Games worth discovering

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU A Beautifully Emotional Metroidvania Adventure!

188 View2025-03-22

Hey TapTap family

You guys like games that feel like that your own journey or Have you ever played any game that feels like a deeply personal journey. One game that challenges your skills while telling a story that stays with you long after you complete the game. And also one more part you love Metroidvania style action, this game have everything a heartfelt story, stunning game worlds inspired by African mythology, with beautiful graphics, and what game i am taking about Tales of Kenzera: ZAU.

If you played games like hollow knight, ori and the blind forest or prince of persia the lost crown then this game is very similar to this games.

Overview

Tales of Kenzera ZAU is a Metroidvania style action adventure game, that I always love to play, this game is developed by Surgent Studios and published by EA Originals. this game was Released on April 23, 2024, right now this game is available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

We are not playing this game for platforming or combat, we going to play this game for it's deeply emotional journey about grief, loss, and self discovery. In game You play as Zau, a young shaman who embarks on a mystical journey to bring back his father from the land of the dead (in simple words he is going in hell). And he's Guide is god Kalunga, in game you need to master powerful cosmic abilities, amd fight with legendary creatures, and uncover the truth behind his journey.

Gameplay Mechanics

I can say game have a Perfect Blend of Action and Exploration, this game has it's own unique mix of fluid combat, puzzle-solving, and deep story. Game have Two different Playstyles so you need to learn both styles, you can Master the cosmic abilities of the Sun and the Moon. Sun’s Power is Aggressive, this Combat will provide you a aggressive action packed gameplay, this power had Fire-based attacks that deal heavy damage. Now Moon’s Power so moon power's are Defensive this will help you to defend your self, this combat style his Ice-based skills that focus on evasion and control. And the best thing you can Instantly swap between Sun and Moon abilities mid fight for strategic combos.

Game also have Classic Metroidvania Exploration system, with the Huge interconnected world filled with secrets, puzzles, and hidden paths, where you can Unlock new powers to access previously unreachable areas. This game have Fast-paced platforming with wall-running, air-dashing, and precision jumping. And each location tells a part of Zau’s journey.

Game also have Puzzles so you need to solve them for going front, you need to Engage with spirits so you can solve ancient puzzles to progress. In game you Meet many unique NPCs who share wisdom and challenge Zau’s beliefs. Every choice and interaction builds on the game’s deep themes of grief and healing.

How It Feels to Play

Game Combat system is fast, fluid, and strategic, switching between Sun and Moon abilities keeps fights exciting and heard 😅. Like every METROIDVANNIA game Exploring the game map rewards you with hidden secrets, side quests, and story pieces and the big new abilities, and game story is great you will feel the emotions of the story and that's hits hard. Zau’s struggles feel real, making every victory more impactful. And I Already told you Platforming is fun but challenging.

Graphics and Sound

This game have beautiful graphics the Handcrafted visuals bring the game map to life, lush landscapes, glowing spirits, and mesmerizing cosmic energy effects feel so awesome. The game have Beautiful African inspired environments from ancient temples to ethereal dreamscapes.

This game have a breathtaking soundtrack that is filled with traditional African instruments and orchestral melodies.

The Emotional voice acting bring this games depth to another level, every character and story moment feel so nice and stunning.

Story & Characters

This game is about a Journey Through Grief & Hope, this more about a journey through loss, healing, and self discovery and other emotions. The Story is about Zau a grieving young shaman, devastated by the loss of his father, In his desperation, he makes a deal with Kalunga, the god of death, to bring his father back. But there's a catch the journey isn’t what he expected, in the journey he must to prove himself through trials, face powerful spirits, and uncover the deeper truth about his father’s passing.

This game have a Deep Theme and Meaningful Characters, Zau’s journey mirrors the real life grief of the game’s creator, actor Abubakar Salim, making the story deeply personal. In game The spirits and gods he meets challenge his beliefs, forcing him to grow. Every choice, every challenge, and every battle is tied to the emotional journey of moving forward after loss.

Replayability and Game Modes

This game is Worth Playing Again game have not Multiple endings but the story is powerful you need to play again, and after Unlocking all abilities you can reexplore areas for hidden secrets. This game have Challenging boss fights encourage different strategies and replays and can start challenges like time run or zero damage challeng.

Pros and Cons

✅ A powerful story that explores grief and healing.

✅ Fast, fluid combat with a unique Sun & Moon ability system.

✅ Beautiful art style and stunning music.

✅ Metroidvania style exploration with rewarding secrets and upgrades.

✅ Great balance of action, puzzles, and emotional storytelling.

❎ Some platforming sections can be frustrating due to precise jumps.

❎ Combat can feel repetitive for players who prefer deeper combos.

❎ Not a massive game expect around 10-12 hours of gameplay.

Rating: 9/10 ⭐

This more than just a game it is an emotional masterpiece wrapped in stunning visuals and satisfying gameplay. If you love action, adventure, and storytelling that truly means something, this game is MUST PLAY one.

Should you play it? YES go right now try it.

Now tell me what’s the most emotional game you’ve ever played? Drop your answer in the comments section, bye.