Kain has long been embroiled in a struggle for identity. He has been oft deluded into believing he was the one destined to rule Nosgoth. He organized legions of vampires, and went to war with the Sarafan, a fanatical order of warrior-priests.

There was a time when Kain, as a mortal was destined to become the Guardian of Balance. But he was murdered and Mortanius pulled him from the brink of oblivion. Kain was offered the opportunity to return as one of the undead – a vampire. His need for vengeance overpowered reason and he agreed.

This set in motion the series of stories depicted through five games. Raziel was one of Kain’s lieutenants, but he created a horrible sin – he evolved faster than Kain. Raziel grew wings, which Kain shredded before having Raziel cast into the Lake of the Dead – a watery grave that would burn him like acid for eternity. But another power interceded. An ancient god plucked Raziel from the torturous grave and transformed him into a devourer of souls.

But Raziel was also consumed by the desire to avenge himself on Kain.

And so the tale was woven. Enter now Legacy of Kain: Defiance, a PlayStation2 release from Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Interactive. For the first time in the history of the game, players can play as both Kain and Raziel. The scenes interchange, and the tale is wonderfully constructed to give a rich and amazing plot. In the world of RPGs (role-playing games), this is one of the most originally and immersive tales. It is an amazing piece of scripting.

Kain is not only battling Raziel, but also manipulating him. Raziel is manipulated by the ancient god, manifested in a multi-eyed and tentacled creature, but what role is that elder god playing in the battle for power and control of Nosgoth. Raziel is bound to a soul reaver, a wraith blade that devours souls. And then there is Morbius, the one who controls time, and is seemingly trying to use Kain as a puppet for his own end.

While the storyline of this game is very involved, unfortunately the game structure is not. This is a somewhat linear game that will require players to pay attention to the environments to look for clues to solve the pattern of the course through the levels. The introduction to Raziel will have players leaping and gliding through a cavern to platforms, all on a time limit. If time runs out, or you die, then you restart the level from the last save point.

The combat system has some very nice attributes as well. Both Kain and Raziel have telekinesis abilities. These abilities can allow you to send out a power pulse that knocks enemies around. Or you can lift them and throw them in a direction – like off a bridge into an abyss or into a spike on the wall. Kain will suck the blood of his victims and recharge his health meters, while Raziel will devour the souls of the slain.

The control elements of this game are very straightforward and simple to use. Players should be able to leap into this game quickly. The game play can tend toward some arcade elements, in leap points and such, but generally the movement through a level is reasonably open, and players can explore the environments at will.

Graphically, this is a title that is very well done. The camera does get hung up occasionally on the environment, but the settings are imaginative and very well rendered. The animation is very smooth and the game has a very dynamic look.

The game’s sound is lush. The vocal acting fits extremely well with the dialogue, and there is a real vibrancy to the sound elements that really accentuate the game’s setting.

Legacy of Kain: Defiance does answer many of the questions that fans of the series have been waiting to hear. Couple that with a well-scripted story, exceptional graphics and an amazing soundtrack and you have the elements for a gripping tale. The only real setback is the linear nature of the game.

This title is rated Mature for blood and gore and intense violence.

Gameplay: 8

The mapboards are somewhat linear and once you find the path through the game, there is little that will extend replayability of the title.

Graphics: 8.8

This game features solid animation, and great imaginative environments. There is a marked difference between the cutscenes and the gameplay, but this game looks very good.

Sound: 9.5

The vocal acting is amazing. The voices are rich, and while some of the dialogue is a little contrived, the incidences of this are very few and far between. This is a game that is a real treat for the ears.

Difficulty: Medium

The game does have a lot of challenges, mostly of the reflexive variety, but you must be observant to navigate the environments.

Concept: 9

Kain and Raziel together in the same game – cool! A simple interface really helps move this game along, but what really helps is, like all the titles in this series, this is extremely well written.

Overall: 8.5

The game is a terrific immersion into the richly conceived world of Nosgoth. There is so much to the story that fans of the series will be delighted. Unfortunately, the game is rather linear in design, but counter that with terrific graphics, amazing sound and you have a game worth indulging in.