Review – Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered

I still remember well the first time I saw Raziel being brutally murdered by Kain and resurfacing as a wraith. In my child’s mind, that was the pinnacle that a video game could offer: its graphics were impressive, its scenes looked like a movie and the gameplay did things that no other game did at its time. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver was a true video game milestone!

The franchise (which unfortunately never had the opportunity to become a trilogy) is turning 25 years old – and it’s been 23 since the release of the second title! Fortunately, it didn’t go under the radar of Aspyr’s wave of remasters, which has been doing a good job in this regard. Just like the compilation, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered received a treatment that made these classics much more usable today.

Reborn

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver made its debut in 1999 on the PlayStation. Although it also received versions for PC and Dreamcast, it was on the PS1 that it made history and ended up gaining a reputation as a cult title that defined the generation. Its sequel came in 2001 for PS2 and PC, making less noise than the first, but definitely maintaining the same level of quality.

Before we talk about the quality of this remaster, we must first remember why Soul Reaver was so important in its time. We can say that he was a pioneer in several aspects that define the video game industry today, bringing an ambitious adventure ahead of its time. Obviously, it’s not possible to have the same impact today, but his legacy certainly deserves more recognition.

To begin with, this was one of the first games that invested heavily in a more cinematic narrative. In the past, not just any title delivered an experience as professional and immersive as this (with the exception of Metal Gear Solid, which was a separate case). Crystal Dynamics knew how to build a fantastic gothic universe, exploring the theme of vampires with several philosophical questions brilliantly inserted within the context of our protagonist.

The story revolves around Raziel, a vampire created and protected by the all-powerful Kain, self-proclaimed King of Norgoth. One day, Raziel had the unfortunate fate of overcoming his master’s power – something that is symbolized by the birth of his wings. Afraid of losing his crown, Kain rips off his pupil’s wings and throws him into the Lake of the Dead, condemning him to an eternity of suffering.

All this changes when a mysterious deity revives Raziel, now as a wraith – instead of blood, he will need to suck the souls of other beings to stay alive. From then on, his only objective is to take revenge on Kain; Here we begin our journey.

Renewed revenge

The gameplay of the first Soul Reaver still deserves to be praised. The game was a true technical miracle, allowing the protagonist to pass through different environments without any loading screen (a truly absurd feat for the time). Raziel was also able to transition between the material and spectral planes, one of the game’s main mechanics. The possibility of exploring different perspectives of the same place – all instantly – was mind-blowing!

All of this is still as crunchy as it was in the past, but even better. The most obvious change is the look, which has received a notable upgrade compared to the originals; Anyone who wants to compare can do so by pressing a button, just like in Tomb Raider I-III Remastered. The game is available with both old graphics (adapted to HD and widescreen) and modern ones, which can be changed at any time.

It also added different control styles to the games, making it possible to play them with the old scheme or with something closer to the modern standard. The updated version allows you to control the camera freely, a detail that makes all the difference in gameplay. Raziel’s movements remain somewhat “stiff”, but controlling him with modern controls is definitely more enjoyable.

Some gameplay improvements have also been implemented, including the addition of a map, a compass and even a Photo Mode. In the first game, it’s normal to feel lost at times, so the compass is a resource that came in handy. The map only serves to guide you between the different portals available, making it easier to understand the destination of each one.

However, not everything is rosy. Aspyr missed the chance to improve the first game’s save system, which remains inconvenient. We can save at any time, but when loading the save, you return to the starting area of ​​the game, making it necessary to replay some sections until you get to where you left off. The second no longer suffers from this, as saves occur at each checkpoint.

To complete the combo of new features, several extras were added to the package – and I must say, here they did a great job. For those who like to check out concept art and behind-the-scenes production, the bonus content for Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered is a great treat! There are old demos, videos of recording sessions, and even completely playable cut levels. It’s practically a digital exhibition of the franchise.

With Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered, we have two more great classics renewed and perfectly playable within the standard we are used to. This is definitely the best way to experience an old game, without getting frustrated with commands and mechanics that have been damaged by time. Now, I continue to hope that, like Raziel, this franchise can rise from the ashes and surprise everyone with a new title in the future.