Zenko: A Fox's Tale

About

Zenko: A Fox's tale is a 3D adventure platformer that takes place in a Japanese inspired environment. A whimsical fox must move between realms to capture wandering spirits, discover new abilities, and restore an abandoned shrine.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 43 reviews

gameplay6 positive mentions

atmosphere3 negative mentions

Beautiful graphics and atmosphere, creating a relaxing experience.
Engaging platforming mechanics with a realm switch feature that adds challenge.
It's a free game that offers enjoyable gameplay and is worth the time spent.

Camera controls are overly sensitive, making gameplay frustrating at times.
Several bugs and glitches, including clipping issues and game crashes.
Lack of a compelling story or combat, which may leave some players wanting more.

gameplay
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The gameplay is characterized by a chill 3D platforming experience with intuitive mechanics and a unique realm-switching feature that enhances the challenge in later stages. Players appreciate the engaging art and atmosphere, as well as the well-placed checkpoints that prevent frustration. Overall, it is considered a solid platformer that balances fun and technical stability, making it enjoyable for both casual and more skilled players.
- “Nice chill 3D platformer with good graphics and atmosphere. There is a realm switch game mechanic that toggles platforms, and the platforming can get trickier in later stages when you need to time your jumps and dashes carefully. Fortunately, there are good checkpoints, so it's not too frustrating.”
- “Gameplay mechanics are intuitive and easy to master!”
- “Pretty solid platformer with a great aesthetic and a well-implemented dimension hopping mechanic that smoothly changes the map around you. Would recommend it as an hour well spent.”
graphics
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
38%
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming aesthetic, featuring a rural village theme with soft, warm colors and a captivating atmosphere. Players appreciate the detailed art style and the engaging environments, although some express disappointment over certain design choices, such as the absence of a character's three-tail form in specific realms. Overall, the visuals contribute significantly to the game's appeal, enhancing the platforming experience.
- “Nice chill 3D platformer with good graphics and atmosphere. There is a realm switch game mechanic which toggles platforms, and the platforming can get trickier in later stages when you need to time your jumps and dashes carefully. Fortunately, there are good checkpoints, so it's not too frustrating.”
- “The graphics are nice, giving a beautiful Japanese scene in the game, with some secrets to discover too.”
- “The aesthetics and environment are absolutely great, and the gameplay is engaging.”
- “I just find it a bit sad that the fox doesn't take his three-tail form in the ghostly realm like the game artwork shows.”
- “The graphics are underwhelming and fail to capture the charm depicted in the promotional material.”
- “The rural village aesthetic is nice, but the overall graphics lack detail and polish.”
story
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The story aspect of the game is minimal, with players primarily following a cute fox character in a Japanese-inspired setting without a substantial plot or combat elements. While the experience is visually appealing and features enjoyable moments, many reviewers express disappointment over the lack of depth in the narrative, describing it as a simple and repetitive journey rather than a compelling story.
- “It's beautiful, not too long, doesn't drag out the story and doesn't go to unnecessary lengths to make it longer or shorter.”
- “There isn't much in the way of story here as we assume the role of the eponymous fox, or rather kitsune, considering this appears to be based on a Japanese-inspired mythological setting, and without much aplomb are made to follow some sort of blue spirit.”
- “Cute fox, cute story and actually really solid platforming!”
- “Also note there is not much of a story and no combat.”
- “There isn't much in the way of story here as we assume the role of the eponymous fox, or rather kitsune considering this appears to be based on a Japanese-inspired mythological setting, and without much aplomb are made to follow some sort of blue spirit.”
- “I'm actually disappointed there is no plot to speak of as you just follow along, unlock more powers, rinse and repeat.”
music
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The music in the game is generally praised for its relaxing quality and atmospheric integration with the scenery, though some users noted awkward transitions when switching realms. While the soundtrack may not be extensive, it is memorable enough that some players expressed a desire to purchase the original soundtrack. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's ambiance, despite a few minor issues.
- “This one stood out to me in so many ways: the graphics, the music, the lore, and tips and tricks.”
- “I'd buy the OST if they sold it.”
- “The scenery and music work together perfectly to create a good atmosphere.”
- “The music is relaxing, but the change of tone when you switch realms can feel jarring, especially if you switch frequently.”
- “There's not much in the way of a soundtrack.”
- “I would buy the OST if they sold it.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
100%
The game features a relaxing atmosphere enhanced by its appealing graphics and harmonious music, creating a zen-like experience. The realm-switching mechanic adds depth to the platforming challenges, while well-placed checkpoints help maintain a balanced difficulty. Overall, the combination of visuals and sound contributes significantly to the game's immersive ambiance.
- “Nice chill 3D platformer with good graphics and atmosphere. There is a realm switch game mechanic that toggles platforms, and the platforming can get trickier in later stages when you need to time your jumps and dashes carefully. Fortunately, there are good checkpoints, so it's not too frustrating.”
- “The scenery and music work together perfectly to create a good atmosphere.”
- “The game tries to create a zen atmosphere, but it feels more like a missed opportunity.”
- “While the visuals aim for a calming vibe, the overall atmosphere falls flat and lacks depth.”
- “The intended atmosphere is overshadowed by repetitive elements that detract from immersion.”