Shattered, broken, and a grotesque shade of his former glory, Raziel has risen from the depths of the damnation thrust upon him. Vengeance consumes him, a bitter irony, since it was this same all-consuming hunger for revenge that set into motion the destiny of his nemesis and "father", Kain. It all began so many, many, years ago when the Vampire Kain,  who chose to rule over the corrupted world rather than sacrifice his kind, sought out to wreak the ultimate irony by converting the former Sarafan warriors (those sworn to destroy vampires) into his own dark lieutenants. Raziel was one of these Sarafan warriors, and his prowess as a guardian translated as powerfully in his vampire form. So much did Raziel excel, that he surpassed his master, Kain, and one day bore wings that even Kain had not been given. This blessing was the curse that doomed Raziel - and in a jealous rage, Kain sadistically tore the wings form Raziel's body and had him thrown into the Lake of the Dead where Raziel would suffer from everlasting fires. Once more, Raziel is played by fate, and now is plucked from the Lake of the Dead by The Elder God who has his own agenda for Raziel. Defiant, Raziel sets out to destroy Kain, and jaded by his past, trusts no one, no matter whose side they claim to be on, and vowing allegiance to no one.

This is only one small sliver of the epic tale of Nosgoth, already seemingly infinite in it's enigmas, and yet it keeps so many more mysteries halfly-hidden in it the folds of its dark cloak. The Legacy of Kain series virtually defies definition - a uniquely crafted and designed game, as well as a cleverly concocted and eloquently told tale. For simplicity's sake, Soul Reaver 2 is an adventure/action title in the tradition of its PSX predecessor. You reprise your role as Raziel, first used and betrayed by Kain, and then resurrected at the hands of The Elder God. The game commences as Raziel confronts Kain for the first time since his eternal death sentence.

While it's indisputable that the gameplay focus falls more heavily on the adventure aspects than action, this does not in any way indicate that the development team spent less time creating the battle system. After all, the game is called Soul Reaver - the name of the weapon which serves as reminder of Raziel's fate with the weapon's own vampiric nature. You see, the Soul Reaver is a rather temperamental magical weapon - sucking your own life if it feels, as they describe, "over-aroused."  It is fairly easy to activate and deactivate should you desire to use it sparingly. Over the course of the game, it will have access to four "elemental" abilities as well, these abilities acquired on your journey. While it is powerful, the risk to you own health, and the fact that it will collect the souls of the defeated, make weapon alternatives seem so much the more appealing for general combat. Alternate weapons come in the form of various melee weapons that you either pluck from the bodies of the slain or are perchance find mounted on various walls or weapon racks. 

A nifty feature of the combat system is the "auto target" which will first highlight an enemy and will actually target them (indicated by a small red circle at their feet) when pressed long enough. The auto target also gives you a convenient blocking move which can easily be executed even while using the feature. You will have two combat buttons, a shorter faster attack, and a longer one which does more damage, but leaves your vulnerable to enemy attack longer (this is a significant factor since it must be mentioned that enemy AI is well-developed). The attacks will also build in intensity with the amount of swings you are able to consecutively execute. And... importantly: When you slay an enemy, you have the opportunity to rein in their escaping souls to replenish your own health.

Also coming into play, and another familiar aspect from the original games, is "phasing." What this does it allow you to traverse between the real world and what is known as the "spectral" realm. This allows you to pass through otherwise impassible gates - with the restrictions that this gate of impediment be permeable. However, it is important to plan this accordingly as you will not be able pass back into the material realm without a portal that allows you to do so. You will also need full health to use that portal - so try not to phase unless you have (a) an escape, or (b) you are forced to in order to progress past a certain barrier in the game.

Amongst some of the other actions you will find yourself carrying out as Raziel are the standard fare of adventure titles, such as jumping, sneaking, blocking attacks - with an additional move of using the tattered remnants of Raziel's wings to glide over precipices. Puzzles in Soul Reaver 2 have progressed past the more basic ones in the original title, now involving some unexpected elements which may both surprise and challenge genre-regulars. It's more than moving boxes and jumping, even environmental effects come into play (like sunlight). Saving is accomplished at "Obelisks" that are set at certain points on your journey. Perhaps the only letdown is the shortness of the game - falling under the 15 hour range for the average gamer. Yet, this seems to happen quite a bit with some of the higher quality games I've seen lately - I've rather gotten used to that.

