Tales of Kenzera: Zau

Last updated

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU
Tales of Kenzera Zau cover art.jpg
Developer(s) Surgent Studios
Publisher(s) Electronic Arts
Director(s) Abubakar Salim
Composer(s) Nainita Desai
Engine Unreal Engine
Platform(s)
Release23 April 2024
Genre(s) Metroidvania
Mode(s) Single-player

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is a 2024 Metroidvania video game developed by Surgent Studios and published by Electronic Arts, under its EA Originals label. The game was released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on 23 April 2024. Upon release, it received positive reviews from critics.

Contents

Gameplay

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU follows the story of a young shaman named Zau, who must capture the spirits of three monsters as offerings to Kalunga, the God of Death, who promises to revive his father. Zau is very athletic, being able to double jump, wall jump and dash through air. Zau is equipped with two weapons: the sun mask and the moon mask. The sun mask allows Zau to deal melee damage up close, while the moon mask enables him to damage enemies from afar. Both masks have their own distinct upgrade paths. [1] As players defeat enemies, they will collect "Ulogi", a form of soul energy that can be used to purchase new skills for Zau. [2] Tales of Kenzera is a 2.5D Metroidvania game. Players will gradually gain new skills, enabling them to unlock new paths to progress. [3]

Development and release

Abubakar Salim, who is most known for being the voice actor for Bayek in Assassin's Creed Origins , is the game's creative lead. He founded Surgent Studios in 2019, and Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is the studio's debut project. [4] Tales of Kenzera was inspired by Salim's own experience of grief over the loss of his father. [5] The game was heavily inspired by Bantu cultures and Salim's own experience with tribal groups while filming Raised by Wolves in South Africa. [6] The story was also inspired by tabletop role-playing games, with Critical Role Productions assisting the game's development. [7] Nainita Desai served as the game's composer. Salim described the game's soundtracks as a mix of synth, electric sounds and African traditional music, and compared it to the music from Black Panther and Tenet . [8]

Surgent Studios (then known as Silver Rain Games) announced that it had partnered with publisher Electronic Arts for the development of a new game in March 2021. [9] Tales of Kenzera: ZAU was officially announced by Salim at The Game Awards 2023 in December 2023. It was released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S under the EA Originals publishing label on 23 April 2024. [10]

Reception

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU received "generally favorable" reviews from critics according to review aggregator website Metacritic. [11]

Impact

In July 2024, Surgent Studios laid off "just over a dozen" employees. [25]

Awards and accolades

Accolades for Tales of Kenzera: Zau
YearAwardCategoryResultRef.
2024 The Game Awards 2024 Games for ImpactNominated [26]
2025 New York Game Awards 2024 Off Broadway Award for Best Indie GameNominated [27] [28]
Statue of Liberty Award for Best WorldNominated
Great White Way Award for Best Acting in a Game (Abubakar Salim)Nominated
Game Audio Network Guild Awards Best Audio for an Indie GamePending [29]
Best Dialogue for An Indie GamePending
Best Music for an Indie GamePending
Best Original Soundtrack AlbumPending
Music of the YearPending
25th Game Developers Choice Awards Social ImpactHonorable mention [30]

Related Research Articles

Fatal Frame, titled Zero in Japan and Project Zero in Europe and Australia, is a Japanese survival horror video game series that was created, published and developed by Koei Tecmo. Debuting in 2001 with the first entry in the series for the PlayStation 2, the series consists of five main entries. The series is set in 1980s Japan, with each entry focusing on a location beset by hostile supernatural events. In each scenario, the characters involved in the present investigation use Camera Obscura, objects created by Dr. Kunihiko Asou that can capture and pacify spirits. The series draws on staple elements of Japanese horror, and is noted for its frequent use of female protagonists.

<i>Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects</i> 2005 video game

Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects is a fighting game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Nintendo DS, and PlayStation Portable, which ties into the "Marvel Nemesis" comic book series. It was released in North America in September 2005 and in PAL territories in October 2005. The game focuses on Marvel Comics characters facing a new team of super villains known as The Imperfects. Upon release, the game received mixed to negative reviews from critics. A sequel, Marvel Chaos, was announced in 2007, and was to be developed by EA Chicago for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, but was cancelled the following year.

<i>Bionicle Heroes</i> 2006 video game

Bionicle Heroes is a 2006 video game published by Eidos Interactive and TT Games Publishing and based on Lego's Bionicle line of constructible action figures. The game was released in November 2006 on PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, GameCube, Microsoft Windows, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS; a Nintendo Wii version was later released in April 2007. The home console and PC versions were developed by Traveller's Tales, while Amaze Entertainment developed the handheld versions. A version of the game for mobile phones, developed by Universomo, was also released. The home console and PC versions of the game are third-person shooters, while the Game Boy Advance version is a run 'n' gun shoot 'em up and the Nintendo DS version is a first-person shooter. The story of Bionicle Heroes, where the player seeks to liberate the island of Voya Nui and its inhabitants from the villainous Piraka, is not canon to the official Bionicle story.

