I never really paid much attention to the Legacy of Kain series. It was one of those titles I knew about, but didn’t dive into, with a brief encounter with a Pizza Hut demo disc back in 1999 being the exception. I’ve heard a lot of talk about Legacy of Kain, particularly about the Soul Reaver games, especially as critics and fans often hail them as ahead of their time. When Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered was revealed, I knew I had to finally experience these cult classics. After playing through the remasters, it’s clear 2024 wasn’t too late to appreciate their brilliance.
The Legacy of Kain series began in 1996 with Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain. This dark tale introduced players to the gothic world of Nosgoth, a realm steeped in tragedy, betrayal, and a deep narrative inspired by literary works like Paradise Lost and Dracula. It also introduced the antihero and eventual villain Kain. While Blood Omen laid the groundwork, it was Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver in 1999 that helped redefined the franchise. Developed by Crystal Dynamics and directed by Amy Hennig (later of Uncharted fame), Soul Reaver followed Raziel. He’s a once-proud vampire lieutenant betrayed by his master, Kain. Cast into the spectral abyss and reborn as a wraith, Raziel embarked on a revenge-fueled journey across Nosgoth, along the way unraveling mysteries and battling formidable foes.
The sequel, Soul Reaver 2 (2001), expanded the story, deepened the lore, and explored Raziel’s continued quest for answers. After all, the first game left off on a cliffhanger. Both games received praise for their ambitious storytelling, environmental puzzles, and innovative gameplay.
The remastered visuals breathe new life into Nosgoth, all while preserving the original art direction. Built on the original models, the graphical upgrades clean up textures, enhance lighting, and add clarity. However, there’s no loss to the gothic charm of the late 1990 and early 2000 titles. One standout feature is the ability to toggle between the remastered and original visuals with a single button press. I found it a nostalgic delight, providing context for just how far gaming visuals have evolved while respecting the artistry of the originals.
Even with the upgrades, these Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered games are clearly not modern titles. However, they still remain faithfulness to the original vision and are striking as a result. From the haunting ruins of vampire clans to the eerie spectral realm, the remaster collection maintains the atmospheric depth that made Nosgoth so memorable.
The gameplay remains largely unchanged from the original releases. At their core, Soul Reaver and its sequel are Metroidvania-style adventures that emphasize exploration, environmental puzzles, and gradual power acquisition. Raziel’s ability to shift between the material and spectral realms remains a standout mechanic, adding depth to puzzle-solving and traversal.
Combat, while functional, can feel dated by modern standards, with its simple lock-on mechanics and occasionally awkward controls. Similarly, the infamous block puzzles of Soul Reaver 1 do tend to remind me of the PS1 era. Yet, these quirks add a certain charm, making the experience feel vintage rather than frustrating.
One modern convenience notably absent in Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered is an updated save system. The original, which always returns players to the same starting point upon loading, remains intact. While this maintains the integrity of the original design, it can feel tedious by today’s standards. Still, this is a minor gripe in an otherwise engaging experience.
What truly elevates Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered above contemporaries is the storytelling and worldbuilding. Raziel’s quest for vengeance is merely the entry point into a labyrinthine narrative that explores fate, free will, and the cyclical nature of history. The writing, inspired by gothic literature and existential philosophy, is both poetic and thought-provoking.
This is all held together by masterful voice acting, featuring Michael Bell as Raziel and Simon Templeman as Kain at the core. Their exchanges crackle with intensity, bringing the characters to life in a way few games of the era managed. Even the supporting cast, including a pre-Breaking Bad Anna Gunn as Ariel, delivers memorable performances. These elements combine to create a narrative experience that feels timeless and essential.
The remastered collection goes beyond visual upgrades. It offers an array of bonus content that celebrates the Legacy of Kain community and history. It acts as a tribute to the series’ rich history and the dedicated fanbase that has kept its legacy alive. One standout addition is The Lore Reader. It involves an intricate system of newly crafted maps that enrich the player’s understanding of Nosgoth’s complex geography and layered history. These maps are paired with poetic descriptions that narrate the transformations Nosgoth has endured over time. Players can switch between the pristine “pure” versions of the maps, reflecting Nosgoth’s untarnished past, and the “corrupted” iterations, which reveal the decay and chaos wrought by centuries of conflict.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered also includes an extensive Art Galleries section, a treasure trove of visuals that chart the series’ artistic evolution. Fans can explore a mix of high-definition renders, original concept art, and FMV cinematics, all remastered to meet modern standards. These galleries provide an intimate look at the creative process behind the games. It showcases early designs and visual motifs that shaped the hauntingly gothic aesthetic of Nosgoth. There’s also a whole section for fanart and cosplay!
For those who appreciate the intricacies of storytelling, the Dark Chronicle feature offers us both games’ scripts. Every iconic exchange between Raziel and his brethren, every chilling monologue, and every philosophical reflection is meticulously preserved here. This feature not only allows players to relive their favorite moments but also provides a comprehensive way to study the games’ complex narrative, packed with themes of destiny, betrayal, and existential dread.
Perhaps the most intriguing addition in Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered is the Soul Reaver Lost Levels. These present unfinished content from the original Soul Reaver. This feature includes meticulously restored areas like the Undercity, the Smokestack, and Kain’s Retreat. All of the levels were cut due to technical limitations of the time. Players can explore these levels in their original state, complete with developer notes that shed light on their intended role in the game. This interactive glimpse into what might have been feels like stepping into a museum of gaming history, offering fans a rare chance to see the creative ambitions that went unrealized.
Finally, the remaster pays homage to the games’ atmospheric soundscapes by including the complete Soul Reaver 1 & 2 soundtracks. These haunting compositions, which blend eerie melodies with industrial tones, have been fully restored and enhanced. Previously unreleased tracks are also included.
Together, these features elevate Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered beyond a simple update. They represent a collaborative celebration of the franchise between Crystal Dynamics, Aspyr, and the fans. This collection is more than a preservation effort. It’s a love letter to fans and a reminder of the series’ significance. Whether you’re a longtime devotee or a newcomer to the series, this collection not only preserves the legacy of Soul Reaver but enriches it, ensuring that Nosgoth’s story continues to resonate for years to come. Here’s hoping this renewed interest leads to further exploration of the Legacy of Kain universe—because these games deserve it.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered is available on the Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Celebrate Soul Reaver’s 25th Anniversary and experience the epic conflict of Kain and Raziel in original form or with remastered graphics. Includes Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver & Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2. PS5 version reviewed. Review copy provided by company for testing purposes.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered is a love letter to the franchise. Whether you’re revisiting Nosgoth or exploring it for the first time, this remaster is a must-play. It not only highlights why these games were ahead of their time but also underscores their enduring legacy.
- The bonus content is plentiful for fans of the franchise
- The games show a little age, but don't feel "old"
- The voice acting and storyline are absolutely timeless
- the ability to toggle between 1999 graphics and 2024 graphics is charming
Published: Dec 12, 2024 03:00 pm