Tales of Kenzera: Zau release date, story, and gameplay | esports.gg (2024)

The game is a promising addition to the Metroidvania library.

Welcome to the world of Tales of Kenzera: Zau, where mystical realms and ancient legends collide. This article goes into the game's release date, storyline, and gameplay intricacies.

When does Tales of Kenzera: Zau come out?

Tales of Kenzera: Zau is set to launch on April 23, 2024.

This date was announced during The Game Awards in December 2023. It marks the culmination of Surgent Studios' collaboration with Electronic Arts (EA). Gamers eagerly anticipate diving into the game's unique blend of athleticism, narrative depth, and cultural inspirations.

What platforms is Tales of Kenzera: Zau on?

Tales of Kenzera: Zau will be accessible across these platforms:

The game will be included to the PlayStation Plus game catalog as well.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau trailer

Game world and story

In Tales of Kenzera: Zau, players embark on a transformative journey alongside Zau, a young shaman driven by the quest to revive his father. To achieve this, Zau must capture the spirits of three formidable monsters as offerings to Kalunga, the God of Death. This narrative features elements of grief, redemption, and supernatural encounters. It unfolds against the backdrop of adetailed world inspired by Bantu cultures. As players navigate Zau's challenges and choices, they unravel the depths of his character and the mysteries surrounding his quest for familial restoration.

Gameplay

Tales of Kenzera: Zau offers a dynamic gameplay experience blending exploration, combat, and character progression. Players control Zau, a shaman with agile abilities like double jumping, wall jumping, and air dashing. Armed with the sun mask for close combat and the moon mask for ranged attacks, Zau faces diverse challenges and enemies throughout his journey. The collection of Ulogi soul energy enables players to unlock new skills. Zau's abilities can be upgraded, enhancing both strategic depth and replay value. The game's 2.5D Metroidvania design encourages exploration and discovery. Players uncover hidden paths and secrets while gradually expanding Zau's capabilities. With its engaging mechanics and compelling progression system, Tales of Kenzera: Zau promises an immersive and rewarding gameplay experience.

Characters

  • Zau: A young shaman of Amandla who is grieving for his father's loss. He seeks help from Kalunga, the god of death, to bring peace to three spirits and revive his father.
  • Kalunga: The god of death manifests as an elderly man and is intrigued by Zau's quest. He guards the border between the living and the dead.
  • Zuberi: A grieving son who finds solace and understanding through the story left by his ailing father, which Zau embodies.
  • Liyana: The sole surviving Ikakaramban. She seeks to reunite with the spirit Impundulu, showing warmth towards Zau's bravery.
  • Sabulana: Once Zau's close friend and a shaman of Kivuli. She is wise in herbalism and healing, reconnecting with Zau after a long time.
  • Bomani: An aged warrior of Itshoka who worries for his missing son. He is haunted by regret and fear, having once hunted Adze in the desert.
  • Mama: Zuberi's compassionate mother who shares Zau's story to help him cope with grief while dealing with her own loss.

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Zau, Young Shaman of Amandla (Image via ea.com)

Locations

  • Amandla: Zau's homeland in the south of Kenzera was once inhabited by the hardy Amandlans, valuing spiritual connection over material wealth.
  • Patakatifu: An ancient crossroads honoring the Great Spirits. It serves as a sanctuary for memories and reflections on the past, present, and future.
  • The Ikakaramban Highlands: It was once vibrant with the village of Ikakaramba, but now houses roaming spirits in an abandoned paradise of lush hills and cliffs.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau release date, story, and gameplay | esports.gg (2)

Gameplay scene (Image via ea.com)

Metroidvania genre

Tales of Kenzera: Zau belongs is of the Metroidvania genre, known for its emphasis on exploration, nonlinear progression, and interconnected world design. Drawing inspiration from iconic titles like Metroid and Castlevania, Metroidvania games typically feature expansive maps with areas initially inaccessible, but can be gradually unlocked as players acquire new abilities.

This genre's hallmark lies in the sense of discovery and empowerment as players uncover secrets, solve puzzles, and navigate intricate environments. With Tales of Kenzera: Zau, players can expect a modern interpretation of the Metroidvania experience, blending traditional elements with innovative gameplay mechanics and a rich narrative tapestry.

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Portions of this article were generated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and promptly reviewed and fact-checked by the author. Learn how esports.gg uses AI here.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau release date, story, and gameplay | esports.gg (2024)
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