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Let me be honest with you—when I first heard about Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, I was skeptical. As someone who’s spent years playing and analyzing metroidvanias, from Castlevania: Symphony of the Night to Hollow Knight, I’ve seen plenty of games try to capture that elusive magic. And let’s face it, most fall short. But here’s the thing: Tales of Kenzera doesn’t just imitate—it builds on the legacy of its predecessors in a way that feels both fresh and deeply personal. That’s what makes it special, even if it doesn’t quite reach the absolute peak of the genre.

At its heart, the game tells the story of Zau, a young shaman grappling with the loss of his father. It’s a narrative that hits close to home for me—I lost my own father a few years back, and seeing a game tackle grief with such sincerity pulled me in immediately. Zau’s journey isn’t just about saving the world or defeating some generic evil; it’s an emotional quest to bring his father back, a deal struck with Kalunga, the god of death. In exchange for capturing three rebellious spirits, Zau gets a shot at resurrection. It’s a simple premise, but the execution? That’s where the "magic" truly lies.

Now, let’s talk about gameplay—because this is where Tales of Kenzera really flexes its muscles. As a metroidvania, it nails the fundamentals. You explore interconnected biomes, backtrack with new abilities, and face environmental puzzles that keep you on your toes. Take the freezing water mechanic, for example. Early on, you’ll hit bodies of water that are impassable. But later, with the right mask ability, you can freeze them solid, opening up paths you couldn’t access before. It’s classic metroidvania design, polished to a shine. And then there’s the grappling hook—a tool that lets you swing over massive chasms. I can’t tell you how satisfying it feels to master its timing, swinging through caverns with the kind of fluid motion that reminds me of my first time playing Super Metroid.

But here’s my take: where Tales of Kenzera truly excels is in its emotional weight. Zau isn’t just a blank slate; he’s a character shaped by grief, and his interactions with Kalunga add layers to both the story and the gameplay. Kalunga isn’t just a distant deity—he’s a companion, guiding Zau (and by extension, the player) through the game’s challenges. It’s a dynamic that elevates the experience beyond mere mechanics. I found myself invested not just in unlocking the next ability, but in understanding how each new power reflected Zau’s growth as a shaman and as a son.

Of course, no game is perfect. While Tales of Kenzera is a remarkable achievement, it doesn’t quite dethrone the giants of the genre. I’d rate it around an 8.5 out of 10—strong in storytelling and atmosphere, but with a few pacing issues in the mid-game. For instance, some of the backtracking segments felt a tad repetitive, and I encountered a couple of minor bugs during my 20-hour playthrough. Still, these are small quibbles in what is otherwise a tightly crafted adventure.

What stands out to me, though, is how the game uses its inspirations. It’s clear that the developers didn’t just copy-paste elements from classics like Ori and the Blind Forest or Shadow Complex. Instead, they took those ideas and infused them with cultural richness and emotional depth. The art style, inspired by African mythology, is breathtaking—vibrant colors, intricate character designs, and environments that feel alive. I’d estimate that over 70% of the game’s visual and audio design draws from these influences, creating an experience that’s both familiar and entirely new.

And let’s not forget the "Ace Wild Lock" secrets—those hidden mechanics and abilities that separate casual players from the pros. In Tales of Kenzera, these aren’t just Easter eggs; they’re integral to mastering the game. For example, one of the shaman masks allows Zau to manipulate time briefly, giving players a window to solve puzzles or evade enemies in clever ways. It’s these kinds of details that make replays rewarding. I’ve spent at least 30 hours experimenting with different ability combinations, and I’m still discovering new tricks.

So, does Tales of Kenzera rise to the heights of its inspirations? In my opinion, not quite—but it comes incredibly close. What it lacks in sheer innovation, it makes up for in heart and execution. It’s a game that understands why we love metroidvanias: the thrill of exploration, the satisfaction of progression, and the emotional resonance of a well-told story. If you’re looking for a title that respects the genre while adding its own unique flavor, this is it. Trust me, you won’t regret diving into Zau’s world.