<i>Guacamelee!</i> 2013 Metroidvania platforming video game

Guacamelee! is a Metroidvania action platforming video game developed and published by DrinkBox Studios, initially launched in April 2013 for platforms PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita and was later ported to Windows in August and to OS X and Linux in February 2014. The enhanced Super Turbo Championship Edition was released for Wii U, Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox 360 in July 2014 and later on the Nintendo Switch in October 2018. The game is inspired by traditional Mexican culture and folklore, like alebrijes and Day of the Dead.

<i>Ori and the Blind Forest</i> 2015 video game

Ori and the Blind Forest is a platform-adventure Metroidvania video game developed by Moon Studios and published by Microsoft Studios. The game was released for Windows and Xbox One in March 2015, and for Nintendo Switch in September 2019. Players assume control of Ori, a small white spirit, and Sein, the "light and eyes" of the Forest's Spirit Tree. Players are tasked to move between platforms and solve puzzles. The game features a save system called "Soul Links", which allows players to save their progress at will with limited resources, and an upgrade system that allows players to strengthen Ori's skills and abilities.

SkyBox Labs Inc. is a Canadian video game developer located in Burnaby, British Columbia. Founded in 2011 by Derek MacNeil, Shyang Kong and Steven Silvester formerly from EA Vancouver, they are mostly known for their work with Xbox Game Studios on the Halo, Age of Empires and Minecraft franchises.

<i>Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom</i> 2018 video game

Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom is a 2018 platform game developed by Game Atelier and published by FDG Entertainment. Part of the Wonder Boy series, it was released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in December, for Windows in July 2019, for Stadia in July 2020, for PlayStation 5 in December 2021, and for Xbox Series X/S in August 2022. It was generally well received by critics.

<i>Guacamelee! 2</i> 2018 Metroidvania platform video game

Guacamelee! 2 is a Metroidvania platform video game developed and published by DrinkBox Studios. A sequel to Guacamelee!, the game was released for PlayStation 4 and Windows in August 2018 while the Nintendo Switch version was released on December 10. The Xbox One version was released on January 18, 2019. The game received generally positive reviews upon release.

<i>Harry Potter</i> video games Licensed video games based on the Harry Potter novels

The Harry Potter video games are a series of video games based on the Harry Potter novel and film series originally created by English author J. K. Rowling. Many of the Harry Potter-inspired video games are tie-ins to the film adaptations of the same name. There are multiple distinct versions for individual games.

<i>A Plague Tale: Innocence</i> 2019 video game

A Plague Tale: Innocence is an action-adventure stealth game developed by Asobo Studio and published by Focus Home Interactive. The game was released for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One in May 2019. It was made available on the cloud-based service Amazon Luna in November 2020. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions of the game were released in July 2021, alongside a cloud version for the Nintendo Switch.

<i>Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville</i> 2019 third-person shooter video game

Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville is a third-person shooter video game developed by PopCap Games and published by Electronic Arts. It was originally released for PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One in October 2019, with a Nintendo Switch version releasing in March 2021. It is a continuation of the Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare spin-off series of Plants vs. Zombies, being the third overall installment. The game was released as an early access title in September 2019 before its full release in October the same year. It received generally positive reviews upon release.

<i>Journey to the Savage Planet</i> 2020 video game

Journey to the Savage Planet is a 2020 action-adventure game developed by Typhoon Studios and published by 505 Games. It was originally released for Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on January 28, 2020, followed by a Nintendo Switch port on May 21, 2020. An upgraded version of the game titled Journey to the Savage Planet: Employee of the Month Edition was released for Stadia as a timed exclusive on February 1, 2021 and for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on February 14, 2023.

Abubakar Salim is a British actor and video game developer. For his work on Assassin's Creed Origins, he was nominated for a British Academy Games Award and named a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit. On television, he is known for his roles in the Sky One series Jamestown (2018–2019) and the HBO Max series Raised by Wolves (2020–2022). He is also the founder and CEO of the film and video game company Surgent Studios.

Nainita Desai is a British composer of film, television and video game music. She is known for her scores for the films For Sama, The Reason I Jump and American Murder: The Family Next Door, and video game Telling Lies. In 2016, Nainita was named a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit.

<i>Ghost Song</i> (video game) 2022 video game

Ghost Song is a 2022 video game developed by Old Moon and published by Humble Games for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

<i>Animal Well</i> 2024 video game

Animal Well is a Metroidvania video game developed by Billy Basso and published by Bigmode. The player controls a blob and explores a labyrinth filled with animals. The game was released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Windows on May 9, 2024, and for Xbox Series X/S on October 17, 2024. It released to critical acclaim.

<i>Biomorph</i> (video game) 2024 video game

Biomorph is a soulslike Metroidvania video game developed and published by indie company Lucid Dreams Studio. The game was released for Windows on April 5, 2024, and a PlayStation 5 port on November 22. Further home console ports on the Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X/S is in development.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pocketpair</span> Japanese video game development company

Pocketpair, Inc. is a Japanese game development company based in Shinagawa, Tokyo. The company was founded by Takuro Mizobe in 2015 and is best known for their games Craftopia and Palworld.