Graphically, Soul Reaver 2 is definitely a step above average, and the cut-scenes are especially well done. Raziel's tortured body, jawless and emaciated, and now tainted blue by the Lake of the Dead, gives the appropriate impression of the unjustified punishment meted onto him. While some environments occasionally seem a bit open and perhaps a tad bland, it is uncertain whether or not this was meant to reflect the desolation of the lands after Kain's corruption. The game also sustains virtually no loading times, despite its faithful recreation of a ambient gothic world. Even with the impressive graphics, the game still runs smooth as silk - a big bonus considering some recent graphically intensive games come with the penalty of frequent or long loading times.

Now, on to the two features of Soul Reaver 2 that have aroused my most undying and seemingly endless admiration: The scriptwriting and those chosen to cast their own energies into vocalizing that script to readers. Undoubtedly, the elaborate vocabulary and eloquent presentation of the story of Nosgoth in Soul Reaver 2 may try the patience of less patient gamers. However, in my opinion, it is the very dedication of the creators of Soul Reaver 2 in giving the title such an outstanding script that not only indicates to me the respect they have for their Legacy of Kain saga, but also a significant token of respect to the long-time fans of the series and their desire for a game that's more than a formula with a vampire/gothic theme thrown over it. If the scriptwriters released a book I'd buy it - it's been a long time since I've enjoyed such a masterful manipulation of the English language.

Voice casting is immaculate! You know, I'd recognize Tony Jay's voice a mile away. Mr. Jay, whose credits for films and voice-overs is longer than this review (gasp), is probably most well known for his parts in animated series' such as Spider-Man and the only villain who really pushed the envelope in the Disney kingdom, Judge Claude Frollo in the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Along with Mr. Jay are Michael Bell, Simon Templeton, Richard Doyle, and Rene Auberjonois (more commonly known from his role as Odo in the Star Trek world). Each and every voice contributes a class and elegance to the title which rifles it far and above the typical game, and it may even some voice acting in NPR dramas. 

Lastly, there are a number of wonderful extras integrated into the Soul Reaver 2 disc. Available for Nosgothian enthusiasts, both new and old, are character and world histories, behind the scenes look at concept art, screens, production details, voice-acting cut aways (which show the voice actors as they recite the script along with a visual of the game screen), and an entertaining look into the humorous outtakes from the team. You're given some free samples in the beginning, it's up to you to unlock the rest. Oh yeah, and did I mention an awesome Blood Omen 2 preview trailer?

I think you get the impression that I really enjoyed Soul Reaver. If there were Pulitzer Prizes for best scriptwriting for a game, the Soul Reaver 2 team would have it hands down. Perhaps they need to invent a couple new awards categories after Soul Reaver 2. Both graphics and gameplay are smooth as ice and blend seamlessly into an epic gaming experience. Nosgoth fans, both old and new, will find Soul Reaver 2 more than a worthy addition to their long beloved saga.

Difficulty: 8 
Soul Reaver 2 is quite newcomer friendly... giving you helpful on screen instructions when a new skill is introduced. There controls and game difficulty are configured soundly enough to accommodate many experience levels.

Concept: 9
The Legacy of Kain continues. The Legacy of Kain series defies the generic formula so often portrayed in so many of today's common goth/vampire settings. Trendiness so often leads to a reduction in quality and creativity - but this is not the case here. Soul Reaver 2 not only amply answers the "hunger" of long time fans, but also satiates the needs of a newcomer looking for something above the common. For it's creative talent - I would rank this game 9+, irregardless of the overall score.

Overall: 8.9
Eidos and Crystal Dynamics have brought to us a most wondrous tale to devour. Soul Reaver 2 is the result of a painstaking devotion to creating a complex and intriguing world that consumes the gamer as it's hero Raziel devours souls. It is will, without a doubt, entertain fans of Nosgoth and dark fantasy, and leave those of a literary inclination with an impression they shall not soon forget.