Developer: Aspyr, Crystal Dynamics
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X (Reviewed)|S
Genre: Action, Adventure
Publisher: Aspyr
Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered is the updated version of the classic games which hit the PlayStation in 1999 and 2001, respectively. The remastered version has taken these games, upgraded the characters, models, and textures, and boosted performance.
The protagonist is Raziel, a vampire who underwent an acid bath for centuries and is a ghastly figure with a vendetta. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver starts from this point, and you follow this very well-narrated story with some decent acting. Soul Reaver is an action-adventure game with a deep story and lots of monologues to guide the player through the game.Â
While Soul Reaver 1 and 2 are very much the same games for the most part, there is a massive jump between 1 and 2 graphically and game-playwise.
Soul Reaver 1 feels old and clunky compared to the second game, but most of the mechanics, gameplay, and storytelling are similar. Soul Reaver 2 is just a lot more polished and refined. Soul Reaver 1 textures are blocky and have a boxy feel, which is less of an issue in Soul Reaver 2. The platforming elements and the combat in 2 are smoother, and the controls are more responsive. I got frustrated in Soul Reaver 1 in parts where the controls didn’t feel responsive. However, saying all this, the game has built on the first iteration, and the second is much superior, but the first was critical in the series’ evolution.
The games centre around a few core mechanics: platforming, puzzles, and fighting. The platforming elements involve navigating massive castles, the underworld, and some battlements—a mixture of various puzzles that will challenge that mental matter. The fighting mechanics are simple, with the addition of weapons, including the wraith blade. Raziel can “shift” between the spectral and material realms, adding an extra element to the platforming and puzzle elements. This additional mechanic means new pathways, new puzzles, and different enemies you encounter. These mechanics span both games.
Soul Reaver 1 looks okay, and Soul Reaver 2 looks decent by modern standards in storytelling and narration. I loved the storytelling and narration throughout the game. It underpins the whole horror theme in the game.
Some additions to the game are a new map and compass, a photo mode, and achievements!
Soul Reaver 1 is a solid game, but time has taken its toll. By modern standards, I found it difficult in parts due to the controls and some blocky graphics. However, I enjoyed the general dark environment and the voice acting. I did enjoy parts of it, but it did get repetitive in parts.
Soul Reaver 2 is the more polished and clean version, with better textures, characters, and gameplay. It is a much-improved version of Soul Reaver 1.
From a bundling perspective, it’s great to get two classic games that pushed the boundaries back in the day. This duo of games is an excellent purchase for those who love action-adventure games with a rich story.Â
Overall:
Soul Reaver 1 – 7
Soul Reaver 2 – 8.5
Enjoys more than the odd game, long time gamer, somewhat a technologist and everything else in between.
Also enjoys a good solid game of FIFA online. Currently PS4, XBOX 360 and STEAM.