<i>The Stone of Madness</i> 2025 video game

The Stone of Madness is a real-time strategy stealth game developed by The Game Kitchen and published by Tripwire Presents. It was released for Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and Series S in January 2025.

References

  1. ↑ Castle, Katherine (February 1, 2024). "Watch out Prince Of Persia, there's another platforming-packed Metroidvania coming to steal your crown". Rock, Paper, Shotgun . Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  2. ↑ Donnelly, Joe (February 2, 2024). "The Metroidvania genre is on fire right now, and Tales of Kenzera Zau just jumped to the top of my most-anticipated list". GamesRadar+ . Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  3. ↑ Nightingale, Ed (February 15, 2024). "Tales of Kenzera: Zau has the heart to heighten its spin on the metroidvania". Eurogamer . Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  4. ↑ Herte, Charles (December 7, 2023). "Tales of Kenzera: Zau Is A Magical Metroidvania Inspired By Bantu Myth". Game Informer . Archived from the original on December 8, 2023. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  5. ↑ Donnelly, Joe (December 8, 2023). "From Hollywood to Assassin's Creed to creating a fascinating new Metroidvania inspired by grief: "I think my father would be proud"". GamesRadar . Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  6. ↑ Welsh, Oli (December 7, 2023). "How — and why — Assassin's Creed Origins' Bayek founded his own game studio". Polygon . Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  7. ↑ Ramée, Jordan (February 1, 2024). "Tales Of Kenzera: Zau's Tabletop Inspirations And Rhythmic Combat Are Making Me Excited". GameSpot . Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  8. ↑ Ramée, Jordan (February 1, 2024). "Tales of Kenzera: Zau Tackles Grief As A Metroidvania With Dance-Like Combat And Incredible Music". GameSpot . Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  9. ↑ Takahashi, Dean (March 11, 2021). "Silver Rain Games will make a game for EA Originals". VentureBeat . Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  10. ↑ Stedman, Alex (December 9, 2023). "EA Originals' Next Game, Tales of Kenzera: Zau, Revealed". IGN . Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  11. 1 2 "Tales of Kenzera: Zau for PC Reviews". Metacritic . Retrieved September 16, 2024.
  12. ↑ "Tales of Kenzera: Zau for PS5 Reviews". Metacritic . Retrieved September 16, 2024.
  13. ↑ "Tales of Kenzera: Zau for Xbox Series Reviews". Metacritic . Retrieved September 16, 2024.
  14. ↑ "Tales of Kenzera: Zau for Nintendo Switch Series Reviews". Metacritic . Retrieved September 16, 2024.
  15. ↑ Colantonio, Giovanni (April 22, 2024). "Tales of Kenzera: Zau review: emotional Metroidvania is a spiritual journey". Digital Trends . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  16. ↑ Nightingale, Ed (April 22, 2024). "Tales of Kenzera review: a compassionate Afro-futurist exploration of grief". Eurogamer . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  17. ↑ Harte, Charles (April 22, 2024). "Tales of Kenzera: Zau Review". Game Informer . Archived from the original on May 30, 2024.
  18. ↑ Ramée, Jordan (April 22, 2024). "Tales of Kenzera: Zau Review - Bladedancing". GameSpot . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  19. ↑ Green, Jarrett (April 22, 2024). "Tales of Kenzera: Zau Review". IGN . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  20. ↑ Reynolds, Ollie (April 26, 2024). "Tales of Kenzera: ZAU Review (Switch eShop)". Nintendo Life . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  21. ↑ Bailes, Jon (April 22, 2024). "Tales of Kenzera: Zau review". PC Gamer . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  22. ↑ Croft, Liam (April 22, 2024). "Tales of Kenzera: ZAU Review (PS5)". Push Square . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  23. ↑ Meija, Ozzie (April 22, 2024). "Tales of Kenzera: Zau review: The circle of life". Shacknews . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  24. ↑ Middler, Jordan (April 22, 2024). "Review: EA's Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is a challenging, poignant Metroidvania". Video Games Chronicle . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  25. ↑ Chalk, Andy (July 2, 2024). "Just 3 months after launching Tales of Kenzera: Zau, developer Surgent Studios lays off 'just over a dozen' employees". PC Gamer . Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  26. ↑ Jackson, Destiny (November 18, 2024). "The Game Award Nominations: 'Final Fantasy VII Rebirth' Slices Its Way To Victory With Seven Nominations". Deadline . Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  27. ↑ Maas, Jennifer (January 7, 2025). "New York Game Awards 2024 Nominations". Variety . Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  28. ↑ Bankhurst, Adam (January 21, 2025). "New York Game Awards 2025 Winners". IGN . Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  29. ↑ Coates, Lauren (December 17, 2024). "'Alan Wake 2' and 'Astro Bot' Among Game Audio Network Guild Nominees (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety .
  30. ↑ Yang, George (January 28, 2025). "Game Developers Choice Awards 2025 Nominees Revealed". GameSpot . Archived from the original on January 28, 2025.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.