Customer Reviews

Soul Reaver 2: The Legacy of Kain Series

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(25)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I've been a fan of this series since Blood Omen, and I've loved both games that have came out. But, literally, this game blows away the competition.

First the graphics are a HUGE leap and will be some of the best for any game of any genre for any system to date. Raziel alone takes up more than 30,000 polygons! You can see every little grusome detail better thanks to the Playstation 2, and you're going to have to notice alot details to make it passed the puzzels.

You'll acquire new and improved Soul Reaver weapon enhancements, physical abilities, and relics to interact with the environment and unlock the secrets of Nosgoth. Encounter a whole load of new enemies including vampire hunters, vampires, Sarafan warrior-priests, spectral spirits, and extra-dimensional demons. Immerse yourself in a gothic realm of highly detailed architecture and environments supported with an intriguing storyline, in-game cinematic events and compelling voice-over.

No more pushing blocks around for Raziel, now to get access to certain areas you're going to have some thinking to do, while some tasks are quite obvious, some are not. And some require you to back-track, get a certain ability then return at a later point in the game.

If you liked Soul Reaver, you like Soul Reaver 2, that is, if you've got your playstation 2, if you don't, get one! Happy gamming.

I almost feel compelled to defend Soul Reaver 2. When I wrote my first review for this game I had not beaten it yet. But now that I have finished the game I feel I can offer a defense for the game.

Yes it is a fairly short game. But really why does that matter? Would people rather have a game that's endless hours of boring game play (Dark Angel comes to mind) or a game that is not very long yet offers a compelling story line, fantastic gameplay and top-notch voice acting? There are plenty of games that you could purchase that would be longer in playing time, but not hold a candle to Soul Reaver 2's quality. And isn't that what we want as gamers, quality gaming?

Sure I wish the game would have been longer too, but that shortcoming doesn't make me wish I never purchased the game. The story line is so incredible that it ranks up there with some of the best games I have ever purchased. Yes Soul Reaver 1 was a longer game, but how many people got tired of the Drowned Abbey section of the game, or the pointless finding of the glyphs (they really had no bearing on the game). Soul Reaver 2 has less wondering around and gives you better direction on where to go and what to do.

Another knock on the game that I have read is that it is too much watching and not enough playing. I can understand this, but the story line is the driving force behind Soul Reaver 2. It's answering questions that span 2 previous games and tying in all the story lines. Which by the way they do fantastically.

So in my opinion this game is not a waste of your (money). Though it may be short, it is a lot of bang for your buck.

I know many of us have been waiting for this game for a long time (from the moment I passed soul reaver 1), and now it has been delayed further. But the reasons for the delay excite me even more. Eidos said they woiuldn't release the game until it was 100% done. Unlike other companies who are ok with little problems here and there. They are making sure that the frame rate is extremely high everywhere in the game, the are guarenteeing that this will be the greatest game Ever made.

I hate waiting too, but I can wait for gaming perfection.

Soul Reaver 2 is by far the best game in the series. I wouldn't put it past me to say that on top of that, this is the best game you can get for PS2. This is one of those games that rises far above the quota, so far past the norm. An immaculate host of elements ensnared me, and completely emersed me in this world for the period of the game, and beyond.
The tale twists and turns at every corner, yet each new bend makes so much sense, and opens up many new questions. And so it continues....a fresh view at every turn. The player is rewarded by a cinamatic sequence every few moves. These ingame 'films' are so exquisitely crafted and enacted that the next cinamatic compells you forward at an ungodly pace through it's archetecture. There's never a flawed moment, never a slack of pace. Soul Rever 2 pretty much epitomizes story driven gaming and brings the genre to a higher level.
The Visuals are also a huge leap ahead of it's predecessors. The artistry that went into the making of Nosgoth's landscapes and archetecture is complemented by fine detail and meticulously crafted density. Beautifully rendered and grafted into a massive whole.
The music is also note worthy. A score that completely emmerses the player into the world and flawlessly intigrates the two aspects. Basicly comprised of otherworldly gothic/orchestral combined with a base of mid eastern sound design. Very effective, and of the highest quality.
The sound effects are first rate. Perfectly executed.
The Voice talent is beyond comparison. No editing flaws, and in perfect sync to the mouth movements. Could not have been done better. I'm particularly fond of Simon Templeman's performance as Kain. Performed to excellence.
The puzzles are difficult and require alot of thinking. But instead of the same old (block pushing/lever pulling) Soul Reaver 2 incorperates very fresh ideas. The obstructions in your path are indeed very well done. The game never ceases to shine.
There is one flaw. But this flaw is also a complement, and aplies to all good games: too short. All games have an end. Soul Reaver 2 is the shortest game in the series, and it's ceasing was ill accepted by myself. I wanted more. MORE. I want Soul Reaver 3.
There are many points as to gameplay- Creatures, Gore, Abilities.... I could spend days writing about the glory of this game. Know that these elements are without a doubt incredibly executed. Phaseshifting is thrilling and so well done. The fact that there are no ingame load times, that it is one giant map laid out is a compliment to the gaming industry.
All in all this is one of the best games ever made, characterized by intricate and beautiful design and execution. Intense gameplay, combined with acutely perceptive game-design and sound promise a beyond time experience.

