Kentum proves that blending genres can be a great success. Now, I’m not a massive fan of Metroidvania. I find it uncomfortable to remember every pathway and the restrictions that apply. However, this game offers an enjoyable and sometimes tongue-in-cheek version of each core element to great effect.
This crafting, survival, and exploration adventure was developed by Tlon Industries and published by V Publishing. It is a single-player game that has 3 game modes. Story, Creative, and Sandbox modes allow gamers to enjoy the core mechanics with different central goals. Although the main ideas do not change, your focus and approach reflect the challenges you will face.
The varied game modes offer fans of this title the ability to return for more. Additionally, the use of crafting, automation, survival elements, and factory mechanics will click with gamers who adore other genres. Accordingly, this will tick many boxes for a large audience.
Kentum is a sarcastic dig at humanity.
Imagine waking up after a 7000 year nap and discovering that you are still employed, and now you owe your boss hundreds of hours of free employment. Sadly, this is exactly what happens to Kent. This cloned scientist is at the beck and call of his boss, who demands that he reestablish humanity. Sadly, he cannot say no as his companion, ORB, will not let him rest.
This whimsy, challenging, and often sarcastic affair has a feel of Satisfactory and Stardew Valley. Although it isn’t as vast as either of those games, it has some crossover elements and plenty of core mechanics and assets to enjoy.
Death, exploration, and a massive base.
Kentum delivers Metroidvania at every turn. However, this didn’t really bother me. Instead, I took the challenge of finding resources, automating my factory, and staying alive much more seriously. This is anything but an easy task, as dynamic weather, health, oxygen, and hunger are key elements that hold you back.
Creating a fully functioning factory isn’t as straightforward as you’d hope. However, once everything clicks, it is brilliantly rewarding. The ability to forget entry-level items and focus on the later game elements was fantastic. Sadly, if this isn’t your thing, you will struggle with this game. Consequently, if you are going to tackle this title, you’ll have to jump in with both feet.
Exploring the world is as challenging as you’d expect. Blocked paths require upgrades, and reaching certain areas can take hours of back and forth and failure. If you then incorporate the deadly alien fauna, you have a tough task on your hands. However, where there is a challenge, there is a reward. Subsequently, getting to the end of the story mode is a great achievement and fun throughout.
Kentum looks great.
The 2D pixelated nature is very similar to other games in the genre. However, I enjoyed the varied colours, the interesting biomes, and the simple sprites. The alien plants were great to look at, and the animation, though simple, works extremely well. The developer has incorporated a sense of depth with underground caves, water, and other interesting locations. Moreover, the use of dynamic weather creates a sense of trepidation.
The audio combines sombre tunes with upbeat moments. Furthermore, the sound effects are often silly. This reflects the often stupid nature of your sarcastic companion. Although this can create a little annoyance, you’ll laugh more often than not.
Excellent controls.
I was impressed by the tight and easy-to-understand controls. The opening moments work as a simple tutorial to get you up and running. However, much of the automation is left to trial and error, and this can cause you to get things wrong. I didn’t mind this, as building your factory and learning to survive were key elements.
If you don’t fancy tackling the different modes, you’ll still get plenty out of the story. The action is fun, and the world is huge. Moreover, finding solutions and upgrading your base is fun and challenging. If you fall for its charms, I urge you to test your skills with either of the other modes. They may not change things too much, but it is fun to let your creative juices flow.
Kentum is a brilliant experiment.
Experimenting with tried and tested genres can be a gamble. I’ve played many that have fallen short, but Kentum is not one of them. This game is incredibly good but challenging. Moreover, the Metroidvania elements, survival mechanics, and automation may be too much for gamers who want a casual time. Accordingly, despite these possible issues, I think it is great, and I recommend buying it here! Can you survive long enough to rebuild humanity? Explore the world, avoid the locals, and become a scientific hero.
