons: Uneven pacing, some technical issues on Switch, repetitive backtracking.

If you’re looking for a visually striking Metroidvania with a unique setting and a mature story, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is worth checking out, especially if you can snag it on sale.