First off let me state that I am a huge fan of the Legacy of Kain series of games. I have been looking forward to Soul Reaver 2 probably more than any other game that was coming out on the PS2 (well I am looking forward to Blood Omen 2 as well). This game to me is probably what Metal Gear Solid 2 is to many others, the game that we really "got to have." The fantastic story lines, the best voice acting I have ever heard in a series of games.

And to talk about the story lines is really the heart of the Legacy of Kain series. It is an unfolding drama with each game that you get is this spectacular series. And for many of this, that's what drew us in, that and the voice acting from the first game. Plus the subject matter (vampires) is of interest to me.

For those that have been anxiously awaiting this game I need offer no recommendation, you have already been drawn in and I don't need to tell you that you should get this game. But for those who have never played any of the now three games in this series I would still suggest getting this game.

If you are into graphics (who isn't right?), then you won't be disappointed, they are simply fantastic. I am amazed at what the next generation consoles can do, who knew when we were back playing the Legend of Zelda? We are finally starting to see the reasons why we bought our PS2's.

But again, it's the voice acting and story where Soul Reaver 2 shine. It's the continuing quest of Raziel to destroy his former master turned nemesis Kain. But the story is not so straight forward, there are always twists in the Legacy of Kain world. It's our visual book on the story of these two characters, the history of Nosgoth and how their world has taken shape by the actions of the past.

Will you be lost jumping into this game now that it's the 3rd part in the series? Maybe a little bit. But the disc has some options to catch you up with the story. You can watch how Soul Reaver 2 ended, read parts of the history of Nosgoth (all of this is accessible from the menu screen) and even view a time line of some of the history.

So was it worth the long wait? I would have to say yes and a big thanks to Eidos for making such quality games even if they do take a little while to get out.

Hello all Soul Reaver fans and non-fans alike. For those of you that have not played the original soul reaver game read here, if you have already played it please read the next paragraph. For those of you not in the know there is a first soul reaver game for the original playstation. This was an exelent game and i would suggest it to anyone who is a fan of any vampire legend. This game is a 3rd person kind of game where the camera is behind Raziel (the hero of these games). Because this is made by the same company that made Tomb Raider there are some similarities in the game play but they have revised it to make it better. Also there is a very deep story to this game that doesn't appear in the Tomb Raider games. IF you have not played the first game then it will take you some time to adjust to the game play but it is simple enough to pick up. The story may confuse you at first as there are holes in this plot that the game makers exepcted the gamer to fill in because they had played the first one, but you will figure it out on your own.As far as graphics are concerned this is one of the best that i have see for the PS2 yet. Over all is a good game to get into even if you have not played the first.

For those that are veterian soul reaver players here is the review of the second in the series. There are some elements of the game-play that are taken straight from the first game and so this will make the transition very easy. However the world in this one is a little less expansive and there are less places to go. Also if you are a fan of the puzzle/enemies (key enemies that are beaten through wit rather then force) from the first game, then you will be saddened to note that there are none in this game. However the story has more twists and turns then in the first game and will keep you on edge. Other then that the puzzels are like the first game (not exacely the same but the same style) and the graphics are much better then the first (hey it's a PS2 what do you expect).

Here it is in a nut shell. If you have played the first you will do better then if you haven't. Those that have not played the first should. The graphics are nice and the game play is there as well. The story should keep everyone on edge while giving return players a better look at Raziel. Over all a good buy but you may want to wait until it comes down to about $... instead of the $... that it sells for right now.

