Summary
If there’s one 2000s-era franchise that fans have been patiently waiting for a revival of, it’sLegacy of Kain. Despite gaining a passionate cult following, this iconic series of dark Gothic action-adventure video gameshas been dormant for over 20 years. The first entry in the franchise, the 1996 PS1 titleBlood Omen: Legacy of Kain, was a big critical and commercial success, spawning several sequels as a result. However, since 2003’sLegacy of Kain: Defiance, attempts to continue theCrystal Dynamics-developed series have failed to get off the ground, with bothLegacy of Kain: Dead Sunand the free-to-play multiplayer spin-offNosgothbeing canceled by publisher Square Enix. As if that wasn’t bad enough, fans haven’t been able to play theLegacy of Kaingames on current-gen consoles because they’ve been trapped on aging hardware since their respective debuts; that is, until now.
Duringthe September 2024 State of Play, Crystal Dynamics surprisedLegacy of Kain’s long-suffering fanbase by announcing that two of the most beloved games in the series,Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver1and2,would finally be remasteredfor modern platforms. This new re-release, which is being helmed byTomb Raider 1-3 Remastereddeveloper Aspyr, is slated to launch on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC on June 12, 2025. TheSoul Reavergames 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.
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 theseSoul Reaverremasters is, of course, the graphics. In both games, the visuals, lighting, models, textures, and VFX have received significant touch-ups. ConsideringLegacy of Kain: Soul Reaverand its sequel were PS1 and PS2 games, respectively, these changes were necessary to make; after all, the two titleshaven’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 inLegacy of Kain:Soul Reaver1 and 2 Remasteredwith the press of a button, just like inTomb Raider 1-3 RemasteredorHalo: The Master Chief Collection.
Enhanced, Switchable Control Schemes
The controls inSoul Reaver 1and2have 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 aforementionedTomb Raider 1-3 Remastered, was criticized for feeling out of place, so hopefully, that won’t be an issue in theseSoul Reaverre-releases.
New Gameplay Features, Including a Photo Mode and In-Game Map
In addition to enhancements,Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 and 2 Remasteredalso 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 modewill also be available inSoul Reaver1and2at 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 manymodern re-releases of classic games,Soul Reaver 1 and 2 Remasteredalso includes some bonus materials that die-hardLegacy of Kainfans 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 thisSoul Reaverremaster collection.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience the epic conflict of Kain and Raziel in original form or with remastered graphics.Experience the Legendary NarrativeCenturies after your former master, Kain, betrays and executes you, you rise again and embark on a relentless quest for revenge.Wield the Powers of a WraithSlay your former vampire brethren with your claws, bolts of telekinetic energy, and the elemental Wraith Blade. Grow stronger by devouring the souls of your enemies.Shift Between RealmsThe Elder God has granted you the ability to shift between the Spectral and Material Realms. Traverse the realms to solve puzzles, reveal new paths, and defeat your foes.
