The remastered Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver games, released to commemorate the franchise’s 25th anniversary, serve as a testament to the timeless appeal of Raziel’s vengeful quest and Kain’s shadowy legacy – part of which also recently arrived for the Evercade. Aspyr has now delivered updated versions of the first two Soul Reaver titles for modern platforms, offering both longtime fans and newcomers an opportunity to delve into these iconic entries. And while the remasters retain much of the original magic, some technical and design choices reveal the challenges of bringing decades-old classics into the present. Here’s our look at the PS5 version.
At the heart of Soul Reaver and its sequel is their excellent narrative. Raziel’s journey of betrayal, revenge, and self-discovery is as gripping now as it was when these games first launched. The dynamic between Raziel and Kain is layered with tension and philosophical weight, and the rich world-building in Nosgoth remains a highlight. However, modern players and especially newcomers to the series might find some of the storytelling methods dated, as the reliance on cryptic dialogue and fragmented exposition can be alienating without prior context.
Gameplay remains a mix of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving – pretty much identical to how it was before. The ability to shift between the Spectral and Material Realms remains one of the franchise’s most inventive mechanics, enabling unique environmental puzzles and traversal challenges. And while the remaster does an admirable job of maintaining this element, some aspects of the gameplay – such as combat – feel their age. Encounters are often simplistic by modern standards, with clunky hit detection and repetitive enemy AI detracting from the otherwise engaging experience, and making you feel like this needs a full remake rather than just a remaster.
The updated visuals are the most significant improvement in these remasters, with Aspyr introducing enhanced textures, lighting, and character models. These changes breathe new life into Nosgoth’s gothic environments, from cathedrals that have seen better days to ominous caverns. Yet, the remasters occasionally struggle to balance modernization with preservation. While the improved graphics elevate immersion, the sometimes clunky animations and some environmental details betray their original limitations. The result is a mix of the nostalgic and the contemporary, which may appeal to veterans but feel inconsistent for newcomers.
Audio design has also seen minor enhancements. The haunting soundtrack and evocative voice performances of Michael Bell and Simon Templeman remain standouts, underscoring the epic tone of Raziel and Kain’s story. However, some sound effects haven’t aged as gracefully, and the lack of significant updates in this area feels like a missed opportunity to modernize the experience further.
The PlayStation 5 version benefits from improved performance, with faster load times and stable frame rates contributing to smoother gameplay. That said, some control issues persist, particularly during platforming sections where Raziel’s movement feels imprecise by today’s standards.
Ultimately, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered is a worthy tribute to two of gaming’s most celebrated action-adventure titles from its era. While the remasters’ graphical enhancements and timeless story are compelling, lingering gameplay limitations and uneven modernization might temper the appeal for some. Still, for fans of the series and those curious about Raziel’s storied journey, these remasters are a chance to revisit Nosgoth and experience its dark allure once more. The availability of additional content (like concept art) pushes this one’s value up just a bit more as well.
Score: 8.0/10
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