For too long, I’ve been asking Crystal Dynamics to consider a return to the Legacy of Kain series. I understand how invested it was in Tomb Raider, but it’s sleeping on a masterful vampiric tale, one that did wonders back on the PlayStation 2. Well, fans, we’re getting our wish. Hot on the heels of the Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver remasters, the team has brought us Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered. And while there are some signs of age within this over-two-decade old adventure, it’s a welcome return.
This time around, players can take on both Kain and Raziel, the succulent stars of the series. Of course, Kain is up to no good, while Raziel is simply doing his soul-searching. No, literally. Anyway, they’re stuck in a time paradox tale, and it’s up to them to make things right in their own collective way. While obviously slaughtering enemies and sucking a little blood and soul, of course.
Some aspects of Defiance are showing its age, namely with the combat and some of the puzzle solving. Yeah, it can get monotonous. But the story still has plenty of weight here, backed by absolutely superb visuals and top-notch voice acting. And the extras, including archival and behind-the-scenes goodies, are a must for any fan to see.
Obviously there are more visceral action games out there, like the upcoming Legacy of Kain: Ascendance. But don’t brush Defiance aside. Despite some aged aspects, it remains a triumphant remaster, and ones fans shouldn’t hesitate in jumping back into.
Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remaster Is a Tale of Two Types
As I mentioned above, Defiance Remaster has you switching between two characters. You have the vile Kain, who no doubt gets his fill of necks as he tears apart Nosgoth. But then you have Kain, continuing his story from Soul Reaver 2 in righteous fashion, tearing his own path through things.
To spoil the story further would be a bad move on my part. The game continues to have the same level of heft as it did on older consoles, complete with a few twists. That said, there are some things that will seem a bit ancient here.
For one, the combat. It’s still highly effective, especially with its targeting system. However, it can get repetitive a bit quickly, due to the lack of stylish combos. That’s all right, we’re talking about a game well over 20 years old, so I wouldn’t expect Crystal Dynamics to tweak it to the point of not being recognized. I was fine with it, just be warned it may get a little, ahem, long in the tooth for you.
Also, some of the puzzle solving can get a bit tiring. There were a couple of times where I was looking for some kind of hint to move forward. Not that I’m bad at this sort of game, but it can take a little exploring to figure things out. But maybe the developer wanted it that way – there is a vast world (heck, two!) to dive into.
The rest of the game pieces together beautifully, and if you can get over the little hangups, Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered holds up well.
Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered Has a Lot To Offer
Now let’s talk about the remaster. It left me highly impressed. In fact, there were times I couldn’t even tell which version was the original and which one was the remaster. Crystal Dynamics put a lot of effort into this game, and it shows. Not to mention that the new free-floating camera is excellent, making some jumps a lot easier since you can see where you’re kinda going. I also like the Foresight Navigation and the ability to open the map, so you can keep moving forward.
And dare I say it, the sound in this game is mind-blowing. Along with dark, moody music, Defiance Remastered has some of the best voice acting in the business, even after all these years. I never, ever get tired of hearing Tony Jay. Miss this presence so much.
On top of all this, Defiance Remastered also has cool behind-the-scenes and archival stuff to dig into, should you be interested in learning more about its creation. I would’ve liked more interviews, but what here remains a delightful, vampiric treasure trove.
Sink Your Teeth Into Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered
Small (and I mean very small) gameplay hang-ups aside, Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered is top-notch work. It brings one of Crystal Dynamics’ best games back the only way it knows how, with some key improvements were needed. It’s still a fundamental story, probably one of the best in the series. And it plays well, even if it does get a bit repetitive. That’s just the nature of the PS2 beast.
With that, I look forward to seeing how Ascendance pushes the saga forward. I welcome it with open arms, even if the bite marks may sting a little. Ah, well, that’s vampires for ya.
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Crystal Dynamics for providing us with a review code! Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered is available now for Steam/PC/Steam Deck, Xbox, and PlayStation! It should be back on Nintendo Switch soon as well.
