Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered

I'll start by saying that Legacy of Kain series, especially the Soul Reaver games are the cornerstones of gaming for me. I played these games when i had just started gaming and my fascination was at peak. I have finished this game in around 14 hours, i mostly played offline on Steam Deck, that's why time shows less here. LoK Defiance carries the name forward, i did not get a chance to play this game when it released back in early 2000s, so a remastered version was ideal for me to play. It's an excellent remaster, instead of a fixed camera like in the original game, a new 3rd person camera is introduced which changes the whole way you play this game. It's an essential part of the version. Graphically the game is a remaster, so the old textures are there but surprisingly detailed and even different in many places. All location, characters look sharp and vivid, locations look awesome, lighting is top notch. Gameplay is fun as ever, it's a game more than two decades old, so the combat feels a bit dated, but it is fun nonetheless, it serves both Raziel and Kain. Puzzles are clever and fascinating as ever. Playing and using the Soul Reaver in HD is fantastic. It's a nostalgic place to be. Sound works, the dialogue is clear and crisp, sound effects are amplified, though some smaller effects feel miffed and that's alright. The strongest part of LoK games is the writing, Amy Hennig is the writer and this work of hers is impeccable. Loved how the story comes full circle and Kain and Raziel's endeavors are awesomely portrayed, their relation is one to behold, and Defiance proves that they're one of the most complex and best written characters in gaming history. This series deserves a proper, full-fledged next gen sequel, because we are all eager to know where things will lead us because ... KAIN REFUSED THE SACRIFICE!

This game goes above and beyond what a "remaster" is expected to do. It adds content, fixes complaints from the original release, restores optional cut content... It's like nothing I've ever seen. Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered is the rare occurrence where an officially released title is combined with unbridled passion comparable only to standout modder projects. From my understanding, the developer team consulted and even hired on prominent members of the series' fanbase. For a remaster of a cult classic, this almost seems like an obvious move yet it's nearly unheard of in other instances. It's feels as though there was some risky decisions being made that were unpopular within the wider industry, placing Defiance Remastered into an commercial underdog status. Despite it all, the developers not only succeeded, but they exceeded every expectation I could've had. The fans who were contracted to help make this happen were given the opportunity of a lifetime, and they stuck the landing so expertly you can't help but think they've been waiting their whole lives to do it. It's such a remarkable success story that reignites my hope for the gaming industry as a whole. If you value devotion and passion in game development, I heavily recommend you support the team by purchasing this game.

I was sold as soon as I found out the remaster fixed the camera angle issue the original game had. But I feel like this game is still a beta version of what it could be. Feels like we as gamers have been spoiled by games like Elden Ring for combat mechanics and LoK Defiance Remastered really shows its age here. I fully support this game in the hopes that there are enough gamers like myself that want to see this franchise thrive. I believe if LoK Defiance was remastered again and the only thing the devs did was make the combat mechanics more responsive, like current titles coming out in recent years, this game would be 11/10 The combat controls are frustrating. Dodge and jump are mapped to the same button, so mid-combat when you want to dodge an incoming attack instead you jump. No control over the lock-on system you just have to go off vibes and what direction the character is facing. This is unbelievably frustrating after playing any Souls like game. For the love of all things holy, I beg you devs, do NOT touch the story. It is perfect. Just update the combat mechanics to feel like something that didnt come out twenty years ago. LoK Defiance is a game before its time and paved the way for current Souls like games.