I have to be honest with this one. I had high hopes going in, and unfortunately, I walked away feeling a little let down. Legacy of Kain is one of those titles that many of us, myself included, have fond memories of from our younger gaming years. It was a defining experience in the early era of gaming, remembered for its gothic world, dark storytelling, and ambitious design. Naturally, when a remaster was announced, there was a sense of excitement and anticipation. This was a chance to revisit a cult classic through a modern lens, to relive Raziel’s tragic story with the polish and refinement that today’s technology allows. Sadly, while the visual upgrade does capture some of that nostalgic spark, the overall execution feels shallow and uninspired.
For those unfamiliar with the story, Legacy of Kain follows Raziel, a vampire lieutenant who evolves beyond his master, Kain, by growing wings. Rather than being praised for this transformation, Raziel is cast into the Abyss as punishment, a cruel act born from Kain’s arrogance and fear of being surpassed. Raziel’s rebirth as a wraith sets him on a journey of vengeance and self-discovery, weaving a tale filled with philosophical undertones, betrayal, and the eternal struggle between destiny and free will. It is a narrative that stood out in its time and remains impressive even today, a testament to how storytelling in games was beginning to evolve in the late 1990s.
From a storytelling perspective, the remaster stays true to the original. The cinematic sequences, voice acting, and dialogue retain their authenticity, and the developers have made sure not to tamper with what made the original story so compelling. The visual updates are noticeable, with improved textures, sharper models, and better lighting that give the game a much cleaner and more defined look. The audio has also received a mild upgrade, allowing Raziel’s haunting voice and the chilling background score to come through with greater clarity. On the surface, this all sounds promising, and at first glance, it does rekindle that nostalgic feeling we crave when revisiting old favourites.
However, it does not take long for those nostalgic feelings to fade once you start playing. The biggest issue lies in how little has been done beyond the visuals. While the game may look like it belongs in 2025, it certainly does not play like it. The controls feel almost identical to how they did back in 1999, and not in a good way. They are stiff, clunky, and often unresponsive, hallmarks of an era when developers were still refining 3D movement and combat mechanics. What might have felt revolutionary at the time now feels frustratingly outdated.
Combat, in particular, suffers from this lack of evolution. Facing off against multiple enemies often feels more like a test of patience than skill. Attacks do not always register properly, and Raziel’s movements feel far too heavy for a character who is meant to be agile and ethereal. Even simple actions, such as absorbing souls after battle, can become aggravating due to inconsistent responsiveness. There were several moments when I found myself battling the controls more than the actual enemies.
The decision to leave these outdated mechanics untouched is baffling. A good remaster should preserve the essence of the original experience while making necessary adjustments to meet modern expectations. Unfortunately, that balance is not present here. The developers seemed content to polish the visuals and call it a day, without addressing the core gameplay flaws that make the experience feel dated.
This is where the disappointment truly settles in. Legacy of Kain is a beloved franchise, and Raziel’s story deserved better. While nostalgia can be a powerful motivator, it can only carry a game so far. Playing this remaster reminded me of moments when I would revisit classics like GoldenEye 007 on the Nintendo 64, only to realise how much certain mechanics have aged. What was once ground-breaking can feel archaic when revisited decades later, and that is exactly what happens here.
During the first few hours, I will admit that the game managed to pull me in. For a brief moment, I felt like that kid again, sitting in front of my PlayStation 1, completely immersed in Raziel’s journey. But as the hours went by, and I compared it to the standards of today’s gaming landscape, the cracks began to show. The industry has evolved immensely since Legacy of Kain first released. Controls are smoother, combat systems are more intuitive, and remasters have raised the bar for what players expect from revisited classics.
If we look at successful remasters like Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, Spyro Reignited Trilogy, or Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2, we see how those projects not only updated graphics but also refined gameplay mechanics, menus, and overall quality of life. They did not just repackage nostalgia, they enhanced it. Those remasters took the time to modernise their controls, improve camera systems, and fine-tune level design while preserving what made the originals special. They offered something familiar yet refreshingly new, allowing both old and new players to appreciate them equally.
Sadly, Legacy of Kain falls short of that same effort. While the inclusion of two games in one package might seem generous, it does not change the fact that the experience feels barebones. It gives the impression of a minimal-effort remaster aimed at cashing in on nostalgia rather than revitalising a classic. For a series as rich in lore and atmosphere as Legacy of Kain, that approach feels like a disservice not only to longtime fans but also to the potential new audience that could have discovered it for the first time.
There is still a glimmer of hope, though. This remaster proves that there is interest in Legacy of Kain once again, and perhaps that could spark something bigger, maybe even a full remake. The franchise holds immense untapped potential, and with modern technology, a proper reimagining could bring Raziel’s journey to life like never before. Imagine improved combat, smoother controls, dynamic environments, and expanded exploration while keeping the same narrative depth and gothic tone that defined the original. That is the remake fans truly deserve.
As much as it pains me to criticise a game that played such a big part in my early gaming memories, I cannot ignore its flaws. I tried to give it every chance, revisiting it over multiple days in the hope that it would grow on me. But no matter how much I wanted to overlook its shortcomings, the issues were simply too glaring. While I appreciate the attempt to bring this classic back, the final product feels more like a half-hearted touch-up than a genuine revival.
If you have played Legacy of Kain before, you might enjoy the trip down memory lane, but do not expect much beyond that. And if you have never played it before, I would suggest waiting for a sale or, ideally, holding out for a proper remake in the future.
At its core, Legacy of Kain remains a brilliant story wrapped in a dated package. The haunting world, the philosophical narrative, and the moody atmosphere are all still there, but they are trapped beneath mechanics that simply have not aged well. This remaster is a reminder of just how far the gaming industry has come, and why true remakes, when done right, can breathe new life into the classics we hold dear.
Here is hoping that one day, Raziel and Kain get the return they truly deserve, not just a remaster, but a full-fledged resurrection.
Positives
💚 Stunning graphical overhaul with noticeably sharper textures and lighting
💚 Storyline remains as engaging and powerful as ever
💚 Voice acting and soundtrack still hold up remarkably well
💚 Captures a nostalgic feel for long-time fans
Negatives
❌ Outdated, clunky controls that have not been modernised
❌ Combat feels sluggish and unresponsive
❌ Missed opportunity to refine gameplay or add quality-of-life improvements
❌ Minimal effort beyond visuals and audio polish
❌ Fails to meet the standard of modern remasters
I really enjoy involving myself in anything gaming, art, or media related.
Written by
Chris
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered
by Crystal Dynamics, Aspyr Media
PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One
Edited by
Lewis Langton
