Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is an intriguing new Metroidvania arriving in April

Every once in a while, we get to see a pretty original game take the stage at The Game Awards 2023. And Tales of Kenzera: ZAU certainly seems like it’s taking a fresh look at its genre inspirations, bringing something new to action-platforming next April.

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is from Surgent Studios, under the EA Originals label, working in collaboration with Critical Role. It’s a huge list of big names, but the idea itself is really compelling. ZAU is a gorgeous action-platformer with some ‘Vania inspiration.

Per a GameSpot interview with the studio, ZAU is story inside a story, as a son lost in grief for his dead father reads a tale about Zau. Zau makes a bargain with the god of death to bring his father back from the dead.

Seems ready to bring on the emotions, but the action and platform-hopping look good too. We’ll see how the next EA Original performs next year, too. Tales of Kenzera: Zau is targeting an April 23, 2024 launch on consoles and PC.