Almost 25 years ago, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver arrived on the market, introducing the world to the vampire Raziel. The opening scene alone was mesmerizing. Raziel, betrayed & executed by his master, the vampire emperor Kain, begins his journey after enduring immense suffering and disfigurement. He rises centuries later as a wraith, bent on vengeance. Raziel quickly became one of the most iconic characters of the time.
Released in 1999, Soul Reaver was among a handful of classics that featured deep narratives and fully voiced cut-scenes—something rare for that era. In fact, GamesRadar even describes it as a “revolutionary action-adventure game with a dark and gripping story that set a new standard for narrative-driven gameplay.” Now, 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of Soul Reaver, and Aspyr has announced remastered versions of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
Fans of the Legacy of Kain series are eagerly awaiting the release. Aspyr promises these remastered editions will bring the classic game up to speed with modern hardware, offering full support for today’s consoles. They’ve updated the visuals and made quality-of-life improvements while preserving the integrity of the original. “We wanted to stay true to what made Soul Reaver special, but also make it accessible and appealing for both returning fans and new players,” said Aspyr in a recent interview.
The nostalgia factor is undeniable—those who experienced the game in the late ’90s are excited to see new generations join Raziel’s vengeful journey. According to a survey by Statista, 39% of gamers say that remastered versions are a great way to introduce younger players to classic titles, which shows the potential for Soul Reaver’s re-release to capture both old and new audiences.
What Aspyr Says About Remasters?
Aspyr believes that the Legacy of Kain remastered versions are essential to keeping this iconic series alive, allowing it to reach new heights with modern hardware.
“The visuals are updated, but we’ve worked hard to maintain that classic feel, making sure the experience stays true to what fans remember,” Aspyr stated.
Thanks to their collaboration with Crystal Dynamics, Aspyr was able to access the source code, the original engine, and a complete set of assets. This ensured they wouldn’t alter the beloved storyline, nor would they touch the combat, puzzles, or boss fights that defined the original game.
The Soul Reaver series has preserved its potential for decades. Its environmental storytelling and innovative mechanics, such as shifting between material and spectral realms, were groundbreaking. Back in the ’90s, the game pushed the limits of computer memory, and Aspyr believes that a game with such a devoted fanbase and rich history deserves nothing short of a perfect remaster.
What Surprise & Delight Awaits for Lifelong Fans?
These shifts aren’t just limited to switching between realms. Raziel can also toggle between classic and modern game art, with fans experiencing no performance issues during these transitions. The Soul Reaver game narratives are powerful yet beautifully complex. Starring Michael Bell as Raziel, Simon Templeman as Kain, and Tony Jay as the Elder God, Soul Reaver 1 & 2 feature some of the most iconic performances in video game history. And of course, we can’t leave Amy Hennig out of the picture—it was her visionary writing and direction that brought this artistic masterpiece to life.
Beyond narrative, here are a few other improvements that Soul Reaver has implemented:
Control Improvements: Soul Reaver was released when the D-Pad was the dominant control method for most PlayStation units. With the new remastered release, the developers have worked to make the gameplay more immersive, allowing players to enjoy it for endless hours.
Camera Upgrades: Camera adjustments are now mapped to the right analog stick, allowing players to move the camera across the Y-axis. This means players can now look up and enjoy the vibrant skies, adding a new level of immersion.
Map & Compass: Given the vastness of Nosgoth’s open world, Aspyr has introduced a quick travel option, which can be particularly helpful for first-time players. The game also includes a compass to assist players in finding the next objective. The new fast travel option allows players to move easily between locations, ensuring they won’t feel lost, especially when engaging in optional content. The map is a brand-new, never-before-seen version of Nosgoth, co-created by Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics based on feedback from key community members.
Photo Mode: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 will also feature a photo mode which will allow players to capture their best gameplay moments.
And we will stop just right there, because we don’t want to spoil the fun by telling you everything.
The Legacy Continues
As we approach the 25th anniversary of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, the remastered versions of this iconic series stand as a testament to its enduring legacy. Aspyr’s efforts to maintain the integrity of the original while enhancing its gameplay for modern consoles promise to deliver an unforgettable experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
For those who grew up playing the original on their PlayStation or even spending hours on handheld systems like the Gameboy Pocket, the nostalgia of Soul Reaver runs deep.
With stunning visual upgrades, improved controls, and a few surprises in store, Soul Reaver is poised to reclaim its place as one of the most influential games in history.
Now, the only question left is: Are you ready to join the hunt once again?