Legacy of Kain: Ascendance Reviews
Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is a game that is hard to fully recommend, even to the most hardcore devotees. It is obvious that the developers have a lot of love for the franchise, and those fleeting moments where the lore lines up and the gameplay comes together do feel good. But it’s buried under clunky platforming and repetitive combat that aren’t so easy to forgive when similar titles in the genre are shining right now. It is not the triumphant return to form we have been waiting decades for, but rather a wobbly, albeit nostalgic, stepping stone. Hopefully, it shows the powers that be that there is still an audience hungry for Nosgoth, but this specific outing just misses the mark.
Legacy of Kain: Ascendance may not be the triumphant return that long-time fans have hoped for, but it is a confident step toward bringing the series back into the spotlight. Its moody pixel art, stellar voice performances, and thunderous industrial-orchestral soundtrack capture the gothic soul of Nosgoth remarkably well, even in a new 2D form. While the straightforward combat and brief runtime keep it from reaching the heights of the series’ best entries, the game still delivers an entertaining slice of dark fantasy that respects the lore and legacy that came before it.
Unfortunately, Legacy of Kain: Ascendance fails to impress on a gameplay level. The controls feel too imprecise for a platformer, and the combat is rather dull. On the other hand, the writing and dialogue stand out—they fit perfectly within the series and are excellently delivered by the familiar voice actors. The soundtrack also deserves praise, but it is often far too intense in the wrong moments, undermining rather than enhancing the atmosphere. All in all, this trip to Nosgoth is only recommended for hardcore fans who are eager to pick up a few extra pieces of lore.
Review in German | Read full review
Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is an example of a game I truly wanted to recommend because of my love for the series, but I simply cannot. Aside from the "packaging"—the beautiful graphics and superb voice acting—there is unfortunately little else to justify experiencing this game.
Legacy of Kain: Ascendance fulfills its role as a return to the franchise. There is a legitimate attempt here to expand the universe, explore new perspectives, and make the experience more accessible. Still, its limitations are evident.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is the worst thing to happen to the IP since Square Enix. A project that’s half a rudimentary platformer and half a painfully faithful adaptation of a terrible graphic novel was, of course, exactly what I was wishing for the IP in 2026.
Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is a welcome but uneven return that leans heavily on its strengths in writing, voice acting, and atmosphere. The Shakespearean dialogue and multi-character narrative are engaging even for newcomers, but the experience is clearly aimed at long-time fans. While the combat can feel satisfying when its rhythm clicks, it is held back by a lack of polish, repetitive encounters, and underwhelming bosses. Paired with basic level design that never truly evolves, the game’s standout elements end up being its moody pixel art presentation and excellent metal soundtrack, which together do much of the heavy lifting in keeping the experience compelling.