Crystal Dynamics is breathing new life into the Legacy of Kain franchise with a dual-pronged offensive scheduled for later this year. The developer recently unveiled a comprehensive rejuvenation of Legacy of Kain: Defiance alongside a brand-new title, Legacy of Kain: Ascendance, which reimagines the gothic saga as a retro-inspired 2D side-scrolling action-platformer.
Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered breathes fresh air into the 2003 finale that originally graced the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC. This updated version promises a significant visual overhaul, featuring enhanced textures, high-fidelity character models, and atmospheric environment upgrades. For those craving nostalgia, the game includes a toggle to switch between classic and modernized graphics instantaneously. Gameplay refinements include a contemporary third-person camera—though the original fixed perspective remains an option—along with a dedicated photo mode, unlockable character skins, and an expansive lore compendium. Notably, the remaster will incorporate “lost levels” previously cut from the original release, curated by the developers based on fan interest.
To ensure the experience is accessible to a modern audience, Crystal Dynamics is integrating a robust combat tutorial and an innovative wayfinding system known as “vampire foresight navigation.” This mechanic is designed to guide players through Nosgoth’s intricate environments without breaking the dark, immersive atmosphere.
The original Defiance marked a milestone for the series as the first entry to feature both the vampire lord Kain and the spectral wraith Raziel as dual protagonists. This chronologically complex narrative, co-authored and directed by Amy Hennig, picks up immediately following the climax of Soul Reaver 2. This announcement follows the successful 2024 launch of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered, also handled by Crystal Dynamics and Aspyr.
Acting as a prequel to the landmark Soul Reaver, Legacy of Kain: Ascendance introduces a third playable lead, Elaleth, alongside the iconic duo. Elaleth was first chronicled in the 2024 graphic novel The Dead Shall Rise. Ascendance is engineered for fluid verticality and precision combat, utilizing a striking hand-drawn pixel art style for its primary 2D action. However, it pays homage to its roots by transitioning into PlayStation-era inspired 3D sequences during pivotal narrative moments, allowing for deep lore exploration and character interactions.
Further enhancing the cinematic experience, Ascendance will feature anime-style cutscenes. The project is bolstered by a returning cast of series veterans, including Simon Templeman as the indomitable Kain, Michael Bell as the tragic Raziel, Anna Gunn as the haunting Ariel, and Richard Doyle reprising his role as the manipulative Moebius.
Developed in partnership with PlayEveryWare, Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered is slated for a March 3 debut. It will arrive on Nintendo Switch (including the rumored successor), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store. The standard edition is priced at $24.99, while a $29.99 Deluxe Edition offers fans a digital comic reader featuring three series-inspired issues and a rare playable demo of the canceled 1990s project, Legacy of Kain: The Dark Prophecy.
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Finally, the collaborative effort between Crystal Dynamics, Bit Bot, and FreakZone Games, Legacy of Kain: Ascendance, will launch on March 31. This unique spin-off will be available for $19.99 across Nintendo Switch, PC, and current-generation consoles.
Source: Polygon
