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Review of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver on PlayStation

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Aug 1999
Cover image of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 17 Aug 1999
Genre: Action-Adventure
Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Publisher: Eidos Interactive

Introduction

Welcome to Nosgoth, the land where even the sun is afraid to shine too brightly, and where the vampires have taken 'dusk till dawn' to a whole new level. If you're looking for a game that combines angst with a sprinkle of supernatural vengeance, look no further than "Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver." This action-adventure title features a protagonist who's not just brooding over his life choices, but also has a hauntingly impressive ability to phase between realms. It's like being teenager again, but without all that pesky homework or social awkwardness-just good old-fashioned revenge-seeking.

Gameplay

You control Raziel, the sassiest wraith in Nosgoth, who's not only a little disfigured but also quite chatty-seriously, he has a lot to say about his life decisions and Kain's betrayal (who wouldn't?). The gameplay primarily revolves around switching between the material and spectral realms, which in simple terms means you'll be doing a lot of ghostly phasing and avoiding territorial vampires like they owe you money. Raziel has a strong penchant for combo-based fighting, making it feel pretty satisfying to rip through vampires, humans, and those annoying spectral critters with some well-timed attacks. Puzzles take front stage and often require you to utilize both realms cleverly. Want to unlock a door on one side? Better hop into the spectral realm to avoid the physical barriers. It's a classic case of 'don't forget to use your other-dimensional portal,' because who doesn't like lingering in ghostly limbo for a while? And while Raziel starts off with just claws and an attitude, as you progress, you'll be gaining abilities by defeating your brothers (who seem to have turned into very unsightly beasts). Each encounter is more than just a boss battle; it's a family reunion gone horribly wrong, with Raziel getting all the extra abilities-kinda like getting the last slice of pizza, but much more lethal.

Graphics

Diving into the graphics for a second, this game is a graphical feast for its time-think of it as the Angsty Vampire Art Gallery, complete with shadowy castles and tragic-looking landscapes. The colors might be darker than your average goth's wardrobe, but that's what adds to its allure. Raziel himself is a skeletal dreamboat, with a ghostly aesthetic that keeps him looking both cool and capably intimidating. Besides that, the transitions between realms are visually stunning. Watching how environments morph when you swap realms gives a truly cinematic feel, like you're walking through a dark indie film.

Conclusion

In summary, "Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver" is a noble addition to your gaming library if you've ever wanted to embrace your inner vampire while steering clear of stakes (both literal and metaphorical). It's a beautifully crafted game filled with spectacular dialogue, quirky puzzles, and a gothic atmosphere that makes hitting the 'pause' button on life feel a little less cliché. So grab your controller, slip into some faux leather, and prepare to broode; Kain and Nosgoth await your sass and the occasional wraithly wrath!

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