Though it's a fairly typical side-scrolling action game, it's also fairly fun.
VGChartz's Lee Mehr: "Reminiscent of The Last Case of Benedict Fox, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU feels like 2024's definitive example of mismanaging Metroidvania 101 tenets. And it's a shame to be that harsh when its inspiration feels like a wonderful antidote to the soulless company (EA) backing it and the commercialized entity (TGA) which first advertised it. Through an impassioned sense of grief, Abubakar Salim wanted to craft a story that authentically tries to wrestle with those same feelings. That's a great achievement of the medium as a potential creative outlet. Unfortunately, though, it's saddled to a haphazardly-designed game that falls short of sustaining that enthusiasm and squaring up against its contemporaries."
Antony writes: "We talk with composer Nainita Desai on how she poured grief and acceptance into Tales of Kenzera: ZAU's stirring soundtrack."
"Tales of Kenzera: Zau is a light Metroidvania that would bring a tear to a glass eye - a personal and moving tale in a stunning game world."
- Stuart Cullen, TechStomper
i want to play a game that's unfairly fun
I do like this game too but it needs more polish. Visually it's very hit and miss and the combat could be better, the very tanky shielded enemies get quite annoying and there's really not a lot of enemy variety either.
Got this for a friend and loved it so might get me a copy too.