One of the PS5’s best exclusives is coming to Xbox, and it’s still great

There has been a lot of talk this year about Xbox console exclusives like Hi-Fi Rush, As Dusk Falls, and Sea of Thieves going multiplatform and being readily available on the PlayStation 5 as a result. For once, we’re seeing that process work the other way around.

Next week, Ember Labs will release Kena: Bridge of Spirits on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. This game has a reputation as being one of the best-looking PS5 exclusives. Having gone hands-on with its Xbox Series X port, I can say that Kena: Bridge of Spirits is just as good as it’s ever been on the new platform. If you never had a chance to try Kena: Bridge of Spirits because you don’t own a PS5, this Xbox port gives you the perfect excuse to check out this memorable adventure.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits follows the titular spirit guide as she explores the area around a remote mountain village and shrine. The land is filled with corruption, and in order to rid the area of it, Kena needs the help of cute and small but powerful creatures called the Rot. Along the way, she helps people who are stuck between the real world and the spirit world pass on, such as a concerned older brother who was separated from his twin siblings. It’s a surprisingly personal adventure, where players are slowly informed of Kena’s personal character traits as she interacts with all the different spirits she encounters on her quest.

On the gameplay front, Kena: Bridge of Spirits mixes action, platforming, and Pikmin-like unit commanding in how players can control the Rot. Nothing about Kena’s exploration or combat is that original, except for the fact that Kena builds up energy with every attack and can eventually use that to command the Rot with various abilities. Some stun enemies, while in certain situations Kena can command the Rot to combine into a more powerful form. Outside of battle, Kena will occasionally need to command the Rot to move certain objects for her in order to solve environmental puzzles. It’s not extraordinary,