Playing This New Switch 2 Game Took Me Back to Classic Legend of Zelda Games in the Best Way

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Video games have come a long way since the early days of consoles like the N64. Not only do they look much better now, but the way people play and what they enjoy has also changed. These shifts have been gradual, so it’s easy to forget how different things used to be—unless you play an older game or find a new one that reminds you of what you loved about gaming originally. That’s exactly what happened when I started playing Kena: Bridge of Spirits on the Switch 2.

Originally released on PlayStation in 2021, the acclaimed indie game Kena: Bridge of Spirits is now available on the Switch. As someone new to the game, I was immediately captivated by its beautiful art style and intriguing story about a Spirit Guide’s journey. What I discovered was a surprisingly nostalgic experience – playing Kena reminded me of the joy and challenge of playing The Legend of Zelda when I was first learning to game.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits Has an Old School Approach to World Exploration

Before I played Kena myself, I knew it had adorable little Rot spirits and was known for being really challenging. That combination of cute and difficult made me want to try it, but I wasn’t sure if I’d actually enjoy it. I’m always up for cute characters, but I can be inconsistent with combat – I like action RPGs, but I get frustrated easily and struggle with complicated combos. So I was happily surprised to fall in love with Kena almost immediately, and for reasons I didn’t anticipate.

From the start, Kena felt unique compared to many recent games. It immediately drops you into the action without a lengthy introduction, letting the story unfold as you play. There’s also very little hand-holding; instead of a long tutorial, you learn new abilities with brief on-screen tips. You’re simply put in the role of a girl in the forest with magical powers and left to discover your purpose. This approach reminded me of the challenging but rewarding experience of playing the original Legend of Zelda games.

I have fond memories of getting lost in games like Ocarina of Time, constantly wondering what I was supposed to do next. Nowadays, most games offer more help. It’s common to see quest markers – little indicators on the screen, often on a mini-map – that tell you where to go. Older games, like the original The Legend of Zelda, didn’t hold your hand like that. You had to explore and figure things out on your own, which could be really annoying if you’re bad with directions (like me!). But when you did finally solve a puzzle, it felt incredibly rewarding.

Kena strikes a nice balance. The game gives you a map with hints about where to go, but it doesn’t hold your hand with a simple quest marker. The map shows you the general direction, but figuring out how to actually reach each new area is a puzzle you need to solve yourself. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this challenge – it felt wonderfully nostalgic and reminded me of what I originally loved about playing games.

Playing Kena: Bridge of Spirits Reminded Me Why I Fell in Love With Gaming in the First Place

Writing about video games for work can sometimes make playing them feel less like fun and more like a job. I generally enjoy the games I cover, but I often find myself analyzing them with a critical eye, thinking about scores and reviews. This is different from how I used to play as a kid, just grabbing whatever looked interesting. However, Kena: Bridge of Spirits was different. I became completely immersed in the game, something I hadn’t experienced in a long time – even though I did get frustrated with some of the boss battles!

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a visually stunning game that really shows off the power of modern technology. Despite only being released five years ago, it also has a classic, nostalgic feel. While it can be easy to get lost, I enjoyed playing an action-adventure game that didn’t rely on constant on-screen directions. It encourages you to truly explore the game world, as important platforms or puzzles are hidden everywhere. This made the experience much more immersive, as I couldn’t just mindlessly follow a marker to complete quests.

Many modern games include puzzles, platforming, and exploration, but it’s been a while since I’ve played one that combined them as effectively as Ocarina of Time did when I was younger. Kena really stood out – its nostalgic charm combined with updated gameplay made it one of the most captivating games I’ve played recently. I’m now a big fan and can’t wait for the sequel!

Have you checked out Kena: Bridge of Spirits? Share your thoughts and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-03-28 00:10