So many RPGs currently releasing across PC and console are complex, almost overwhelming, experiences that can drown players in currencies, weapons, items, and cosmetics. Kena: Bridge of Spirits takes things back to a simpler style of gaming, where exploration and puzzle-solving dominate. This port for the Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t flawless, but it reiterates why the game was so popular.
Originally released by Ember Lab in 2022, Kena: Bridge of Spirits delivers intense, challenging gameplay propelled by a gripping, emotional narrative. The title focuses on platforming, boss battles, and intentional character interactions, allowing players to truly take on Kena’s role in the story.
Unfortunately, there are a few tough bumps with the Nintendo Switch 2 port, especially while in handheld mode. They don’t detract from the story, but they do impact the combat and exploration.
Key Details
- Developer: Ember Labs
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch 2
- Price: $39.99
- Review Code Provided: Yes, for Nintendo Switch 2
Kena: Bridge of Spirits Is A Refreshing Title in a Land of ARPG Grit
For those who have played Kena: Bridge of Spirits before, the story remains as lovely and emotional as the original release. The Nintendo Switch 2 version includes all the Anniversary content, including New Game+ and Charms.
For this review, it was my first time playing Kena, and I was really blown away by how quickly I sank into the story. It is rare currently to pick up a game with a fleshed main character – especially in an ARPG. It was amazing to find myself wrapped up in Kena’s journey, and I was hooked instantly by the way the story throws you into the forest for nothing more than a stick and a mission.
The bright color palette, gentle character designs, and adorable Rot companions help ease the intensity of the story. It’s a far cry from Elden Ring and Nioh 3, but with all the challenge.
That said, I got my butt absolutely handed to me in the fights. This game is hard, and it can come as a shock when first looking at the stunning art and gentle character designs.
I found myself repeating fights right from the start of the game, especially as a first-time player with no previous breakdowns on the mechanics. Kena: Bridge of Spirits makes players think, offering very little hand-holding. You have to get good, or you won’t learn what is happening to the forest.
Nintendo Switch 2 Port Is a Battle in Handheld Mode
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a beautiful game. The environments are stunning, and the water mechanics regularly took my breath away. That said, the game was clearly designed for bigger screens than the Nintendo Switch 2, and when in handheld mode, players will struggle to notice all the details.
The first big problem comes with the lighting for the game. Even after adjusting the brightness several times post-initial game setup, the dark environments are almost impossibly dark. It makes jumping onto ledges a guessing game, and navigating combat in caves is insanity-inducing.
All of these issues resolve when docked, but for many, the ability to take the game on the go will be a big reason to purchase it on the Switch 2. The visual issues could detract from playing it out of handheld mode.
The other issue we ran into when playing in handheld mode was a lack of detail. The environment felt crushed down into the smaller screen. When switching to docked, the world becomes more navigable, making it more fun to explore.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits Has a Few Port Glitches
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a beautiful game, but there is no denying that it takes a graphical hit for the Nintendo Switch 2 port. The lighting feels less sharp, hair is pixelated, and backgrounds can blend in bigger boss arenas.
However, the biggest issue comes in the form of platforming glitches. Many times, when sliding down slopes, Kena would get stuck mid-slide and then begin cutting and clipping. Despite all efforts, there would be no way to get her free, and loading a save was the only solution to fix it.
There were also several instances where, when climbing ledges, Kena would get stuck mid-jump and stutter like when stuck on the dirt slope. This made it impossible to progress forward, resulting in the need to load a save.
Unfortunately, the Nintendo Switch 2 port doesn’t feel as smooth or cinematic as the PC, PS5, or Xbox versions. There are always some expected changes to ports for handheld devices, but the glitches and lighting issues do make playing such a stunning game a bit less exciting.
Final Score – 7.5/10
If I were only scoring Kena: Bridge of Spirits as a story, this game would get an instant 10. If there is anything I have learned from playing the Switch 2 port, it is that I am going to be buying it for my PC immediately. The story, art, gameplay, and combat are flawless in every way, and I want to spend hours in the game uninterrupted.
However, the Nintendo Switch 2 port has left something to be desired. Regular glitches, visibility struggles, and optimization problems make the title a bit bumpy on the handheld console. At $39.99 for a four-year-old game, that is going to be hard to justify with the current issues.
I can’t recommend the game enough on PC or home consoles, but it might be best to wait a while after the port releases for a patch to address some of the issues that we experienced while testing it out.
**Bonus Action was provided with a Nintendo Switch 2 copy of Kena: Bridge of Spirits for the purpose of this review**
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