If there’s one 2000s-era franchise that fans have been patiently waiting for a revival of, it’s Legacy of Kain. Despite gaining a passionate cult following, this iconic series of dark Gothic action-adventure video games has been dormant for over 20 years. The first entry in the franchise, the 1996 PS1 title Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain, was a big critical and commercial success, spawning several sequels as a result. However, since 2003’s Legacy of Kain: Defiance, attempts to continue the Crystal Dynamics-developed series have failed to get off the ground, with both Legacy of Kain: Dead Sun and the free-to-play multiplayer spin-off Nosgoth being canceled by publisher Square Enix. As if that wasn’t bad enough, fans haven’t been able to play the Legacy of Kain games on current-gen consoles because they’ve been trapped on aging hardware since their respective debuts; that is, until now.
During the September 2024 State of Play, Crystal Dynamics surprised Legacy of Kain‘s long-suffering fanbase by announcing that two of the most beloved games in the series, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 and 2, would finally be remastered for modern platforms. This new re-release, which is being helmed by Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered developer Aspyr, is slated to launch on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC on December 10, 2024. The Soul Reaver games may not be getting the complete remake treatment as some may have hoped, but their remasters will come with a number of noticeable improvements in both visuals and gameplay.
Related
10 Best Crystal Dynamics Games, Ranked
Crystal Dynamics has overseen several beloved games over the years. These examples are the best of the bunch.
Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1 and 2 Remastered Makes Many Improvements to the Classic Games
Improved Graphical Facelift That Can Be Toggled On and Off
The most noticeable enhancement in these Soul Reaver remasters is, of course, the graphics. In both games, the visuals, lighting, models, textures, and VFX have received significant touch-ups. Considering Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver and its sequel were PS1 and PS2 games, respectively, these changes were necessary to make; after all, the two titles haven’t aged all that well from a visual standpoint. However, those who aren’t fond of the revamped graphics can also play the games with their original visuals. Players can instantly toggle between the new and old graphics in Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 and 2 Remastered with the press of a button, just like in Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered or Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
Enhanced, Switchable Control Schemes
The controls in Soul Reaver 1 and 2 have been updated, as well. The remastered versions of the games give players the option to choose between classic controls and new, modern control schemes that feature, among other things, improved camera functionality. The revamped controls in one of Aspyr’s more recent remaster compilations, the aforementioned Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered, was criticized for feeling out of place, so hopefully, that won’t be an issue in these Soul Reaver re-releases.
New Gameplay Features, Including a Photo Mode and In-Game Map
In addition to enhancements, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 and 2 Remastered also includes some entirely new gameplay features. An in-game map and compass has been added to both games in order to make navigation easier. Furthermore, a photo mode will also be available in Soul Reaver 1 and 2 at launch, alongside new trophies and achievements on PlayStation and Xbox. Aspyr has yet to reveal, however, how intricate this photo mode will be.
Concept Art Gallery, Lore Map, and Other Bonus Materials
Like with many modern re-releases of classic games, Soul Reaver 1 and 2 Remastered also includes some bonus materials that die-hard Legacy of Kain fans can look through. So far, Aspyr has confirmed that the compilation contains an interactive lore map and a concept art gallery, in addition to, as the developer put it, “environments from the fabled ‘Lost Levels.'” It’s currently unclear what exactly these “Lost Levels” are, and if gamers will actually be able to play through them. Nonetheless, they may be one of the highlights of this Soul Reaver remaster collection.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered
Released to celebrate the series’ 25th anniversary, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered brings two beloved titles back with updated graphics and more.
Action-Adventure
Platformer
- Released
- December 10, 2024