- The long-awaited revival of the magnificent Legacy of Kain series is finally happening.
- In a time when needless re-releases often happen and the worthy get ignored, Legacy of Kain returning is a true marvel.
- The only way to make it even better is if this leads to the revival of similarly abandoned titles like Onimusha, Thief, Deus Ex, etc.
We’re in a time when remakes and remasters have become pretty frequent. Technically, they’ve become the need of the hour, considering how many gems require preservation, but if you ask me, the re-releases we receive are seldom done for such a noble cause. Most of the time, it’s because they’re easier and less resource-intensive.
Especially considering how lengthy and expensive the development cycles of today’s AAAs are, a re-release is a favorable aspect. However, it’s mostly the most needless remasters, like Horizon Zero Dawn, for example. Still, sometimes genuinely deserving titles do get a chance, like Suikoden recently and now Legacy of Kain.
Why it matters: When the industry’s busy re-releasing needless titles, seeing a revival as critically demanded and worthy as Legacy of Kain has me hopeful for the future.
The Triumphant Return Of Legacy Of Kain
To be honest, It still feels like a dream. I had essentially given up hope after the whole Embracer fiasco. It was shaky even before that, but here we are.
Before the State of Play, this remaster was leaked at the last moment, and I just couldn’t contain my excitement. Seeing the trailer live at the event wasn’t any less impactful, though. The return of the iconic Raziel and his dimension-hopping adventures is an extremely blissful event.
Legacy of Kain™ Soul Reaver 1-2 Remastered (State of Play leak)
byu/-LastGrail- inGamingLeaksAndRumours
Did you think Lords of the Fallen introduced the concept of “two realms”? Give Legacy of Kain a try. Not only will you see a better implementation of the idea, but you’ll also get to witness a thrilling and thought-provoking tale of defying your destiny and breaking free of shackles while having a ton of fun slashing through foes.
Legacy of Kain is a landmark in the third-person gothic fantasy genre and a masterpiece to this day. From Blood Omen to Soul Reaver and finally Defiance, the tale of two antiheroes, Kain and Raziel, culminates in a brilliant saga I can’t praise enough.
A Genuinely Worthy Revival
Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered is scheduled for a December 10 release, but that’s not all. PlayStation also added Blood Omen to its Classics Catalog, reinforcing the return of the legendary series. As overjoyed as I am at this individual event, I notice what this means for the industry.
Though extremely desired, a series like Legacy of Kain was considered something that would never return. It’s because of how today’s gaming industry’s priorities have changed. Creative and universally beloved titles mean nothing as long as they don’t generate an absurd profit. Only tried and tested, highly successful games are given a chance.
Events like Microsoft abandoning Hi-Fi Rush and Sony remastering Horizon Zero Dawn serve as proof of this. Despite being critically acclaimed, Hi-Fi Rush was axed, and since Horizon Zero Dawn sold exceptionally, it got an absolutely needless remaster.
It really is too bad Microsoft closed Tango Gameworks. Hi-Fi Rush is such a great game.
byu/texxmix ingaming
Breaking Ground For More Much-Needed Revivals
All these resources could’ve been used on a much more deserving and meaningful project. Literal gems are rotting in these companies’ storage rooms, watching them green light another re-release of something like The Last of Us. If you’re so fixated on a remaster or a remake, why not make it of a title that genuinely deserves it?
Nevertheless, the Legacy of Kain getting a revival after 21 years has rejuvenated my faith a little. Anything can happen, even a miracle like this. And if this remaster performs as well as its fans’ intense demands and critical acclaim, who knows, some other companies might also remember the treasure they’re sitting on.
We've waited for so long and the moment has come at last. Welcome back, Kain and Raziel.
byu/Butane_Boss inLegacyOfKain
Titles similar to it, like Dante’s Inferno, might get a chance. Capcom might finally divert its attention towards Onimusha. Sony may see the potential in reviving a full-on power fantasy like Infamous. Also, Eidos’ other IPs like Thief and Deus Ex (Please let it be true) might return as well if this venture is a resounding success.
All these are also in the “never happening” category like Legacy of Kain once was. But hey, if this one can escape it, I’m willing to believe once again that others just might, too.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.