Legacy of Kain returns with a remaster, with Ascendance on the horizon

Crystal Dynamics’ saga-capper is back, and out on consoles and PC. But there’s more Legacy of Kain news as well.

The Legacy of Kain returns

First released in 2003, Crystal Dynamics’ Legacy of Kain: Defiance put the capper on Raziel’s adventures. Now, we’re referring to the Soul Reaver games there. But this particular title was more or less the end of the property in its entirety. Fast forward a little over two decades though, and that series is resurgent.

The rebirth began with the first two Soul Reaver games seeing a remastering. Presented for modern consoles and the PC, the games had a warm reception, when they dropped in 2024. Well, roll time on a little more, and today we have another re-presentation to chat about.

That, as you can see above, would be Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered. From Crystal Dynamics and co-developer PlayEveryWare, the recreation presents both Kain and Raziel as playable characters. Back in the dark fantasy realm of Nosgoth, the unlikely pair return with updated HD visuals (which you can turn on or off) and a “refined camera”. That’ll allow for play with the original fixed perspective, or a third-person camera view.

That’s not all though, as Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered also includes some terrific looking bonuses. A “photo mode, alternate character skins, a comprehensive lore reader” are all onboard there, plus a set of “lost levels” from the original game.

And if that’s not enough for you, then you might want to try the brand new demo that’s included too. If you’re a fan, it’s mighty interesting. Why? Well, the demo is apparently for the unreleased sixth game in the series, Legacy of Kain: The Dark Prophecy.

Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered is the definitive version of 2003’s gripping dark fantasy adventure. Return to the world of Nosgoth as you control both the vampire Kain and his betrayed lieutenant, Raziel, two mighty beings bound by the conflict between fate and free will.

Crystal Dynamics press release

Ascendance is coming

While getting Defiance Remastered is one thing, series fans looking for something altogether new won’t have long to wait long. Today’s news is accompanied by the real of the impending launch for Legacy of Kain: Ascendance.

A brand new game in the set, Ascendance is a 2D action/platformer that looks to serve as a prequel to the Soul Reaver games. Starring both Kain and Raziel (in his pure vampire form), the title is looking sharp, and is heading to launch on March 31st.

Naturally, Legacy of Kain: Ascendance will see a separate release, but there’s a bundle as well for those who might want to pick up both the new offering and the latest remaster. That would be the Heart of Darkness Collection, which will include Defiance Remastered and Ascendance. There are a few extras packed in on top of the games too, to tempt long-time series followers.

Fans can look for “an Ascendance-themed skin pack for Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered” to be bundled in on that end. Even better, and according to Crystal Dynamics, buying the Heart of Darkness Collection will nab you an almost 20% discount over buying both games on their own.

If you don’t want the double pack though, and still want the skins, don’t worry, you can do that too. The “Ascendance” skin pack, plus the “Shifter” skin pack “featuring Kain and Raziel skins for Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered” can be bought for $2.99 USD each.