X
- E10+
- Electronic Arts
- E10+
- Electronic Arts
- E10+
- Electronic Arts
- E10+
- Electronic Arts
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU
Released On: Apr 23, 2024
76
7.1
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 64 Critic Reviews
76
61% Positive
39 Reviews
39 Reviews
34% Mixed
22 Reviews
22 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 64 Critic Reviews
76
61% Positive
39 Reviews
39 Reviews
34% Mixed
22 Reviews
22 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Tales Of Kenzera: Zau is a great expression of the boundless naivete, bravery and optimism afforded to the youngest of humans that also showcases cultures and settings that are rarely seen in videogames, but does so while delving into the stages of grief with reckless abandon and a positive outlook in an industry hell-bent on aggrandizing endless misery. As such, Zau is a near-masterpiece that embodies the phrase “breath of fresh air” in every sense.
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is a bold, thrilling and emotional journey through grief and african culture, capable of mixing classic metroidvania features with stunning visuals and a gameplay that is both easy to enjoy and hard to master. With plenty of possibilities and an inspiring narrative, Abubakar Salim's dream became a great reality for every player.
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 325 User Ratings
7.1
63% Positive
205 Ratings
205 Ratings
8% Mixed
27 Ratings
27 Ratings
29% Negative
93 Ratings
93 Ratings
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 325 User Ratings
7.1
63% Positive
205 Ratings
205 Ratings
8% Mixed
27 Ratings
27 Ratings
29% Negative
93 Ratings
93 Ratings
Great sidescroll platform game!
I have play with 100% completion and really enjoy it
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PlayStation 5
A visually stunning game with a powerful story. A strong central mission carries the game with lots of fun side tasks and events keeping it interesting throughout. Also has top-tier music and voiceovers. Definitely recommend.
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PlayStation 5
Tales of Kenzera: Zau is yet more proof that the metroidvania genre can offer great satisfaction, whatever story you try to tell. The one written by Surgent is a story of loss and revenge which, also thanks to the immense charm of the chosen setting, will remain seared in your memory for a long time. Not all the playful elements of the combat system seemed equally effective to us, and we would have liked more depth into Zuberi's character. That said, if you're a fan of the genre or just want to enjoy a good story, then you shouldn't miss it.
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is an earnest first video game effort from a studio that's destined for great things. Weak exploration and a lack of combat variety are minor flaws in an overall package that offers up fluid platforming, some great gameplay hooks, an emotionally-resonant story and a rich tapestry of sights and sounds that's like little else in the space. It's almost the perfect pairing to the recent Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, offering a succinct and approachable take on the concept that offers even more story, worldbuilding and visual flair.
A charming but flawed metroidvania that had
the poor luck to be released in a year which
has already seen two outstanding examples
of the genre. [Issue#41, p.90]
The worst thing I can say about Tales of Kenzera: Zau is that it’s platforming and level designs are fun, clearly inspired by some of the best Metroidvanias around, but don’t really produce any moments that rival those inspirations. Its combat, though also simple and familiar, manages to sing thanks to a small but meaningfully offering of different skills and enemies. And that action is ultimately just a satisfying break from the main attraction: a truly moving tale about how to go on in this world when your loved ones have passed on to the next.
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU tells a touching, personal story of family, grief, and loss, but it's wrapped up in a game that makes appreciating that narrative a lot harder than it should be. A Metroidvania in only the most basic of ways, its combat and platforming are spoilt by basic design and structure, as well as controller issues and frustrating one-hit kills. At its best when left to simply tell its story, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU falters once you have to start playing.
Context here is important. This game was designed and conjured as a passion project from someone who has never made a game before. To do so and execute something that plays well and communicates what was intended is a feat.
It isn't the BEST metroidvana out there, and neither is it going to change your gaming experience. But it's one of the most expressive and emotional experiences I've come across.
If you look at Hellblade and how they achieved emotional potence through their experience, but not mechanically changed the game, THIS is where this game sits.
My opinion of course. But yes, wont be forgetting this game for a very long time.
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PlayStation 5
Game is good but it's lacking some sprint, some originality, some good puzzle or memorable platforming section. Battling is fine, monster variety is not so inspired tho; every fight will feel the same after a while.
Many sections are just empty autoscrollers and there should be way more hidden paths, secrets and backtracking. Overall a quite good game and ez 15-20h platinum
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PlayStation 5
(MY SCORE : 7.8 /10) An exciting and very challenging Side-Scrolling Action-Adventure Platformer Metroidvania game! That's the impression I got after hours, finally able to finish this game.Difficult? Yup, that's what many gamers will complain about when conquering this game, not only when facing opponents or Main Bosses, but also when walking through areas. Plus the function and response of the buttons sometimes feel "problematic" at some moments!"Escape and Run" is the thing I hate the most in this game, running with the right timing and if you die, you have to start over at a checkpoint quite far away!So, even though it comes with "actually short" gameplay and a story that seems "ordinary", this game is recommended for you to play, especially for "Soulslike-Metroidvania" fans!
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PlayStation 5
combat and movement mechanism so dull, but the concept and the views are good
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PlayStation 5
Basically it a metrovalia type game with a mediocre story. I don't understand why it is only available on the ps5 and series Xbox when it is also available on the switch. Personally I am not a huge of metrovalia type games so this game is not for me.
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PlayStation 5
Summary Wield the dance of the shaman. Reclaim your father’s spirit. Brave the beautiful and treacherous land of Kenzera with the God of Death in Tales of Kenzera™: ZAU, a metroidvania-style adventure crafted by Surgent Studios.
Rated E +10
for Everyone +10
Platforms:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X
- PC
- Nintendo Switch
Initial Release Date: Apr 23, 2024
Developer:
- Surgent Studios
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Genres: