Kain
has long been embroiled in a struggle for identity. He has been oft deluded into
believing he was the one destined to rule Nosgoth. He organized legions of
vampires, and went to war with the Sarafan, a fanatical order of
warrior-priests.

There
was a time when Kain, as a mortal was destined to become the Guardian of
Balance. But he was murdered and Mortanius pulled him from the brink of
oblivion. Kain was offered the opportunity to return as one of the undead – a
vampire. His need for vengeance overpowered reason and he agreed.

This
set in motion the series of stories depicted through five games. Raziel was one
of Kain’s lieutenants, but he created a horrible sin – he evolved faster than
Kain. Raziel grew wings, which Kain shredded before having Raziel cast into the
Lake of the Dead – a watery grave that would burn him like acid for eternity.
But another power interceded. An ancient god plucked Raziel from the torturous
grave and transformed him into a devourer of souls.

But
Raziel was also consumed by the desire to avenge himself on Kain.

And so
the tale was woven. Enter now Legacy of Kain: Defiance, a PlayStation2 release
from Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Interactive. For the first time in the history
of the game, players can play as both Kain and Raziel. The scenes interchange,
and the tale is wonderfully constructed to give a rich and amazing plot. In the
world of RPGs (role-playing games), this is one of the most originally and
immersive tales. It is an amazing piece of scripting.

Kain is
not only battling Raziel, but also manipulating him. Raziel is manipulated by
the ancient god, manifested in a multi-eyed and tentacled creature, but what
role is that elder god playing in the battle for power and control of Nosgoth.
Raziel is bound to a soul reaver, a wraith blade that devours souls. And then
there is Morbius, the one who controls time, and is seemingly trying to use Kain
as a puppet for his own end.

While
the storyline of this game is very involved, unfortunately the game structure is
not. This is a somewhat linear game that will require players to pay attention
to the environments to look for clues to solve the pattern of the course through
the levels. The introduction to Raziel will have players leaping and gliding
through a cavern to platforms, all on a time limit. If time runs out, or you
die, then you restart the level from the last save point.

The
combat system has some very nice attributes as well. Both Kain and Raziel have
telekinesis abilities. These abilities can allow you to send out a power pulse
that knocks enemies around. Or you can lift them and throw them in a direction –
like off a bridge into an abyss or into a spike on the wall. Kain will suck the
blood of his victims and recharge his health meters, while Raziel will devour
the souls of the slain.

The
control elements of this game are very straightforward and simple to use.
Players should be able to leap into this game quickly. The game play can tend
toward some arcade elements, in leap points and such, but generally the movement
through a level is reasonably open, and players can explore the environments at
will.

Graphically, this is a title that is very well done. The camera does get hung up
occasionally on the environment, but the settings are imaginative and very well
rendered. The animation is very smooth and the game has a very dynamic look.

The
game’s sound is lush. The vocal acting fits extremely well with the dialogue,
and there is a real vibrancy to the sound elements that really accentuate the
game’s setting.

Legacy
of Kain: Defiance does answer many of the questions that fans of the series have
been waiting to hear. Couple that with a well-scripted story, exceptional
graphics and an amazing soundtrack and you have the elements for a gripping
tale. The only real setback is the linear nature of the game.

This
title is rated Mature for blood and gore and intense violence.

Gameplay: 8

The
mapboards are somewhat linear and once you find the path through the game, there
is little that will extend replayability of the title.

Graphics: 8.8

This
game features solid animation, and great imaginative environments. There is a
marked difference between the cutscenes and the gameplay, but this game looks
very good.

Sound: 9.5

The
vocal acting is amazing. The voices are rich, and while some of the dialogue is
a little contrived, the incidences of this are very few and far between. This is
a game that is a real treat for the ears.

Difficulty: Medium

The
game does have a lot of challenges, mostly of the reflexive variety, but you
must be observant to navigate the environments.

Concept: 9

Kain
and Raziel together in the same game – cool! A simple interface really helps
move this game along, but what really helps is, like all the titles in this
series, this is extremely well written.

Overall: 8.5

The
game is a terrific immersion into the richly conceived world of Nosgoth. There
is so much to the story that fans of the series will be delighted.
Unfortunately, the game is rather linear in design, but counter that with
terrific graphics, amazing sound and you have a game worth indulging in.