Tales of Kenzera was inspired by creator Abubakar Salim's father, who would tell him fantastical stories passed down from his own father, who was a healer (Nganga).
We follow Zau, our main protagonist, who, having lost his father, asks Kalunga, the God of death, for his father back. It is a captivating story that takes the player on an emotional journey of grief in all its different stages. The power of love and the ability to heal oneself through stories, really resonated with me as I played the demo.
Abubakar Salim touched upon the importance of such a game coming and what he enjoyed about the creation process.
I was lucky enough to be part of a roundtable discussion with Abubakar Salim and he touched upon the importance of such a game coming out and what he enjoyed about the creation process.
In creating this game, he wanted to pay homage not only to his Dad, but to all the games that shaped and inspired him as well, including but not limited to: God of War, Devil May Cry and Kingdom Hearts. A medley of games from different genres but all holding one thing in common a memorable and gripping storyline. And of course he was deeply inspired by the Metroidvanias genre as a whole.
He worked with composer Nainita Desai on the music
Abubakar Salim told us that when it comes to Metroidvania games, the music is so important, and he was adamant that this game be no different. He worked with composer Nainita Desai on the music – which he feels was an integral part of the process. Music and games have always gone hand in hand.
This will be Abubakar Salim’s first major release, and he is most proud of how the character gains health: you sit under a tree and talk about your feelings. That is the true definition of healing.
I am incredibly excited that a game so rich in culture that features poignant and powerful storytelling and, let's face it, extremely gripping combat scenes is coming out very soon.
It was a pleasure and an absolute honour not only to get to play the demo early but to be part of this intimate roundtable with Abubakar Salim. I am incredibly excited that a game so rich in culture that features poignant and powerful storytelling and, let’s face it, extremely gripping combat scenes is coming out very soon.
But for those who can’t wait that long – the demo was released today!
Please wishlist the game and check out the demo here.
https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/tales-of-kenzera/zau
A huge thanks to EA for providing me with this opportunity to review the demo early and sit down with Abubakar Salim – an incredible storyteller and a Master Assassin. [AD/Gifted]
I am Annabel or creativelyanzy as I’m known online! I am the founder of Melanin Gamers: a gaming community that promotes diversity and inclusivity in the video games industry, with a special focus on content creators; whiles also providing a safe space for people of colour to come together and game
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