Crystal Dynamics has just unveiled the first new Legacy of Kain game in 23 years, alongside a sleek-looking Soul Reaver remaster. The Legacy of Kain franchise, a beloved cult classic among Millennial goths with an English degree, is set to make a comeback. The series began with Blood Omen in 1996 and continued with Soul Reaver in 1999, followed by a three-year gap filled by Soul Reaver 2, Blood Omen 2, and Legacy of Kain: Defiance in 2003. After a 21-year hiatus, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered was released in 2024, reigniting dormant fans' excitement. Now, Crystal Dynamics has announced two more releases in the series, set to arrive soon.
The first release, Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered, is set to debut on March 3, 2026, and will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Developed by Crystal Dynamics and PlayEveryWare, this remaster promises new graphic upgrades, modernized controls, and extensive bonus content. Pre-ordering before launch grants fans bonus skins for the main characters, Kain and Raziel, based on the original 'Shifter' game concept. The remaster includes a choice between the original fixed camera and a new third-person camera, as well as a photo mode, alternate character skins, a lore reader, unreleased content, and 'lost levels' from the original game.
The second game, Legacy of Kain: Ascendance, is a brand-new addition to the franchise. Announced after the State of Play presentation, it is a fast-paced 2D action platformer developed by Bit Bot Media in association with FreakZone Games. The game features original voice actors reprising their iconic roles, including Simon Templeman as Kain, Michael Bell as Raziel, Anne Gunn as Ariel, and Richard Doyle as Moebius. The project showcases a unique blend of art styles, with 3D sections inspired by the PS1 era, offering story-driven interactions and lore-heavy sequences. The game is set to release on March 31, 2026, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Both games are highly anticipated, and Crystal Dynamics has assured fans that there's more to come. The Legacy of Kain series is set to continue, bringing back a beloved franchise that has captivated fans for years.
