Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered Reviews
With this remaster bundle, Aspyr offers graphically reworked versions of both games, which can also shine in their original look if desired, as well as a lot of interesting bonus material that you can browse through. Minor adjustments such as a compass, a rudimentary map of the surroundings and slightly revised controls make the game a little more accessible. Unfortunately, however, the game fails to integrate quality-of-life improvements such as a free save system, which I clearly missed during testing. Unfortunately, I had missed the two parts of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver for the first PlayStation generations. I never got beyond a few demo levels of the first game. In this respect, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered is of course the perfect opportunity for me to experience these games, which are steeped in history. Otherwise, the target group is likely to be primarily connoisseurs of the original or gamers with a penchant for retro gaming. Because the basic gameplay of both titles is actually a little outdated thanks to the many walking paths and the simple combat system, even if the story surrounding Raziel's campaign of revenge against Kain is still very successful and dense. In conclusion, it can be said that Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered revives a popular series that was unfortunately forgotten too soon, but just like the games, it is not perfect. But who knows, maybe the bundle will pave the way for a real remake of Legacy of Kain. Raziel and Kain definitely deserve it.
Review in German | Read full review
All in all, Soul Reaver 1 and 2 definitely have their areas of appeal and I can see why there is such a devoted fan base for these games, even in 2025. The biggest flaw that I see is this: there are games with better puzzle elements in this day and age and there are games with better combat in this day and age. In an ever-growing world of remasters and reboots of old franchises, I cannot say in good faith that these games hold their weight in the current age of gaming.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered offers, in many ways, the same things that the original Soul Reavers did: a compelling, grand narrative, a unique world to dissect, incredible atmosphere, et cetera. For that alone, this remaster is worth purchasing, as it is essentially the "definitive" version to play these games.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered revives the long-dormant series with a timely reminder of its everlasting excellence
Raziel is back in upgraded versions of the Soul Reaver games in Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1-2 Remastered.
This remaster treatment faithfully cleans up the visuals, adds some quality-of-life improvements, and stuffs the package with bonus materials, presenting the games at their best, notwithstanding some minor visual bugs.
Soul Reaver 1 and 2 Remastered is a great collection, elevated more by the simple joy of playing through the campaigns again.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered is, quite simply, the perfect remaster: it has improvements on all fronts, demonstrates absolute respect for the source material and adds a host of invaluable extras. Do not be afraid and let these vampires into your home.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Soul Reaver and its sequel benefit from modern controls and minor visual upgrades yet there are niggling issues these remasters fail to address. Sparsely placed checkpoints and the lack of a quick save feature do little to help accommodate the sensibilities of modern gamers and will no doubt lead to prospective new fans and nostalgia seekers to bounce off pretty hard, especially if they encounter the same crashes we ran into.
Combat and platforming controls remain unchanged, which benefits Soul Reaver 1 but hinders Soul Reaver 2 and its clunky movement tweaks. Both games flaunt lavish character upgrades and stunning re-renders of the original's cutscenes. Still, environment texture upscales are often unnoticeable, and the lack of video options is a sore point, especially as the all-new map screen misbehaves on 16:10 screens at launch.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered is a welcome reminder of just how engaging Raziel's tale of vengeance can be.
The Legacy of Kain series deserves to come back, and this collection is a nice first step. These games are dated, but still excellent.
What's most important here is that Nosgoth remains as interesting as ever, and this new collection is currently the best way to play both Soul Reaver games, be it for the first time and as a part of nostalgic comeback.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered is like the coin dilemma. On the one hand we have two video games that are real milestones of videogame entertainment, until now impossible to enjoy in an acceptable way. If the coin had fallen on this side, the Soul Reavers would have been condemned to oblivion. On the other hand, we have a remaster that limits itself to making only the changes essential to use on modern platforms: the bare essentials, the homework. In any case, heads or tails, the game is rigged and no one wins. I'd like to think that there might be a third option, a monumental secret hidden somewhere, but the truth is that we can only settle for this double remaster and hope that the series continues.
Review in Italian | Read full review
If you’re a fan of the old games, then Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered will be a breath of fresh air. On the other hand, new players will likely have a very difficult time with these games.
In short, it is a product whose remastering is more aimed at fans of that time than new players, who have been enjoying some playable improvements that the medium has adopted for years and that they will not find. But also, a window to a good past, in which games already had a solid, fun and incredible base, which have forged the future we enjoy today, because of course, maybe many of you don't know it, but the head of Soul Reaver was Amy Hennig, creator also of the Uncharted saga and currently in charge of Marvel 1943: Ryse of Hydra.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered has the undoubted merit of preserving and re-proposing in an updated key a saga that still has all the cards on the table to fascinate the public, thanks to charismatic characters and evocative imagery.
Review in Italian | Read full review
It is a collection that should be tried by both fans of the originals and those who want to start getting to know the franchise; It could be the perfect start. And, although Blood Omen was really the first chapter, it does need a major update, to the point that a remake should be made.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
A worthy remastering of a title completely ravaged to time, with barely functioning combat dragging down an otherwise brilliant example of world-building and narrative.
Soul Reaver and its sequel are both perfect storms of story, voice work, soundtracks, and now they have the final pieces they needed to become classics for a new generation with revamped controls and now gorgeous graphics. While I'd like to see the execution be a touch cleaner, the sum of its parts is so damned strong that it lets you experience this incredible game all over again. I know you, Raziel. You are worthy.