[PS5 Showcase] Ember Lab Unveil Kena: Bridge of Spirits Action-Adventure Game

Unveiled as part of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s PlayStation 5 showcase earlier today, new development studio Ember Lab announced their first major project – Kena: Bridge of Spirits. Pitched by the company as a “story-driven action-adventure” which “seamlessly blends narrative with exploration, puzzle-solving, and fast-paced combat for a beautiful, immersive journey”, this is due to launch for the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows PC during the 2020 Holiday Season.

In Kena: Bridge of Spirits, you undertake a journey of self-discovery as Kena, who is tasked with restoring balance to an ancient village in a once-thriving environment. The young Spirit Guide will embark on a quest to uncover the mysterious story surrounding the demise of the village. Using her staff and the help of her collection of tiny companions known as the Rot, the player will disarm adversaries, unlock new skills, uncover secrets, and restore the beauty of the land.

One feature that Ember Lab has highlighted revolves around enhancing Kena’s abilities through the assistance of her Rot companions. Building a bond with the Rot leads to a deeper, more organic combat and a nuanced skill evolution.

While this is the first full video game developed by Ember Labs, this is not the only gaming related in project they have worked on. In 2016 they were involved in the tribute short film ‘Majora’s Mask – Terrible Fate‘, which sought to explore the dark origin story of the Skull Kid from The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask. What stood out to me most of this project is its effective use of music, even from the earliest teasers of it.