Nova Roma vs Kena: Scars of Kosmora

• Modes: Story Campaign, Sandbox, Creative
• Release Type: Early Access
• Steam Rating: 97% Very Positive

• Magic System: Elemental Alchemy
• Map Type: Sprawling Tightly Designed Regions
• Platform: PS5, PC (Steam/Epic)
• Protagonist: Older Kena
• Visual Target: 4K / 60 FPS (Cinematic AAA)

• Transporters: Physically moving resources through the city's logistics web[cite: 531, 1084].
  Human

• Spirit Fox: Vines/Restoration
  Elemental Spirit

• Marble: Quarries / Import Docks

• Elemental Rot: Hidden under corrupted foliage and alchemy puzzles

• Antiquity
• Urban Resilience
• Engineering
• Mythology

• Self-Discovery
• Sacrifice
• Elemental Alchemy
• Maturation
• Memory

• Iron Armaments: Equipment
  Required to recruit professional Infantry and Cavalry units[cite: 1091].
• Guard Towers: Static Defense
  Fires arrows at invaders; damage is boosted by the proximity of a Temple to Mars[cite: 1097, 1149].

• Alchemical Gauntlet: Magic Catalyst
  The primary tool Kena uses to channel elements after her staff is broken.
• Spirit Fox Mount: Traversal/Combat
  A majestic green-tailed fox used for fast travel and charging through corruption.

• Infantry Gear: High health and defense for professional Roman soldiers[cite: 1148].

• Kosmora Initiate Robes: Balanced Defense; +10% Alchemy Recovery Speed

• Tunic: Color varies based on citizen role and social class.

• Spirit Guide Tunic: Dyeable variants (Spirit Blue, Crimson Rot, Forest Green).

Progression is managed through the Senate and Technology trees, requiring 'Favor' from the gods to unlock advanced crops, industrial buildings, and housing tiers[cite: 986, 987].

Maps range from small to large, including archipelago layouts that test maritime logistics and bridge engineering[cite: 824].

Kosmora is significantly larger than the regions in Bridge of Spirits, consisting of 'wide-linear' biomes. Major regions include the Ruined Ancient City, the Sealed Temple, and the Whispering Wilds. Traversal is aided by new wolf-like mounts.

• Transport Cart: Logistics
  Dedicated hauler used to move heavy materials like stone and iron more efficiently than foot labor[cite: 1119, 1132].

• Oxen: Bovine
  Powering transport carts for heavy material logistics[cite: 1132].

• Sylvan Wolf: Spirit Mount
  Fast Traversal and Heavy Combat Charge

• Plebeians: Workforce
  The foundational labor force (80% of population) requiring food variety and basic housing[cite: 1143, 1144].
• Patricians: Elite
  Demanding class requiring baths and fine wine; provides high tax revenue[cite: 1145, 1146].

• Kena: Protagonist
  An older, renowned Spirit Guide seeking a cure for a personal affliction.
• The Broken Spirit: Antagonist
  The mysterious entity responsible for shattering Kena's staff.

• Build the Colosseum: Endgame Wonder
  Reach 10,000 citizens and research Imperial Games to construct the monument[cite: 784, 1153].

• Finding Kosmora: Campaign
  Navigate the storm and land on the island's forbidden shore.

Single-player focus; 'Creative Mode' acts as a sandbox for unlimited building and testing[cite: 1184, 1185].

Strictly single-player. Asynchronous features allow players to leave 'Spirit Echoes' (hints) for others in the island's more challenging regions.

Early Access Standard Edition is currently available with a 20% launch discount until April 9, 2026[cite: 829, 882].

Standard Edition ($69.99): Base game. Deluxe Edition ($79.99): Digital Artbook, Soundtrack, and 'Kosmora Initiate' Outfit. Collector's Edition ($249.99): 12-inch Kena Statue, Fabric Map of Kosmora, and physical Rot charm.

The 2026-2027 roadmap includes political intrigue systems, chariot racing, and a fully functional Senate voting mechanic[cite: 1158].

Ember Lab plans to release 'Spirit Trials' in early 2027—a wave-based arena mode featuring legendary boss encounters from the first game.

A colorful, 'Play-Doh' inspired art style that emphasizes clarity and individual citizen movement[cite: 536, 1163].

Utilizes Unreal Engine 5. Features advanced Nanite geometry and Niagara particle systems for magical effects. The art style is described as 'mature Pixar' with a dark fantasy slant.

Atmospheric score that changes based on city prosperity and seasonal transitions[cite: 1211].

The score is a darker, more epic evolution of the original, utilizing Balinese Gamelan instruments mixed with modern orchestral arrangements.

Features diegetic overlays for Happiness, Health, and Building Integrity, along with detailed Resource and Jobs tabs for macro-management[cite: 1188, 1190].

Minimalist, immersive HUD. Elemental meters are integrated into Kena's new gauntlet, while the map is presented as a physical spirit scroll.

Includes optimization toggles for simulation distance and LODs to accommodate varying hardware capabilities[cite: 938, 1831].

Includes 'Story Mode' difficulty, fully rebindable controls, high-contrast navigation markers, and 'Alchemical Assist' for color-coded puzzle solutions.

• Upscaling Tech: Supports DLSS 3.5, FSR 3.1, and PSSR on PS5 Pro.
• Key Settings Impact: Elemental Particle Intensity and Volumetric Lighting affect FPS the most.