Tales of Kenzera: Zau is a 2.5D metroidvania developed by Surgent Studios and published under the EA Originals label. The game follows Zau, a young shaman who bargains with Kalunga, the God of Death, to revive his father. Players explore the mythological lands of Kenzera, using Zau's athletic abilities—such as double jumping, wall jumping, and air dashing—to traverse the environment. Equipped with the sun mask for melee attacks and the moon mask for ranged combat, Zau can upgrade both weapons along distinct paths. As players gain new skills, they unlock previously inaccessible areas, progressing through a world filled with ancestral spirits and powerful monsters.
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is a decent game, but it sits in the shadow of much better Metroidvanias on the Switch. We love the setting and storyline, but as Surgent Studios' first stab at what has proven to be a wildly popular genre over the years, it struggles to set itself apart with rather bland exploration and repetitive combat. Coupled with compromised...
Even if Tales of Kenzera: Zau's combat and platforming can occasionally stumble, they act as a great compliment to the hard-hitting story and heartfelt characters that explore grief in one of the most interesting and human ways I've seen in some time. Above all else, Zau's realistic journey through the loss of a loved one is something that's going to...
Tales Of Kenzera has a sensitive story and is beautifully designed, with an intriguing world to explore - but some imprecision lets it down in the platforming and combat. It's still more than worth a go for players looking for something fresh.
Surgent Studios' debut game, Tales of Kenzera: Zau, is another incredible EA Originals title.
A polished Metroidvania infused with Africana, whose linearity and overreliance on rote-learning action sequences undermine its otherwise high standards.
