Legacy of Kain returns today with prequel Ascendance

The world of Nosgoth is back, as Crystal Dynamics and developer Bit Bot Media present Legacy of Kain: Ascendance.

Ascendance of a prequel

Announced not all that long ago, a brand new Legacy of Kain title has launched for consoles and the PC. That game would be Legacy of Kain: Ascendance, a prequel that brings the world of Kain back to the time before the Soul Reaver games. As such, Raziel is still in his vampiric form, and Kain rules with an iron fist.

The bulk of the gameplay looks to be 2D, as players will use melee and supernatural abilities. Even so though, there are some 3D animated segments sprinkled throughout. According to Crystal Dynamics “3D sections inspired by the PS1 era” will pop up at “key narrative points”. Those will be used to drive the story of the game, and initiate “lore-heavy sequences that reward fans of the Legacy of Kain mythos.”

As for who you’ll be playing as, it sounds like this one stocks a trio of main characters. Kain is of course amongst those, as is newcomer Elaleth, a vampire. Then there’s Raziel, who’ll feature in both his human (Sarafan Knight) and winged vampiric form.

Speaking of classic series characters too, long time fans should be right at home with the game’s vocals. Back once again are actors Michael Bell as Raziel, Simon Templeman as Kain, Anna Gunn as Ariel, and Richard Doyle as Moebius. They’re joined by recording artist Klayton, who has crafted the score.

Here’s a look at it in action:

Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is a fast-paced action platformer featuring a mix of 2D sidescrolling gameplay and PS1 era-inspired 3D sequences. Set prior to the adventures of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, storytelling and narrative are woven directly into the gameplay, cutscenes, and world design. Beautifully crafted retro pixel art and anime-influenced cinematics bring the world to life, telling a new story set in a familiar world of collapsing kingdoms, haunted ruins, and shattered timelines.

Crystal Dynamics press release

Bundling up some gothic horror

Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is out now for the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch/Switch 2, and PC (via Steam and Epic). The game lands on Nintendo’s platforms along with Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered, which finally makes its debut for the Switch and Switch 2.

Going one step further though, both games are available in a special bundle. Dubbed the Heart of Darkness Collection, it’s stocked with both Ascendance and Defiance Remastered. But that’s not all, as this deal also includes a bevy of extras.

Included in the Heart of Darkness Collection is “a digital comic reader with three classic comics, a demo of the unreleased Legacy of Kain: The Dark Prophecy, and an Ascendance-themed skin pack for Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered.” And finally, there are some collectibles to talk about.

Along with the new game and the bundle, Bit Bot Media is unleashing Legacy of Kain: Ascendance merch. The soundtrack, a lineup of five plushies, an 8bit Raziel figure, “jewelry, apparel, and more” is all out now. If you’d like to check the line out, click here for the official Bit Bot Media Store.