With the recent resurgence of interest in the Legacy of Kain series, speculation is mounting on what it would take to bring a new entry to life, fueled by insights from developers and fans alike. NoClip’s documentary, featuring interviews with original developers, industry veterans, and fans, delves into what a revival of Legacy of Kain might entail and the hurdles it faces. You can watch the full documentary on their YouTube channel. As we celebrate the release of the Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1-2 Remastered, let’s explore the prospects for this storied franchise.
A Renaissance in the Making?
Danny O’Dwyer, founder of NoClip, set the stage for this discussion by highlighting the renewed commercial activity surrounding the series. From the rerelease of Blood Omen to the crowdfunding success of a Soul Reaver prequel graphic novel, which raised over $1.5 million on Kickstarter, the signs point to a potential rebirth. Yet, O’Dwyer aptly noted the industry’s current economic challenges, as highlighted in a recent Variety report on the state of video games, and the complexities of creating a modern AAA game.
Frank O’Connor, a former Crystal Dynamics designer, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the financial and logistical hurdles: “Making games nowadays is much more expensive than it was. That means the risks are higher.” However, he also highlighted that Legacy of Kain still resonates with a surprisingly large fanbase, as evidenced by market research.
What Fans Want
Jake Hughes, another Crystal Dynamics designer, pointed to the franchise’s gothic atmosphere and visceral gameplay as key elements that fans would want to see in a modern iteration. “They’d want to see Kain, gothic horror, and lots of blood,” Hughes remarked.
For Scott Krotz, a programmer for the series, the enduring appeal of Soul Reaver lies in its gameplay. Comparing it to modern titles like Elden Ring, he said, “It feels like there’s a lot of overlap. A modern Soul Reaver could fit right in.” This sentiment aligns with the community’s desire for a remake or a reimagining that leverages contemporary game design without losing the original’s essence.
The Rich Tapestry of Nosgoth
One of the series’ greatest strengths is its intricate narrative and richly crafted world. Ben Starr, a passionate fan and actor, described the Legacy of Kain universe as a “playground” of untapped stories. “You’ve got so many gaps of suggested story that haven’t been explored. Such a rich world with thousands of years of history,” Starr enthused, urging the industry to “do something” with the franchise.
Daniel Cabuco, an artist for the franchise, proposed expanding the narrative by introducing new characters. “Raziel wasn’t the only one,” he explained. “Let’s make other characters that are pretty badass, too, and see what they can do.”
The Path Forward
The release of the Soul Reaver remasters serves as both a litmus test and a gateway for potential new projects. Tamoor Hussain, an editor at GameSpot, described the remasters as a cautious yet promising step forward, likening it to “putting the toes in the water.” He suggested that a full remake, akin to Bluepoint’s Demon’s Souls, could be an ideal next step.
While opinions differ on whether the franchise’s future lies in sequels, remakes, or entirely new stories, developers and fans agree that authenticity remains the cornerstone of any successful revival. As O’Connor noted, “Whatever you do, be authentic to the characters and the philosophy that Amy Hennig and the team built back in the day.”
A Glimmer of Hope
The remasters’ performance in the market will likely determine the feasibility of a new entry, serving as a critical litmus test for the franchise’s future. As O’Connor aptly put it, “The germination of that seed will likely be energized by the sunlight of just putting it out there again.”
With fans rallying and the industry’s eyes on the Legacy of Kain series, the time may finally be ripe for Nosgoth to rise again. Whether through the continuation of Kain and Raziel’s saga, the introduction of new characters, or a complete reimagining, the possibilities are as vast as the world of Legacy of Kain itself.
For a deeper look at what makes Soul Reaver such a timeless classic, check out our review of the Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1-2 Remastered here.
