The Legacy of Kain series is easily one of the most unique video game franchises ever developed. Originally launching in 1996, the series began as a massive 2D action game titled Blood Omen, but it eventually evolved into a 3D adventure game just a few years later in 1999 with the release of Soul Reaver. It is this entry that truly put the series on the map; it was not only a continuation of Blood Omen’s rich narrative but also a game that was simply ahead of its time. Featuring a massive open world with countless secrets to discover and a unique "real world" and "spiritual world" shift ability, there really was nothing else like it on the market—and arguably, there still isn't to this day.
Following the release of Soul Reaver, Soul Reaver 2 eventually continued the story on the PlayStation 2, with Blood Omen 2 following not too long after. While Soul Reaver focused on the wraith named Raziel, with exploration and puzzle-solving front and center, Blood Omen 2 put players back in the shoes of Kain, where combat was more of a priority. Each of the titles shared similar elements, but there was still a clear distinction between them. With the release of Legacy of Kain: Defiance, however, both styles came together as a complete package.
Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered serves as an HD remake and improved version of the 2003 classic. Acting as a direct sequel to Soul Reaver 2—with ties to Blood Omen 2 and the rest of the series—the game follows both protagonists and mixes their gameplay styles. Raziel retains a more puzzle-focused style of play, with his ability to shift between two worlds remaining key to progression, while Kain has a wider range of combat abilities and stages with a larger focus on enemy encounters. While this hasn't changed for the Remastered version, there is a single fundamental difference that makes Defiance Remastered feel like a completely different experience: the camera.
Rather than sticking with the fixed camera angles made popular by other action series at the time, such as Devil May Cry, Defiance Remastered returns to the full 3D camera featured in Soul Reaver and modernizes both the graphics and controls. Of course, the original settings are still available, but the title has been revamped for modern audiences. This alone makes the game worth revisiting and serves as an inviting entry point for new players.
But with all of that being said, is the game actually worth playing? And for the newcomers out there, is this a good starting point? Honestly, there is no reason fans of the series should ignore this one, but newcomers might want to take a step back and get the full Legacy of Kain experience before diving in.
The Story:
As a direct sequel to Soul Reaver 2, Defiance Remaster picks up shortly after the events of that game's ending. Raziel, who was meant to become a part of the Soul Reaver itself, is freed from the sword by Kain, creating a paradox. While the original events destined to befall the world were prevented, the new outcome is not necessarily for the better. Now free from fate itself, Raziel finds himself roughly 500 years in the future during the era of Blood Omen; there, he escapes from his "master," the being known as the Elder God, and begins a quest to save his own future.
Meanwhile, in the past, Kain hunts for Moebius the Time Streamer, the mysterious guardian of time. He hopes Moebius can lead him to the missing Raziel, but instead, the Time Streamer directs Kain down a path of self-discovery. During this adventure, Kain uncovers the truth of the realm of Nosgoth, the ancient races that once inhabited it, and the origins of the vampires themselves.
However, this is only scratching the surface. The Legacy of Kain series as a whole is a narrative-rich saga that was well ahead of its time. The setting is one of the most developed in gaming, featuring a plot with layers upon layers of complexity. From time travel and paradoxes to alternate dimensions and beyond, there is much more going on than meets the eye, and the line between good and evil is frequently blurred. Kain, originally seen as a hero, becomes an anti-hero before stepping into the role of the series' antagonist, only to return to an anti-heroic path later. Raziel also has a complicated history, starting as a servant to Kain before being betrayed, though his true identity extends far beyond that.
While Defiance can be played as a starting point—with plenty of in-game explanation to help catch new players up to speed—the series is undoubtedly best experienced from beginning to end. Those wanting to use Defiance as their entry point should be aware of this and carefully consider how much of the story will be spoiled. Many may find themselves loving the story so much that they want to go back to the beginning, but certain plot points simply will not hit as hard if the outcome is already known.
For those who have finished Blood Omen, Soul Reaver, Soul Reaver 2, and possibly Blood Omen 2—which is not strictly required as one key plot point is explained within Defiance—this is a great continuation well worth it for the story alone. Fans already know the quality of what they are getting into; this is simply the next chapter in the one-of-a-kind epic that is Legacy of Kain.
