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Played it a few years ago. Unfortunately there were a few things going against it which is why I think it didn't sell well. Firstly, it got overshadowed by Prince of Persia The Lost Crown, which was released around the same time and was obviously a much more ambitious game in the same genre.
Secondly, they tried something new making a metroidvania game centered around grief and loss of a parent. It was a passionate endeavor for the creator who went through such loss. They tried in earnest but in my opinion the theme doesn't fit the genre that well and such a story beat is not an attractive proposition for most gamers. A lot of marketing for the game leaned into the story aspect rather than gameplay. But the game itself doesn't do anything unique with its story beats. The main character seems like a mopey petulant teenager for most of the game -- which I know is the point of the game; depicting that a character overcomes grief. But it's a theme that's been handled better in other mediums. And so the game suffers a bit due to a misfit of the story in an action game. And the fact the game is short means the story has no breathing room. It's worth acknowledging that the story did resonate deeply with those who've experienced personal tragedy or in need of emotional healing. So one's investment in the story will vary from person to person. But I suspect the majority, like me, will just shrug it off due to no time or opportunity for character development.
With all that being said, Tales of Kenzera is a decent game. It's best played as a palate-cleanser between major games. It's not a very demanding game. It doesn't overstay its welcome and is enjoyable as a metroidvania. Sometimes that's all you need.
Last edited by DragonflyPunch July 23, 2026 at 10:20 PM.
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And playable free for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, fyi
Secondly, they tried something new making a metroidvania game centered around grief and loss of a parent. It was a passionate endeavor for the creator who went through such loss. They tried in earnest but in my opinion the theme doesn't fit the genre that well and such a story beat is not an attractive proposition for most gamers. A lot of marketing for the game leaned into the story aspect rather than gameplay. But the game itself doesn't do anything unique with its story beats. The main character seems like a mopey petulant teenager for most of the game -- which I know is the point of the game; depicting that a character overcomes grief. But it's a theme that's been handled better in other mediums. And so the game suffers a bit due to a misfit of the story in an action game. And the fact the game is short means the story has no breathing room. It's worth acknowledging that the story did resonate deeply with those who've experienced personal tragedy or in need of emotional healing. So one's investment in the story will vary from person to person. But I suspect the majority, like me, will just shrug it off due to no time or opportunity for character development.
With all that being said, Tales of Kenzera is a decent game. It's best played as a palate-cleanser between major games. It's not a very demanding game. It doesn't overstay its welcome and is enjoyable as a metroidvania. Sometimes that's all you need.
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Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!