A Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver remake seems more likely than ever following Embracer Group's purchase of Crystal Dynamics from Square Enix. The dark fantasy series follows the adventures of vampiric antihero Kain and undead vampire slayer Raziel. While the series has achieved cult classic status, with Legacy of Kain: Souls Reaver remembered particularly fondly, the latest entry in the series launched way back in 2003. Square Enix seemingly left the Legacy of Kain series behind, but now is the perfect time for Crystal Dynamics to do a new Legacy of Kain game or a remake of the beloved title.
Released in 1999, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver serves as a direct sequel to Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain while giving the series a fresh perspective. The first game stars the titular vampire lord Kain, but the sequel sees players assume the role of his lieutenant Raziel. The undead warrior is killed by Kain, but he is resurrected as a ghostly wraith and given the task of hunting his former master. Raziel's ability to transition between the physical and spiritual worlds is the key to solving puzzles in Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, and different groups of enemies are present in the two distinct realms. Combat and traversal evolve over the course of the game as players acquire new abilities and weapons.
Recently Square Enix sold Crystal Dynamics to a holding company called Embracer Group, leading to uncertainty about the future of franchises like Tomb Raider and Legacy of Kain. Since the 2003 launch of Legacy of Kain: Defiance, developer Crystal Dynamics began focusing solely on the Tomb Raider archeology adventure series. The developer created remakes, with 2007's Tomb Raider: Anniversary recreating the original 1996 game, and a modern reboot trilogy that began in 2013. However, no new Legacy of Kain games have been made following Square Enix's purchase of the studio. While Embracer's purchase of Crystal Dynamics is another big change, this transaction may actually be to the benefit of Soul Reaver fans.
Crystal Dynamics Could Remake Soul Reaver Under Embracer Group
The possibility of a Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver remake following the Embracer deal should excite fans of the vampire action series. The holding company has expressed interest in remaking or creating sequels to Crystal Dynamics' portfolio of franchises, which contains Legacy of Kain alongside Tomb Raider and Deus Ex. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is particularly memorable, so it seems likely that a modern remake of that game would be an instant consideration. The title is also the perfect subject for a remake, since gamers praised its story and art style but criticized its repetitive gameplay. A remake could let Crystal Dynamics enhance Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver's combat while leaving its narrative and style intact.
Square Enix selling Crystal Dynamics may sound worrisome for the developer's lineup of games, but it could actually open the door to exciting new projects. Rumors say that a Sony acquisition of Square Enix is coming, and the publisher likely would have continued ignoring Legacy of Kain following the purchase. Embracer group now owns Crystal Dynamics instead, and the company seems interested in resurrecting long-dead games like Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver.