Game Pulse Me

Exploring Grief and Heritage Through the Lens of 'Tales of Kenzera: Zau'

The realm of video gaming has long provided a canvas for innovative storytelling, but few games weave together personal grief, cultural heritage, and vibrant gameplay as deftly as Tales of Kenzera: Zau. Developed under the careful direction of British actor Abubakar Salim, known for his roles in Raised by Wolves and Assassin’s Creed: Origins, this title marks a significant step forward in diversifying the narratives explored in video games.

At the heart of Tales of Kenzera: Zau is the poignant story of a young shaman named Zau, who, devastated by the death of his father, embarks on a mythological journey to reverse the permanence of death. This quest isn't just a plot device; it mirrors Salim's personal journey of coping with his own father's passing. "Truly, at its core, it's about a young boy who's grieving," Salim shared in an emotional speech at The Game Awards, where the game was first unveiled.

A Unique Cultural Tapestry

What sets Tales of Kenzera: Zau apart is its deep roots in African mythology, particularly the rich tapestry of Bantu legends. Salim, whose heritage includes Kenyan roots, has drawn heavily on the stories and spiritual teachings passed down through his family. “My grandfather was an Nganga, a traditional spiritual healer. So my father would share these really cool worlds and ideas,” Salim recounted. This cultural foundation not only enriches the game’s storyline but also introduces gamers worldwide to narratives that are seldom explored in mainstream gaming.

Inclusivity and Representation

The game also stands out for its inclusivity. Featuring a protagonist of African descent and offering players the option to engage with the narrative in Swahili, Tales of Kenzera: Zau addresses a significant gap in representation within the industry. “It was amazing to see him up there,” noted Annabel Ashalley-Anthony, founder of Melanin Gamers, reflecting on Salim’s presentation at The Game Awards. The game has been compared to Black Panther for its cultural impact and its celebration of African heritage.

Gameplay and Mechanics

On the gameplay front, Tales of Kenzera: Zau is described as a "Metroidvania" – a genre known for its intricate maps and progressive unlocking of character abilities through exploration. Salim cites influences from acclaimed titles like Hollow Knight and Ori and the Will of the Wisps, promising a blend of challenging puzzles and smooth, engaging combat. The game’s visual style is complemented by a soundtrack that fuses African musical elements with orchestral scores, enhancing the emotional and epic scope of Zau’s journey.

Beyond the Game

Salim’s vision extends beyond just the game. He hopes to develop Tales of Kenzera: Zau into a comprehensive franchise, including potential film, TV, and comic adaptations. This ambition speaks to a broader desire to not only tell a story through the game but to create a platform for ongoing storytelling and cultural exploration.

A Personal Journey for Many

The game’s development was a deeply personal process for Salim, reflecting his own experiences of grief and the search for understanding. "If I can get my mum to, for example, watch the TV show, I can then at least talk to her about the game and find the connections there. And I quite like that," Salim explained, highlighting the universal themes of loss and memory that the game tackles.

As Tales of Kenzera: Zau prepares for its release, it stands as a testament to the power of video games as a medium for personal expression and cultural storytelling. Salim’s journey from actor to game developer may have been uncharted territory, but the path he’s paving with Tales of Kenzera: Zau could inspire a new generation of game designers to explore similarly personal and culturally rich narratives.

In summary, Tales of Kenzera: Zau is not just a game; it’s a bridge between worlds — between the past and the present, between grief and healing, and between a father and his son. This game promises to unlock not just a new world of stories in the gaming industry but also a new understanding of the transformative power of grief and the enduring strength of cultural heritage.