Legacy of Kain is one of the most popular franchises in which players step into thecoffins of vampires. The series made its debut in 1996 withLegacy of Kain: Blood Omen, though the laterSoul Reaverentries have been considered the pinnacle of the series. The sun rose on the series back in 2003 with the last original entry, but after lying peacefully dormant for over 20 years, the sun has once again set on Legacy of Kain, allowing the vampires to come out and play asLegacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remasteredmay step out of its grave.
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Revived By The Elder God
Soul Reavertakes place about 1500 years after its predecessor,Blood Omen. As the game begins, Kain,Blood Omen’sprotagonist, has a ruling position in Nosgoth which is reinforced by his vampire lieutenants. Raziel is one such lieutenant, one that has grown so powerful that Kain appears to be threatened by him. He calls for the death of Raziel, casting him into the underworld. Oh, but killing vampires is a tricky task indeed, as Raziel is revived centuries later by the Elder God, a powerful deity lurking beneath Nosgoth. The Elder God serves as Raziel’s guide on his quest to destroy Kain.
Soul Reaver 2is a direct sequel of sorts toSoul Reaver. For the sake of spoilers, we won’t get into too many details with the plot, but it does involve the creation of paradoxes that tend to happen whenever time travel gets thrown into a setting to gum up the works. Predestination and free will are concepts that are explored here, though thankfully there weren’t too many more sequels involving time loops, otherwise theLegacy of Kaincould be more convoluted and contradictory than what happened to theTerminatorfranchise.
Travel Between Realms
BothSoul Reavergames are third-person action adventures that play similarly to each other. One of the main elements of both games is how Raziel can shift between the material and spectral realm. As a vampire turned wraith, he seems to prefer the spectral realm as his health gradually regenerates there whereas it gradually depletes in the material realm. In the material realm, Raziel is able to interact with environmental objects, such as gates and doors, but water proves to be a deadly threat until he acquires the ability to swim. In the spectral realm, water is a nonissue, but doors and other such objects cannot be manipulated. Shifting between the two realms is necessary for Raziel to progress, providing many opportunities for interesting gameplay and puzzle-solving solutions.
For the most part, combat is what one would expect from a hack and slash game system, but the lore of vampires adds a twist to it. Humans and other monsters from the spectral realm can be killed rather easily with Raziel’s claws or weapons, but vampires are more difficult. Vampires can’t be killed by Raziel’s regular attacks, but they can be stunned by them. After a vampire is stunned, Raziel has a few options at his disposal. Throwing the vampires into a fire works, as does throwing a torch at them. Piercing weapons can impale vampires, which is also an acceptable way to kill them. Sunlight is their most well-known kryptonite, and getting the vampires to work on their tan is a natural way to kill them. Openings that allow the sun to shine aren’t always available, but are convenient when they are around. Sometimes a vampire can simply be lured into the sun, but other times the vampire must be thrown into the sun’s rays.
Raziel begins with limited abilities. He can fight with his claws and glide on his broken wings, but for being the wraith of one of Kain’s most powerful lieutenants, Raziel is pretty weak. This changes as he progresses, as he’ll gain access to new abilities through powerful relics and weapons. In true vampiric fashion, Raziel’s best abilities come from defeating his former vampire clan brothers. Much like how vampires gain life by drinking the life essence of the living, killing a powerful vampire allows Raziel to steal their powers and use it for his own end.
Better Party Than 1999
The graphics are the most noticeable change inLegacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered,but there are many other quality-of-life improvements and modernizations. The player has the option between choosing the classic control scheme or switching to a more contemporary controller layout. The camera has been mapped to the right thumbstick, so players can also use that to easily change the viewing angle, which is also useful for platforming and exploration. A map and compass have also been added, which makes it easier to explore Nosgoth without the fear of getting lost. A photo mode has been added for those who wish to chronicle their trek through Nosgoth, and there are many other behind-the-scenes features such as outtake videos, concept art and other items thatLegacy of Kainfans will enjoy experiencing, such as the chance to explore the fabled lost levels.
The graphics are the most noticeable change inLegacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered,but there are many other quality-of-life improvements and modernizations.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remasteredfinds balance in upgrading two of the most popular games in the vampire series. Having the ability to turn off quality-of-life improvements, such as the compass or improved graphics, gives the player the freedom to experience the games in their original incarnation or enjoy them with a more modern feel. Even with the compass, the player is still encouraged to explore Nosgoth, as the objectives aren’t clearly marked with quest markers constantly occupying HUD space. Both games hold up well, even if some of the mechanics feel dated. Between the two games, the originalSoul Reaverseems like the superior title. The second one does take the story in some interesting directions, but the game doesn’t branch out from its predecessor in any significant way with regard to gameplay mechanics. The delivery of the dialogue can feel over the top at times, but adding camp elements to gothic horror never killed anyone.
The graphics ofLegacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remasteredare how most people’s minds would envision them looking in the original game. Which is to say, significantly better. While playing the games for the review, the graphics popped off the screen, just as they were remembered back in the time of the original release. The 3D models looked like fond memories of Dreamcast and PlayStation-era games. For a comparison (and reality check), the originalSoulReavergames were launched on Steam. Playing the original version confirms the graphics have been greatly improved for the remaster. They still maintain the original style of the quarter-century old games, but the resolution and textures have been smoothed over and provided with more detail. The remastered collection also allows the player to toggle between original and remastered graphics, so the player is free to choose between the modern improved version or the original graphics that true nostalgia craves.
Closing Comments:
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remasteredresurrects two of the most-celebrated games from the long-dormant vampire franchise. For immortals and the undead, a quarter-century isn’t really that long, so it shouldn’t be too surprising both games hold up well and are still enjoyable today, even if they do show their true age even with the upgrades. The improved visuals maintain the signature appearance of the original, but look much better on HD displays. In general, this collection found the correct balance between keeping the classics intact while adding just the right amount of new blood to help these games appeal to a modern audience. Hopefully this can lead to a greater resurrection of theLegacy of Kainfranchise.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered
Version Reviewed: PlayStation 5
Experience the epic conflict of Kain and Raziel in original form or with remastered graphics.Experience the Legendary NarrativeCenturies after your former master, Kain, betrays and executes you, you rise again and embark on a relentless quest for revenge.Wield the Powers of a WraithSlay your former vampire brethren with your claws, bolts of telekinetic energy, and the elemental Wraith Blade. Grow stronger by devouring the souls of your enemies.Shift Between RealmsThe Elder God has granted you the ability to shift between the Spectral and Material Realms. Traverse the realms to solve puzzles, reveal new paths, and defeat your foes.
