Cute PS5 Game Kena Will Take 2 Seconds To Launch From Dashboard

Since this story was published, Kena: Bridge of Spirits was delayed into the first quarter of 2021. The slowed development process caused by the pandemic was blamed for this change.

Kena: Bridge Of Spirits was one of the most promising games to emerge from the PlayStation 5 reveal event back in June. Now, thanks to a Game Informer cover story, we have new details on the cozy adventure game, including the fact that it takes two seconds to launch from the console's dashboard.

This isn't from a suspended state, either--the game just loads very fast. According to Josh Grier, the developer's chief operating officer, the team had a loading animation planned but "it just loads the game so fast" that there's no time for it.

The story gives us a few hints of the upcoming console's features, including the fact that Kena will use Pikmin-like friends called the Rot to solve puzzles and battle enemies. Up to 100 of the Rot will appear on screen at one time on PS5, and less will appear on PS4, though this will have no effect on gameplay.

The PS5 version of the game will also utilize the DualSense's new haptic feedback for attacks, including tension on a bow. "The triggers on the DualSense controller have resistance on them, so we’re utilizing that for the heavy attacks, but also for the bow," developer Mike Grier says.

If you buy Kena: Bridge of Spirits for PS4, you can upgrade for free when you get your PS5. It's one of many games coming to the system in its launch period.

According to the cover story, Kena: Bridge Of Spirits does not have a concrete release date, but will come out "in a few months." The game will retail for some amount less than $60 and can be finished comfortably in a weekend. It also features multiple difficulty settings, with the hardest aimed at veteran players looking for a stiff challenge. If you want to preorder a PS5, you better get a move on: Sony says only limited amounts will be available for preorder.

The PS5--and the Xbox Series X--will also allow you to suspend multiple games at once, loading them back to where you left off very fast. If you're wondering why that's a big deal, read Steve Watts' piece on why this feature is a game-changer.