Tales of Kenzera Zau is one of the best Metroidvanias I've ever played. Not only does this game shine from a gameplay point of view, it also packs a message. It's about family and letting go. It's about filling shoes that sometimes feel impossible to fill.

In Zau you play as a young shaman who wants to seek out how to deal with the loss of hid dad, who was the previous village shaman.

Because you play as a shaman you get access to two different masks (aka styles or gameplay systems) and you encounter all kinds of mythological creatures and enemies. I really dig this approach.

Because the game takes place in a romantized version of Africa you also encounter some really interesting locales and sights. I'm fortunate to have visited the continent myself at a young age and I can speak to how diverse the people and landscapes are.

Finally we have the gameplay, in good Metroidvania fashion you will be hopping and skipping the most deadliest of pits and the most pointiest of spikes.

Eventhough I personally suck at correct timing and reading enemy attacks, I gotta say I'm still having a lot of fun with the combat and enemies. They are well designed and offer the right kind of challenge with a minimum amount of frustration.

The standout for me here are the challenge rooms which revolve around precise and nerve bending platforming. They are thrilling to complete and offer the best kinds of reward.

A standout first entry by the guys and gals over at Surgent Studios. I thank you.

Tales of Kenzera Zau is one of the best Metroidvanias I've ever played. Not only does this game shine from a gameplay point of view, it also packs a message. It's about family and letting go. It's about filling shoes that sometimes feel impossible to fill. In Zau you play as a young shaman who wants to seek out how to deal with the loss of hid dad, who was the previous village shaman. Because you play as a shaman you get access to two different masks (aka styles or gameplay systems) and you encounter all kinds of mythological creatures and enemies. I really dig this approach. Because the game takes place in a romantized version of Africa you also encounter some really interesting locales and sights. I'm fortunate to have visited the continent myself at a young age and I can speak to how diverse the people and landscapes are. Finally we have the gameplay, in good Metroidvania fashion you will be hopping and skipping the most deadliest of pits and the most pointiest of spikes. Eventhough I personally suck at correct timing and reading enemy attacks, I gotta say I'm still having a lot of fun with the combat and enemies. They are well designed and offer the right kind of challenge with a minimum amount of frustration. The standout for me here are the challenge rooms which revolve around precise and nerve bending platforming. They are thrilling to complete and offer the best kinds of reward. A standout first entry by the guys and gals over at Surgent Studios. I thank you.