Raziel’s back! And he’s ready to kick Kain’s evil hiney once again, like back in the day. Here are five reasons why you should totally check out Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & Remastered.

Why you should get this remaster, you might ask? Well:

Because these are action-adventure classics brought back on next-gen platforms

We’re talking a major piece of gaming history here. Soul Reaver games tell the story of Raziel, a former lieutenant of Kain. Betrayed by his former master and horribly disfigured, Raziel seeks out to have his revenge.

Image credit: Crystal Dynamics

The first Soul Reaver game is based around exploration and combat. It’s mostly about switching back and forth between the material and spectral plane and hacking and slashing your enemies: humans, monsters, and other vampires. The atmosphere is astonishing and the game simply oozes personality. The sequel, Soul Reaver 2, is no less amazing.

Because you get two games in a single package

That’s right! This remaster is a compilation containing both Soul Reaver 1 & 2, so you don’t need to buy them separately.

Because the visuals have been greatly improved

And what a nice facelift this is! The originals have aged poorly, since they’re PS1 and early PS2-era titles. Models, textures, special effects – everything has received a substantial upgrade. The original style has been retained, but everything looks so much better now.

Image credit: Crystal Dynamics

Naturally, if you’re a retro purist, you can switch back to original visuals with a single keystroke.

Because there’s plenty of improvements to the gameplay

You can choose between modern and original control scheme, plus there’s an in-game map and compass which will surely help you navigate through the land of Nosgoth. This is certainly a welcome addition. And there’s a Photo Mode, too!

Image credit: Crystal Dynamics

Because there’s plenty of behind the scenes content for die-hard fans of the series

If you love the Legacy of Kain franchise, you’ll be pleased to delve into a wealth of bonus materials, including concept art gallery and an overview of levels cut from the original game.

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & Remastered premieres on December 10, 2024.