Does Kena Have Story Mode? A Deep Dive into Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Yes, Kena: Bridge of Spirits absolutely has a story mode. In fact, it’s a core element of the entire experience. While the game offers a flexible difficulty system that can significantly alter the gameplay, the narrative remains a constant thread throughout, providing context and motivation for your actions. The story follows Kena, a young and capable spirit guide, as she embarks on a journey to help deceased spirits move on to the afterlife. This central plot drives the player through the game’s stunning environments and engaging challenges. The difficulty can be adjusted at any time, making the game accessible for players who primarily want to experience the story, and also challenging for those who desire a more demanding gameplay experience. So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing adventure or a “Souls-like” challenge, Kena has you covered, but the story is always there at the heart of the game.
Understanding Kena’s Narrative and Gameplay
The narrative in Kena: Bridge of Spirits revolves around the concept of spiritual healing and helping lost souls find peace. Kena, the protagonist, possesses magical abilities that enable her to interact with spirits and the physical world in unique ways. The game seamlessly blends exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, all while being anchored by Kena’s personal growth and her impact on the spirits she encounters. Even on the easiest difficulty setting, the story remains the same, making it accessible and enjoyable for players of all skill levels. The story mode is generally considered akin to the difficulty found in a Zelda game, allowing for a focused progression through the plot without being overly hindered by challenging combat or difficult puzzle solving.
Story Progression & Flexibility
The flexibility offered by Kena’s difficulty settings is a huge benefit for players who primarily want to experience the narrative. The story mode enables players to focus on exploring the vibrant world, interacting with characters, and unraveling the mysteries of the story without being repeatedly bogged down by difficult battles. It’s a perfect option for those who might prefer to absorb the narrative and environment at a more relaxed pace. Conversely, players craving a tougher experience can crank up the difficulty to Expert or Master, transforming the game into a more demanding and combat-focused experience. It’s this adaptability that allows players to engage with the story mode on their own terms.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Kena: Bridge of Spirits, designed to offer a deeper understanding of the game’s narrative, gameplay, and more.
1. How long does it take to complete Kena’s story?
When focusing solely on the main story objectives, Kena: Bridge of Spirits takes roughly 10 hours to complete. However, for those aiming for complete game completion, which involves exploring everything and completing all side quests, you’re likely looking at around 20 hours of playtime.
2. Is Kena a short game if I only play story mode?
Yes, if you are focused only on the main story, Kena is considered a short game at around 10 hours. This makes it perfect for those who enjoy experiencing a story without committing to an incredibly long playthrough, or who just want a story that can be completed in a reasonable amount of time.
3. How many missions are there in Kena?
In total, Kena: Bridge of Spirits features 23 missions. These missions guide you through the game’s narrative, and each one builds toward the overall arc of Kena’s journey.
4. Is Kena similar to the Zelda series?
Visually and tonally, many players see similarities between Kena: Bridge of Spirits and The Legend of Zelda series. While there are surface resemblances in fantasy-themed environments and exploration, the gameplay is more akin to Horizon Zero Dawn and God of War in terms of mechanics and combat.
5. Is Kena worth playing on the PS5?
Absolutely! Kena: Bridge of Spirits on PS5 delivers a stunning graphical experience with smooth performance. The game’s beautiful environments and engaging gameplay make it a worthwhile addition to any PS5 library, especially on the harder difficulty modes.
6. Will there be a Kena 2?
While Kena: Bridge of Spirits was a commercial success and received numerous awards, Ember Lab has not announced any plans for a sequel yet.
7. What is the shortest game ever?
Interestingly, the shortest game ever is considered to be Clue, where a speedrun can be completed in under a tenth of a second, though this is mostly reliant on luck with guessing.
8. How many boss fights does Kena have?
Kena: Bridge of Spirits features a total of 16 boss fights, each of which poses a unique challenge, particularly at higher difficulty levels.
9. Is Kena suitable for children?
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is considered kid-friendly, but with caveats. The combat is simplistic yet challenging, and the art style is appealing, but some of the enemy designs might be scary for younger players. The game is generally considered appropriate for ages 9 and up, but players should be aware of the mild horror aspects.
10. How old is Kena?
Although the developers have not explicitly stated Kena’s age, they have confirmed that she is an adult on her journey to become a Spirit Guide.
11. Is Kena worth playing if I like story-driven games?
Yes, if you value a visually stunning game with great gameplay, Kena: Bridge of Spirits is highly recommended. The game’s narrative is compelling, making it a worthwhile experience for story-driven game enthusiasts.
12. Does Kena feature LGBT themes?
Yes, Kena: Bridge of Spirits has an arc that includes a lesbian love story between two spirits, Hana and Adira. This is considered one of the game’s most moving and heartfelt narratives, adding a layer of depth to the storyline.
13. What cultures inspired the visuals of Kena?
Kena: Bridge of Spirits draws inspiration from both Japanese and Balinese cultures, evident in its art style, environments, and thematic elements.
14. What game has 1,000+ hours of playtime potential?
Tetris is a game well-known for its longevity. It’s one of the most replayed video games ever, having been published on numerous platforms since its original 1984 release, and countless players have clocked up well over 1,000 hours in this classic.
15. Does Kena have DLC content?
Yes, there are Kena: Bridge of Spirits DLC and Add-ons available through the Epic Games Store.
Conclusion
Kena: Bridge of Spirits provides a memorable experience with a beautiful narrative, stunning graphics, and engaging gameplay. While the adjustable difficulty settings allow players to customize their experience, the core story remains at the heart of the game, and the story mode provides an excellent and accessible method of experiencing that narrative. Whether you’re drawn to the lush environments, the compelling characters, or the spiritual themes, Kena offers something for everyone. So, if you were wondering “Does Kena have story mode?” the answer is a resounding yes, and it’s an excellent one.