French Indie Video Game 'Tales of Kenzera - Zau' Explores Grief and Loss, Earns Critical Acclaim

Tales of Kenzera - Zau, a French indie video game developed by Surgent Studios and published by EA Games, has received critical acclaim for its touching exploration of grief and loss. The game follows the story of Zau, a young shaman who bargains with the God of Death to bring his deceased grandmother back from darkness.

Set in the beautiful and treacherous lands of Kenzera, the game invites players to use Zau's cosmic powers and courage to advance into unknown mythological lands. The Metroidvania-style adventure has been praised for its immersive world, chill aquatic vibes, and emotional storytelling that examines the inevitability of death and the process of healing.

The game's creative director and lead designer, Abubakar Salim, drew inspiration from his own personal experience with grief and the loss of his father. Salim, an actor known for roles in shows like Raised by Wolves and House of the Dragon, decided to create the game as a way to process his grief and honor his father's memory. He wanted to portray grief in a more colorful and vivid way, rather than the typically sad and morose depictions.

Tales of Kenzera - Zau features stunning visuals with a vibrant color palette and well-designed characters. The game's world is inspired by Bantu mythology and legends, and the original soundtrack composed by Nainita Desai adds to the enchanting atmosphere. While the gameplay mechanics focus on skill mastery and can become repetitive in the latter half, the narrative and emotional depth of the story are the game's main selling points.

The game also includes 'Reflection Trees' called Baobab Trees that players can interact with to boost their health and listen to emotional stories about the protagonist's father. Additionally, players seeking more action can participate in Spirit Rituals, which consist of three distinct challenges that unlock skill points and a rare achievement.

Tales of Kenzera - Zau is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. It has received Metacritic scores of 78 on PC and 76 on PlayStation. The game is also included in the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscription tiers, allowing players to access it at no additional cost. With its heartfelt story, compelling protagonist, and solid metroidvania gameplay, Tales of Kenzera - Zau offers a unique and impactful gaming experience that resonates with players and critics alike.

Key Takeaways

• Indie game "Tales of Kenzera - Zau" explores grief and loss.
• Game inspired by developer's personal experience with father's death.
• Vibrant visuals, Bantu mythology, and emotional soundtrack praised.
• Gameplay focuses on skill mastery, with Reflection Trees and Spirit Rituals.
• Game critically acclaimed for its meaningful storytelling and emotional depth.