Legacy of Kain™ Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered
" Atmospheric action-adventure with rich lore and remastered visuals but clunky combat and camera "
Legacy of Kain™ Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered Review
Legacy of Kain™ Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered revisits two classic entries in a beloved series known for its exceptional storytelling and rich world-building. Players widely praise the narrative depth, atmospheric setting, and character development, which remain standout features even years after the original releases. The remastered visuals, particularly textures on environments, are appreciated for enhancing the game's gothic aesthetic.
However, the gameplay and technical aspects show their age, with many players criticizing clunky combat mechanics, frustrating camera controls, and labyrinthine level design. The puzzles, especially in Soul Reaver 1, are seen as overused and tedious by modern standards. Some technical issues and bugs persist, such as softlocks and inconsistent UI elements. The inclusion of both games in a single package is viewed as a mixed decision, with some feeling the second game’s remaster was minimal effort to justify pricing. Overall, fans of the series value the remaster for its story and nostalgia but caution about gameplay frustrations and price.
Highlights
Players consistently praise the masterful storytelling and deep lore that define the Legacy of Kain series, with voice acting and atmosphere highlighted as exceptional. The remastered graphics and textures notably improve the visual experience, bringing new life to the environments. The inclusion of extras like demos, lost levels, and lore content adds value and enriches the overall experience. Fans appreciate the opportunity to revisit these iconic games and the dark, gothic world of Nosgoth.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the outdated gameplay mechanics, including clunky and unpredictable combat, poor camera controls, and frustrating level navigation. The abundance of block puzzles in Soul Reaver 1 is viewed as excessive and annoying. Technical issues such as bugs, softlocks, and sound problems detract from the experience. Some players feel the remaster missed an opportunity for a full remake and that including Soul Reaver 2 was a questionable choice that diluted the package’s value. The price is considered high given the limited gameplay improvements.
Pros
- • Exceptional storytelling with rich lore and memorable characters throughout the series.
- • Atmospheric world-building and dark gothic aesthetic create an immersive experience.
- • Remastered textures and environments significantly enhance visual appeal.
- • Inclusion of extras like demos, lost levels, and lore content adds value.
- • Nostalgic appeal for longtime fans revisiting classic titles.
- • Improved interact symbols help new players discover objects easily.
- • Soul Reaver 1 combat feels more fluid and functional than the sequel.
Cons
- • Clunky and unpredictable combat mechanics reduce gameplay enjoyment.
- • Camera controls are frustrating and often hinder player movement.
- • Labyrinthine and visually similar level design causes frequent player confusion.
- • Overabundance of block puzzles in Soul Reaver 1 feels tedious.
- • Technical issues include bugs, sound problems, and occasional softlocks.
- • Soul Reaver 2 remaster feels minimal and less polished than the first.
- • High price tag not justified by limited gameplay improvements.
Rating Criteria
Experience the epic conflict of Kain and Raziel in original form or with remastered graphics.