Legacy of Kain: Ascendance Reviews
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.