Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is an outstanding development full of love and culture

Despite sharing a name, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU It has nothing to do with Bandai Namco's Tales of games. Yes, you may get confused, but you should start there so that your expectations go in a different direction. Now, the study that develops it is Surgent Studios, a team that brings a very interesting way of working, not only through video games, but also in film, television and other platforms. It seems like partnering with EA was a good idea.

Surgent Studios It has a very particular task and that is to transcend the art of narrative with human, real stories, the kind that make you feel. Now, they are a small – perhaps modest – studio with talent in everyone involved. This is immediately seen in Tales of Kenzera: ZAUwhich without being an AAA, is made with great care and detail.

Now, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU It is a clear metroidvania – in every sense of the word – that talks about the love between a father and son and how loss is confronted. The creation of this title is based on the stories that Abubakar Salim – founder of Surgent Studios – heard from his father when he was a child and about what someone would do to bring that loved one back to see him again.

Likewise, this is an EA Originals, that is, you are going to find a different story, that takes risks and that will seek to move your insides. A few years ago, It Takes Two managed to get us thinking about what a relationship as a couple is like. This new title from Surgent Studios does the same, but under the context of loss and sacrifice, even the foolishness of not letting go.

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The details of Tales of Kenzera: ZAU

Let's go straight to the explanation of Tales of Kenzera: ZAU. It is a single player game with high narrative values. Much of the game's construction revolves around Bantu legends. We could consider it as a kind of tribute to those we loved and also lost prematurely or in a sad moment.

Then, the base is laid on the masks of the dance of the Sun and the Moon. Our protagonist uses both and each one gives him very specific powers to face enemies and advance through the scenarios. Mastering the use of both makes the gaming experience really attractive, apart from the fact that you will feel fulfilled.

The setting is a mystical realm with all kinds of unique environments, full of color and accompanied by a remarkable soundtrack. It is an experience that is rarely discussed in video games, which generally only resort to Western and Eastern culture to create their stories. The Bantu legends are also very interesting and the way they are projected with a lot of respect and love in this game.

In addition, since it is a metroidvania, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU It is not a simple game, but it is not impossible either. It feels like a kind of experience where we have to be precise in each jump or skill that we are going to use. Taking advantage of everything will make the game feel very entertaining.

The duality of Tales of Kenzera: ZAU

Abubakar Salim, the founder of Surgent Studio, said that one of the big parts of Tales of Kenzera: ZAU It is that of the duality of life and death. In African culture – like Mexican culture – there is constant communication with those we have lost. The story of this title focuses on its protagonist Zau, a shaman who keeps a book that his father left him and which he wants to bring back.

Between the dualities of Tales of Kenzera: ZAU We have the present that is Kenzera in the year 2089. Here we have the coastal city of Amani, which is the cultural center of this site and which is the home of the Zuberi. It is the beating drum at the center of the world. Likewise, Amani is a city of technology, innovation and progress.

Then, on the other side, we have Legacy. ZAU lives in the mythical lands of Kenzera, a country with a diverse geography. This site is occupied by spirits trapped in the world of the living who are waiting for peace.

Now, a game in which a lot of pain is talked about or felt – because of the history of ZAU – why can it be so full of colors. The team behind the game sought that despite all the mourning within Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, life is also celebrated. We will have biomes where there is peace and spirituality; anxiety and responsibility; fear and loss, hate and acceptance.

The Shaman's Dance: Tales of Kenzera: ZAU gameplay mechanics

As you already noticed, in Tales of Kenzera: ZAU you play with ZAU, a shaman who wants to bring back his father. But how do we play with it? The game mechanics are those of a metroidvania. Surely that was already clear. The way our protagonist attacks is by using the mask of the Moon and the Sun.

The moon mask is focused on ranged attacks and also one more that is to be able to disperse enemies in case they pile up. Next, the Sun has close-up attacks and a strong one that you can start a series of mid-air combos with. Once again, we see how duality is present within the gaming experience of this EA Originals title.

Likewise, in the progression section we have skill points that make both the Moon and the Sun develop their respective tree. Now, the game has a good variety of enemies and creatures that you will be facing and not all of them have the same approach, so it is important to know well the benefits and uses of each mask and how to use them.

The bosses will also test players, as not only are they huge and challenging creatures, each beast has a theme that goes hand in hand with pain. Zau will have double jumps and a dash forward as the most basic movements, while the special abilities of the masks will diversify the way in which the protagonist faces the different challenges.

Culture everywhere

One of the most attractive points that it offers at first glance Tales of Kenzera: ZAU It is respect and love for African culture. The way in which the settings are displayed, their colors, even the language in which the voices are recorded make the experience feel truly enriching.

The treatment that Surgent Studio gives to this game is one of great respect and love at the same time. It is like exposing the most enriching aspects of a culture that is not given enough justice. And everything happens in such a natural way that you feel trapped by its beauty and care. It is a work created with great love and that is the most important thing.

As we told you, this is not a AAA production, but that does not mean it is a minor development. Let's say that the less, a very meticulous job is done with what you want to achieve and what Surgent Studio is offering goes beyond the common or the mere commitment to comply.

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU will be released on April 23, 2024 and it is a development made by Surgent Studios and will be published by EA. It will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam, Epic Games Store and the EA app) and Nintendo Switch. The suggested price will be 19.99 USD depending on the store. Are you excited about this new development? Don't stop following the conversation on our Discord and don't miss our news at Google news.

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