Welcome to EXPlay, (Explain & Play) the review series where we care not for scores, but tell it how it is when it comes to every game we get our hands on, all whilst including some lengthy gameplay, to give you, the reader, the chance to form your own impressions and views while reading and watching.
In this explanatory review, we’re covering Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered by developer Aspyr:
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered:(Nintendo Switch)
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered tells the tale of Raziel, a vampire-turned-soul-devouring wraith on a mission for vengeance against his master, Kain. The first game focuses on Raziel battling his former vampire brothers, gaining their unique powers, and inching closer to confronting Kain himself. The sequel ramps up the complexity, diving deeper into Nosgoth’s lore with time travel, ancient prophecies, and a narrative so tangled it might give some casual fans or people new to the series a headache.
The story remains a highlight, with its dark tone, excellent voice acting, and an atmosphere dripping with gothic charm. In my first hours of gameplay, for both titles, there is a lot of exposition and world-building, which might feel slow for newcomers. Returning fans will likely appreciate the nostalgia trip, but for first-timers, it takes a bit of patience to feel fully immersed.
At its core, both games offer third-person action-adventure gameplay with light puzzle-solving and exploration. The first Soul Reaver leans into Metroidvania-style progression, where defeating enemies unlocks new abilities to access previously unreachable areas. However, the lack of modern quality-of-life features, like clear objectives or a helpful map, can leave you scratching your head.
Soul Reaver 2 improves on combat and pacing but removes the ability to save anywhere, which can make the lengthy gaps between save points feel like a chore. The added camera control in this remaster is a welcome update, though the camera occasionally gets stuck or swings awkwardly, especially in tight spaces. And while swapping between the Spectral and Material Realms now feels faster, some puzzles still rely on mechanics that haven’t aged gracefully.
The remastered visuals bring high-definition textures and smoother animations to the Nintendo Switch, with the character models being the standout improvement. Swapping between old and new graphics is a fun gimmick that highlights just how far technology has come. However, the environments remain relatively simple, with empty corridors and repetitive textures that betray the games’ late ’90s origins.
While performance holds up well overall, the occasional frame rate dip during busy combat scenes is noticeable, albeit not game-breaking. Some areas also suffer from texture glitches, which can be immersion-breaking, but thankfully these moments are rare.
One of the series’ strongest aspects is its stellar voice acting, led by the deep and menacing tones of Raziel and Kain. The dialogue feels theatrical, with every line delivered like it belongs in an epic Shakespearean tragedy. The remaster package even includes original voice recordings and outtakes, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the development process.
The soundtrack complements the game’s dark, gothic aesthetic, with eerie melodies and atmospheric tones. However, some sound effects, especially in combat, feel dated and lack the punch you’d expect from a modern remaster.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered is a labor of love for fans of the original games. With improved visuals, faster loading times, and an impressive collection of bonus content, it’s a package that celebrates the series’ legacy. However, the dated gameplay mechanics, frustrating puzzles, and occasional technical hiccups might leave newcomers scratching their heads or putting the controller down in frustration.
For longtime fans, this remaster is a treat that delivers a hit of nostalgia with a shiny new coat of paint. But for everyone else, it’s more of a niche time capsule—fascinating to experience, but a reminder that not all classics age gracefully. If you’re craving gothic storytelling and can overlook the quirks of 20th-century game design, Raziel’s journey might still sink its teeth into you.
Game Specifications:
Developer: Aspyr
Publisher: Aspyr
Platform: Nintendo Switch (eShop)
Category:Â Action, Adventure, Puzzle, Platformer
No. of Players: 1 (Single System)
Release Date: December 10, 2024
Price: $29.99
File Size: 10.4 GB
Nintendo.com Listing