Gameplay:
The gameplay in Legacy of Kain: Defiance is split between Kain and Raziel, alternating with each chapter. While both characters share a similar moveset and basic gameplay elements, their story sections are tailored to their unique abilities and the previous games in which they featured as protagonists.
Similar to the Soul Reaver titles and Blood Omen 2, Defiance is a 3D action game set within a fully 3D world. Originally, the title featured a fixed camera angle that limited the viewpoint, but the Remastered version allows for a full 3D camera. This camera has a wide-angle lens to ensure players do not miss key details—since the previous fixed camera always showed exactly what was necessary—but there is also a button that can be held to direct players toward their objective. Of course, the original camera angle can be toggled on with a button press, bringing a drastically different view to the world.
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| (3D Camera) |
Beyond the camera, each environment consists of multiple connected rooms, the paths between them, and occasionally locked doorways that prevent players from progressing out of order. In general, each location is linear, but split paths require backtracking from time to time, and puzzles often can only be solved after obtaining a specific key or new ability. While it isn't as open as past entries, each area is still a decent size, and there are plenty of enemies to encounter along the way. Sometimes enemies must be dispatched before advancing, while other times they are simply annoyances. Regardless, both Kain and Raziel are constantly on a time limit as their health ticks down to zero. Kain requires blood while Raziel requires souls, and the primary way to obtain either is to feast on fallen enemies.
Thankfully, this "time limit" isn't strict, and the game always provides opportunities for both characters to replenish their vitals. Power-up items are also hidden throughout the world to extend these limits and increase other abilities, making things easier as the game progresses. Additional upgrades include increasing both characters' telekinesis abilities, allowing them to attack from afar. When it comes to general combat, both characters retain much of the same moveset, so players do not need to fully relearn the mechanics. Kain's abilities are more forceful, and he can use telekinesis to throw and impale enemies on spikes or torches. Raziel, on the other hand, excels at staggering enemies with quicker, lighter movements. Despite this, both characters control virtually the same.
This is where the similarities stop, however.
As previously mentioned, Kain's gameplay focus is much more on action. Levels where players step into his shoes tend to be more linear, with most puzzles reserved for destroying pillars to create platforms, finding ways to avoid water—since vampires can't swim—and slaughtering every enemy in his path. Things get bloody as Kain shreds and impales those who cross him, with the physical version of the Soul Reaver feasting on the blood of his victims. This section of the game feels more like a typical character-action title, and exploration is straightforward.
Regarding abilities, Kain can climb objects and specific walls, destroy crumbling barriers, grab and throw enemies, and perform basic actions like pushing or pulling blocks. He still interacts with minor puzzles and keys will occasionally halt his progress, but often he only needs to activate a vampire ability to proceed. High jumps, turning into bats, and phasing through bars are used at key moments and constitute most of Kain's puzzle-solving.
Raziel mirrors what was seen in Soul Reaver, but with some twists. Again, this world isn't as large or connected as it was in Soul Reaver; however, the sections are still decently large and self-contained. Each area is packed with roadblocks, and Raziel must use all of his abilities to navigate them. While Raziel must be in the physical realm to interact with doors and switches—something he does by possessing a corpse—the spectral realm is required to phase through iron bars and access platforms that do not exist in the living world. In this ghostly version of the world, everything distorts around Raziel, often revealing a new way forward. This world can be entered freely at any time, but returning to the world of the living can only be done at specific locations.
Outside of shifting between two versions of the world, the Reaver itself is imbued with different elements and abilities compared to Kain’s arsenal. This allows Raziel to light fires, create wind gusts to reach new heights, and command the power of both light and darkness. These elements become instrumental to puzzle-solving, which is where the bulk of Raziel's gameplay lies. Combat encounters are still plentiful, but they often take a backseat to exploration.
By splitting the gameplay between these two characters, Defiance maintains a steady pace. The moment hacking and slashing as Kain starts to feel stale, players are placed in Raziel's shoes to focus on exploration and puzzles. Once those puzzles are solved and players feel a bit of mental exhaustion, they switch back to Kain to take it out on whatever crosses their path. None of the chapters overstay their welcome, striking a great balance between all aspects of gameplay. While the game shows its age even with a modern camera, there is something relaxing and enjoyable about action-puzzle games from the early 2000s, though they may not be for everyone.
