New Evercade collections reviewed: Legacy of Kain & Bitmap Brothers 2

The Evercade, which we recently reviewed in its latest iteration, continues to shine as a platform dedicated to retro gaming, and its latest additions, the Legacy of Kain Collection and The Bitmap Brothers Collection 2, are no exception. Each collection highlights a standout niche of gaming history, showcasing the diversity and depth of their respective eras. These compilations bring together beloved titles, offering a mix of nostalgia and gameplay variety for longtime fans while also serving as an introduction to new players.

Legacy of Kain Collection

The Legacy of Kain Collection encapsulates two standout entries from the gothic action-adventure series: Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain and Legacy of Kain: Defiance. These titles represent defining steps in the franchise, from its dark origins to its grand conclusion – with major leaps forward between the two games. Blood Omen introduces players to the world of Nosgoth, immersing them in a narrative-driven top-down experience. Despite its age, the game’s atmospheric storytelling, complex characters, and haunting soundtrack remain captivating. However, the gameplay shows its vintage roots, with somewhat clunky controls and interface quirks that may require patience from modern players. Emulation on the Evercade generally runs smoothly though, even though it doesn’t fix some of the rougher graphical and audio elements that show the age of these games.

Meanwhile, Legacy of Kain: Defiance takes a big leap forward in gameplay and presentation, featuring a more cinematic third-person perspective. Players alternate between the vampiric anti-hero Kain and the wraith Raziel, exploring an intricate storyline that ties together the series’ narrative threads. Combat is more dynamic compared to its predecessor, utilizing fluid combos and environmental interactions in a 3D setting. However, the fixed camera angles, though a hallmark of its era, can occasionally hinder gameplay, making navigation or battles tricky. Visually, Defiance has aged more gracefully than Blood Omen, though the limitations of the resolution of these early 3D games sometimes obscure finer details. Combined, these two titles offer a deep dive into one of gaming’s most celebrated dark fantasy worlds, though it’s also worth pointing out that Soul Reaver will receive a remaster soon.

The Bitmap Brothers Collection 2

The Bitmap Brothers Collection 2 is a treasure trove for fans of classic Amiga-era gaming, featuring six iconic titles from the studio’s heyday that weren’t included in the first collection. The package includes Cadaver and its expansion The Payoff, Gods, Magic Pockets, The Chaos Engine 2, and the real-time strategy classic Z, showcasing the diversity of gameplay styles and genres the studio was known for.

The oft-overlooked Cadaver offers an interesting blend of adventure and puzzle-solving, putting players in the shoes of Karadoc the dwarf as he takes on an evil necromancer. The game’s emphasis on exploration and brain-teasing mechanics stands out, and its expansion The Payoff adds four new levels filled with fresh challenges. Both are great examples of how the Bitmap Brothers combined gameplay depth with distinctive visuals. Gods, on the other hand, is a classic home computer style platformer with smooth gameplay and a satisfying mix of combat and puzzles as players ascend through an ancient city. It’s a standout in the collection for its detailed environments and engaging level design, as well as a stunning soundtrack.

Magic Pockets leans into the studio’s more playful side, starring the “Bitmap Kid” on a quest to reclaim his stolen toys. While the premise is quirky, the platforming gameplay remains solid, and its unique mechanics, like using vortexes as weapons, make it a fun addition. The Chaos Engine 2, a lesser-known follow-up to the original as it only made it to the Amiga, shifts from cooperative gameplay to split-screen, competitive missions. While its concept and execution are impressive, some players may miss the teamwork that defined its predecessor – which we wouldn’t mind seeing rebooted. Finally, the inclusion of Z, a fast-paced real-time strategy game originally designed for 32-bit consoles and PCs, showcases the Bitmap Brothers’ ability to innovate in yet another genre. Its focus on territory control and aggressive tactics adds a strategic layer to the collection that complements its otherwise action-heavy lineup, in a game that pioneered gameplay elements that are now commonplace.

Final Thoughts

Both of these new collections exemplify Evercade’s dedication to retro gaming by providing thoughtfully curated compilations that bring more classic experiences to modern audiences. The Legacy of Kain Collection excels with its gothic storytelling and atmospheric design, while The Bitmap Brothers Collection 2 highlights the developer’s iconic style and gameplay diversity. The inherent aging of certain mechanics are worth noting, but these don’t detract significantly from the overall experience and there are definite gems here – with the opportunity to play The Chaos Engine 2 being a rare treat for those that never had an Amiga.

For fans of dark fantasy narratives and high-octane retro gameplay, these collections offer a wealth of content to explore. Whether you’re reliving old favorites or discovering them for the first time, they’re a strong testament to the enduring appeal of these iconic games – though the original Xenon, which wasn’t in the first collection either, feels like an unfortunate omission.