With the remakes being out now don't waste your time i enjoyed the hell out of it but modding is required due to lazy programmers so just buy the finished product

Game Title: Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver
Developer/Publisher: Crystal Dynamics / Square Enix
Release Date: September 8, 1999
Platforms: PlayStation, Dreamcast, PC

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Heya, gamers of the human and furry variety. It’s your alpha ice wolf, Kiba Snowpaw, broadcasting from the eternal winter of HowlStrom. Back in the tail end of the 90s, my friend Shilka, a fellow frostfur, introduced me to this dark and brooding game. Soul Reaver quickly became a title I would associate with her tastes—moody, complex, and challenging. I played it, got stuck at the dreaded water level (curse my lack of fins!), and shelved it. Years later, I decided to revisit it on Steam, only to find the controls as welcoming as an arctic blizzard.

While I’m eager to see what a remake might fix, this review is my honest, frosty howl at the moon over what works, what doesn’t, and what might be better off buried in the spectral realm.

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Soul Reaver tells the story of Raziel, a vampiric lieutenant betrayed by his master, Kain. After evolving wings ahead of his peers (fancy that), Raziel is punished by being thrown into the abyss, where his body is ravaged, leaving him a spectral wraith fueled by revenge. Guided by the Elder God, Raziel embarks on a journey to confront Kain, devouring souls and unearthing the decayed truths of Nosgoth along the way.

The plot, with its gothic undertones and rich lore, is captivating and one of the game’s strongest suits. However, its penchant for monologues and cryptic dialogue might alienate players expecting a straightforward tale.

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For its time, Soul Reaver was groundbreaking. It blended the exploration of Metroidvania games with seamless transitions between the material and spectral realms. These mechanics added depth to puzzles and exploration, requiring players to think beyond the traditional confines of platformers.

Its dark narrative and antihero protagonist stood out in an era dominated by cheery platformers like Mario and Sonic. It was a bold and brooding entry into the action-adventure genre.

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Crystal Dynamics had already gained a reputation for innovation with games like Gex and Pandemonium before diving into the Legacy of Kain series. With Soul Reaver, they showcased their ability to craft a richly atmospheric world filled with gothic architecture and layered storytelling.

Despite their successes, the technical limitations of the time led to compromises, such as content being cut and gameplay mechanics feeling dated by today’s standards. A remake could offer a chance to fulfill the studio’s original vision.

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1. Core Mechanics:
Soul Reaver relies on a mix of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. The ability to shift between realms is innovative, but it often feels like a crutch for padding out puzzles rather than a dynamic tool.

2. Combat:
Fighting enemies involves using environmental hazards or weapons, as simple strikes won’t finish off most foes. While this adds a layer of strategy, the clunky controls (especially on PC) make combat feel more like a chore than a thrill.

3. Exploration and Puzzles:
The game’s interconnected world is impressive, with areas unlocking as you gain new abilities. However, block-pushing puzzles are overused, and navigating through Nosgoth can be disorienting without modern mapping systems.

4. Save System:
The reliance on save points and lack of a modern autosave system makes dying—or in my case, slipping into water—a rage-inducing experience.

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Raziel: The protagonist is a tragic antihero whose journey is as much about self-discovery as revenge. His evolution from a pawn to a defiant force of nature is compelling, though his brooding personality might feel one-note for some.

Kain: The enigmatic antagonist oozes charisma and menace. His philosophical musings add depth to his villainy, making him a memorable foil to Raziel.

The Elder God: A manipulative, omnipresent entity whose motives remain shrouded in mystery. While intriguing, his lack of clarity leaves players questioning his true intentions.

The supporting cast, while visually distinct, lacks the depth of Raziel and Kain, serving more as obstacles than fleshed-out characters.

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Soul Reaver’s innovations influenced countless games, from its seamless open-world design to its morally complex characters. However, its impact has been somewhat muted by its outdated mechanics and the lack of a definitive modern version.

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What I Liked:

• Deep, lore-rich story with a unique protagonist.
  
• Stunning gothic visuals for its time.
  
• Innovative realm-shifting mechanics.
  
• Atmospheric soundtrack and stellar voice acting.

What Froze My Tail:

• Clunky controls, especially on PC.
  
• Overused block puzzles and repetitive mechanics.
  
• Lack of modern conveniences like autosave or map systems.
  
• Technical issues in the Steam port, from crashes to resolution problems.

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Soul Reaver is a game I respect more than I love. While its story and atmosphere are unparalleled, its gameplay feels frozen in time. The Steam version’s technical issues and outdated design made revisiting this classic more frustrating than enjoyable. However, a remake holds the potential to breathe new life into Nosgoth and give Raziel the controls he deserves.

Enjoyment Level: 6/10 – A cold embrace of nostalgia, but not without frostbite.
Hate Level: 4/10 – Mainly for the controls and technical flaws.

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Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is a flawed masterpiece. Its story, world, and characters remain iconic, but its mechanics and technical issues make it difficult to recommend in its current state. If you’re a fan of gothic narratives and are willing to brave its icy flaws, it’s worth exploring. For the rest, I’d say hold out for a potential remake to experience Nosgoth’s dark beauty without the frustrations.

Verdict: 7/10 – A chilling relic of gaming history that needs a modern thawing.