Tales of Kenzera™: ZAU similar games & best alternatives
Tales of Kenzera™: ZAU
2024
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Quick resume
Wield the dance of the shaman. Reclaim your father’s spirit. Brave the beautiful and treacherous land of Kenzera with the God of Death in Tales of Kenzera™: ZAU, a metroidvania-style adventure crafted by Surgent Studios.
Global score
83/100
Genres
Action, Adventure, Indie, Platform, Puzzle
Pros
- Emotional and well-told story
- Beautiful art and soundtrack
- Fluid and responsive combat and movement
- Unique african mythology setting
- Good value for price
Cons
- Mostly linear with limited exploration
- Some platforming and chase sequences frustrating
- Combat can become repetitive late game
- Minor control and camera issues reported
- Lack of deep customization or multiplayer
Motivations
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Autonomy3
"Players can switch between two masks with different combat styles and abilities, choose paths and tackle challenges, though the game is mostly linear with limited exploration."
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Competence3
"Combat and platforming provide a moderate challenge that ramps up, especially in late game and boss fights, rewarding skill and strategy."
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Competition-4
"Focus is on personal progression and story experience without competitive or ranked elements."
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Continuation2
"Players report engaging story and gameplay that encourage completion and some replay, though the game is relatively short."
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Cooperation-5
"Single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative features."
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Creativity2
"Players can customize combat style by switching masks and upgrading skills, but level design and progression are mostly predefined and linear."
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Domination-5
"No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; game is single-player and narrative focused."
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Escapism4
"Players use the game to immerse in a unique African-inspired world and story, providing emotional engagement and distraction from real life."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of interest in the story, setting, and gameplay; no indication of obligation or pressure."
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Experimenting3
"Players experiment with mask switching, combat strategies, and platforming challenges, though within a mostly linear structure."
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Exploration-3
"Game is mostly linear with limited backtracking and exploration; maps reveal entire areas on entry reducing discovery."
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Expression-3
"No significant character customization or avatar personalization; visual style is fixed and consistent."
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Fantasy4
"Set in an imaginative African mythology-inspired world with shamanic powers and spiritual themes."
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Fellowship-5
"No social or community features; strictly single-player experience."
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Growth3
"Players develop skills and abilities through upgrades and experience points, improving combat and traversal."
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Health-5
"No physical activity or health-related gameplay elements; standard sedentary gaming."
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Idle-4
"Requires focused attention on platforming and combat; not suited for background or idle play."
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Intimacy-4
"Emotional engagement with narrative and characters but no social or relationship-building features."
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Leadership-5
"No leadership or group management elements; single-player narrative."
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Progression4
"Players accumulate upgrades, skills, and collectibles that enhance combat and survivability."
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Relaxation2
"Generally balanced challenge with moments of flow; some frustration reported in platforming and chase sequences."
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Sensation4
"Vibrant visuals, dynamic combat effects, and a rich soundtrack provide strong sensory stimulation."
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Status-5
"No social recognition or status systems; individual experience."
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Story5
"Highly praised narrative with emotional depth, voice acting, and cultural themes central to the experience."
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Strategy3
"Combat requires tactical mask switching and enemy prioritization; platforming demands timing and planning."
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Thrill2
"Some suspense in boss fights and platforming challenges; generally moderate risk and tension."
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Value4
"Players feel the game offers good value for its price with quality content and polish."
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Violence3
"Combat involves defeating enemies with melee and ranged attacks, though not excessively violent or gory."
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Survival2
"Players manage health and avoid instant-death hazards; some challenge in staying alive during combat and platforming."
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Last update: 06/03/2026