Kena: Bridge of Spirits – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Kena: Bridge of Spirits

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

game2021

84%

WISE Score

79%

IGDB

Pixar-gorgeous action game about a spirit guide healing a corrupted forest—think Zelda meets Studio Ghibli, with real emotional weight.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits

game

2021

84%

WISE Score

79%

IGDB

Pixar-gorgeous action game about a spirit guide healing a corrupted forest—think Zelda meets Studio Ghibli, with real emotional weight.

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Where to Play

Xbox

PlayStation

PC/Steam

Screenwise Verdict

This is the game you show people when they say video games aren't art. Ember Lab's debut is a visual stunner with a beating heart—it's about helping spirits process grief and find peace, wrapped in challenging but rewarding action-adventure gameplay.

The good stuff: no microtransactions, no online toxicity, just a complete, polished single-player experience. Kena is a great role model, the world is breathtaking, and the Rot are destined to be beloved.

The reality check: it's harder than it looks. Parents expecting a breezy kids' game will find their 7-year-old stuck on boss fights. The themes are mature—this is about death, regret, and moving forward. It's handled beautifully, but it's real.

If your kid can handle Zelda-level difficulty and thoughtful stories about loss, this is a gem. Just don't expect a cakewalk.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-99. The PEGI 12 rating is spot-on—younger kids might struggle with both the difficulty and the emotional themes around death. Teens and adults will appreciate the gorgeous art direction and thoughtful storytelling.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Story centers on helping spirits find peace, with themes of grief, healing, and compassion. Kena is a kind, capable female protagonist who works with adorable spirit companions (the Rot) to restore balance. Combat is present but not gratuitous—enemies flash red when hit. The emotional core is about processing loss and moving forward, which is mature but handled gently. PEGI 12 rating reflects moderate violence without gore.

Imaginative

Visually stunning world inspired by Japanese and Balinese aesthetics, created by animation studio Ember Lab's first game. The Rot companions are creative and charming—players collect and use them in puzzle-solving and combat. Exploration-driven gameplay encourages curiosity, with environmental storytelling that unfolds as you help spirits. The blend of action-adventure with spiritual guide mechanics feels fresh, even if core gameplay borrows from established formulas.

Safe

No in-game purchases, loot boxes, or online chat—a clean, single-player experience. Violence is moderate and stylized (enemies flash red, no blood or gore). Themes of death and grief are present but handled with care and appropriate gravity. The main safety consideration is difficulty—Reddit parents note it's 'surprisingly difficult' for young players, which could lead to frustration. Some boss fights and darker story moments may be intense for sensitive kids under 10.

Enriching

Explores grief, loss, and healing in a thoughtful way that can spark meaningful conversations. Requires problem-solving, timing, and spatial awareness. The narrative teaches empathy—each spirit has a story to resolve. However, it's primarily an action-adventure game, not an educational experience. Players learn perseverance through challenging combat, but the enrichment comes more from emotional themes than skill-building. Beautiful presentation and strong female lead are positive models.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Absolutely stunning visuals from an animation studio—seriously, this looks like a playable animated film
Strong female protagonist who's competent, kind, and doesn't need saving
Themes of grief and healing are handled with genuine care, not just window dressing
The Rot companions are impossibly cute and add charm to every moment
Zero monetization nonsense—buy it once, play it fully, no strings attached

⚠

What to Watch For

Difficulty spikes can be real—parents on Reddit warn it's tougher than it looks, even on easier modes
Death and grief are central themes; spirits are trapped because they can't move on from trauma
Some boss fights and corrupted areas have darker, more intense vibes that might spook younger kids
Requires decent hand-eye coordination and timing—not ideal for brand-new gamers

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the spirits are stuck? What's keeping them from moving on?"
"How does Kena help people deal with sad or scary memories?"
"Which of the Rot is your favorite, and why are they all so ridiculously adorable?"
"Have you ever had to let go of something that was hard to leave behind?"

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