Well worth the wait despite how quickly I finished it. This game is most definitely the best of its kind so far. The game play is excellent, the story is compelling (and it even makes sense if you pay attention) and the voice acting - superb! There seems to be no extraneous charachters in the game, which is nice.

I really only have one complaint about this game, what happened to Morpheus and the Elder God? There was no explanation of their fates? But after playing Metal Gear II, I can really forgive LOK II for leaving us hanging - again. This game had just the right amount of FMV and cut scences with the right balance of play time. Buy this one, I even kept it after I finished and will no doubt play it again. It is short, but REALLY SWEET! The 3D environment is cool, allowing you to move all around, without silly movement restrictions (like in MGS II and RES EVIL where you cant jump over, or move or blow up a chair or some other small object to get by). The fluid movement of Raziel is great and once you get used to the controls, its time to steal lots of souls!! The addition of deadly enemies in the "other" world is great allowing no refuge from harm when the heat is on. Very challenging and very beautilful game. BUY IT, BUY IT, BUY IT - was that convincing enough?

This is game number 3 in a (currently) 5 game series. I am coming back and writing this review after having played all of the games, and 3 years after having played it the first time through (I have recently played it again start to finish).

Simply put, this game is amazing.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS
The graphics were incredible for its time, and still are good. The textures, the locales, and the ambience are all exceedingly well done. The music ranges from really good to unnoticed.

Then there is the voice acting. This entire series, and especially this game, have the best voice acting of any videogame I've ever seen. It's even better than most movies that come out these days. Even most of the people who dislike or hate the game admit the acting is superb. The character animations fit the dialogue, which is itself very well written.

STORY
Being a story-driven game, this is where it shines. It is rare to see videogames with actual dynamic characters, and a well laid out plot. I can't go into detail about it, partly because it's a vast storyline (with 2 games full of plot preceeding it), and partly becasue i don't want to spoil it for anyone. Besides, the game's pacing and unfolding of the story is done so well, I don't want to screw it up by telling it poorly.

GAMEPLAY
I prefer the puzzles in this game to the ones in any of the other games. They seem more organic, if a little easier. Gone are the block puzzles, and (for the most part) jumping puzzles. These seem more like a riddle without words.

Combat is interesting at first, but grows stale after not too long. While a general improvement on the first games, this is probably the worst part about this game (and it's not that bad).
On one hand, it never really gets frustrating, on the other, it's never really that exciting. Combat in general is why this game received 4 stars (instead of 5) in the fun department.

I loved the puzzle-type boss battles from Soul Reaver 1, and was saddened to not have them here, but it's something you'll learn to live with out.

The camera in this game (unlike most 3d games) is excellent, mainly because you're in control of it. Having full control of its rotation is such a relief and suprisingly rare in games of this ilk.

I actually like the fact that there are no "powerups" in this game. Hunting all over the world for hidden pieces of extra health has its place, but not in such a plot-driven game such as this one.

OVERALL
It is a superbly presented game. It's biggest fault is that it is rather on the short side (probably 10 hours of gameplay to beat), but that just means its slightly longer than most other games out there nowadays. But, what time you do spend playing it is well worth that time.

Well, I finally got the third installment of the soap opera that is the Legacy of Kain. Here, Raziel continues his pursuit of the enigmatic Kain, but begins to doubt the true intentions of his benefactor, the Elder God. Finally, we are introduced to the great vampire, Janos Audron, referenced heavily in the original Blood Omen...
However, Soul Reaver 2 seems more intent on displaying the voice talents of their (very impressive!) cast, and creating a cinematic work, rather than a gaming tour de force. Yes, the cut scenes are quite amazing, drawing the gamer more deeply into the story than ever before. However, I would have liked more puzzles, more dungeons, and most certainly a greater variety of enemies. Rather, I am treated to an ominously eerie Elder God making vague threats to his agent Raziel, or Kain feeling sorry for himself (again!), or Raziel treating us to his observations of the ever-changing world of Nosgoth around him. Yes, it is nice, and the voice actors do the characters a great justice, but I bought the game to PLAY, not to WATCH. So, fans of the action of Soul Reaver, beware...

This game looked promising, and it was inexpensive so I took a chance. It's an okay game: the graphics are good but not amazing, the storyline is okay, etc. I just really didn't get hooked on it the way I did with Devil May Cry, the Final Fantasys, and others. I also didn't play the first one, though it is not necessary to pick up on the story. If you like the first one, then you'll probably like this, otherwise I would say spend your money elsewhere.