Bonuses:
Besides including an enhanced camera and improved graphics, Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered features a wide range of extras that are perfect for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
The biggest addition to Defiance Remastered is the inclusion of a highly detailed lore page covering the entire series. It explains all the main plot points, provides detailed bios for each character, discusses the terminology used, and further expands upon history that is typically only mentioned in passing. By reading everything on display—which can take a considerable amount of time to get through—anyone playing Defiance will be caught up to speed and have a much better understanding of the world. It allows new fans to jump in without playing the previous four entries, and it serves as a great refresher that might still teach long-time players a thing or two. It is a substantial inclusion and something more games with such rich stories should consider doing. On the flip side, the game itself also explains everything you need to know about the current plot, so additional reading isn't required to enjoy it.
When it comes to new content, all of the previously cut areas have been added back into the game as selectable bonus areas, similar to how such content was handled in the Soul Reaver collection. New costumes have also been added for use in the main game. These costumes are tailored to fit the game's lore and are specific to either Kain or Raziel.
Deluxe Edition Bonuses:
The Deluxe Edition of Defiance Remastered contains two bonuses: the Legacy of Kain comics and the demo for the canceled Legacy of Kain: Dark Prophecy.
With the comics, players are able to read each of them in full, with one comic in particular being translated into English for the first time. Similar to the lore entries, it will take quite some time to read all of them, and players who do so will have a much better understanding of the overall universe. This alone will make the Deluxe Edition upgrade worth it for some fans, but it is honestly the Dark Prophecy demo that most will want to get their hands on. Unfortunately, it isn't quite what many fans might have hoped for.
The Legacy of Kain: Dark Prophecy demo is exactly that—a demo—though it feels surprisingly small even compared to the original Soul Reaver demo disc that was included with many PlayStations alongside the likes of Spyro the Dragon. This demo retains the Kain gameplay from Defiance and features one area that, though seemingly quite large, can be finished in a couple of minutes. Stopping to kill every enemy will add a bit more to that playtime, but it really isn't much.
That being said, the demo is still a nice tease of what could have been, and die-hard fans are sure to love finally being able to own it for themselves. Considering the upgrade is only $5, one cannot feel too let down by the short length. Besides, the multiple digital comics are included as well.
Should you play it?
Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered is a solid entry within the series and a polished tribute to a classic era, yet it also remains a reminder of the design philosophy of days gone by. At its heart, this is a PlayStation 2 game through and through, and while that provides a nostalgic charm, it may not resonate with every modern player. In addition to this, many fans may still feel the sting of the series’ transition toward a more linear structure following the sprawling nature of Soul Reaver. However, others will find that same shift refreshing.
With Defiance embracing a much more action-heavy approach that mixes two unique character playstyles, the title is able to stand out and find its own identity. It ultimately ends up being the best of both worlds—Blood Omen and Soul Reaver—but on a smaller, self-contained scale. In its original form, the fixed camera created a sharp distinction between Defiance and its predecessors, but the Remastered version’s modern camera blurs that line. The experience now feels so seamless that one could easily mistake it for a true Soul Reaver 3—and not just in terms of its narrative, but in its fundamental "feel." Of course while the new camera doesn't change the core loop of isolated combat encounters and intricate puzzles, this new perspective does offer a much greater appreciation for the environment, revealing an impressive level of detail that would have gone entirely unnoticed in the original release.
Moving past the gameplay and into the story department, players will be happy to hear that the storytelling is just as rich as ever. Those who played through the Soul Reaver Collection for the first time will be in for a real treat as this complex drama opens its next chapter, and those new to the series will get a taste of why so many have fallen in love with this world. The added lore entries also go a long way in helping immerse players in this dance, with some truly surprising revelations along the way. After finishing Defiance, many may find themselves going back to previous entries in the series, while fans can finally take comfort in knowing the story is finally continuing in Legacy of Kain: Ascendance. This is no longer the end, but rather a new beginning for the series' long-awaited return.
Overall, Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered expertly blends the gameplay of Blood Omen and Soul Reaver while retaining the same masterclass in storytelling the series is known for. While its PS2 roots are still on display, the new camera angle paints the entire experience in a new light, making it a title both fans and newcomers will not want to miss.
VERDICT: Recommended
Reviewed on PlayStation 5
Review Copy was Provided
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