DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

Review: Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered—A Preservation-Minded Return

Both Soul Reaver games return with higher-fidelity visuals, expanded camera control and restored content—but the first game’s older control scheme remains part of the experience.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered brings both classic action-adventures back with upgraded visuals, expanded camera control, new control options and photo mode. It is a remaster collection, not a remake: the appeal is revisiting Nosgoth with a more flexible presentation, while the first game’s older movement and platforming remain part of the experience.

What is included in the collection?

The package contains remastered versions of Soul Reaver and Soul Reaver 2, rather than a remake of only the first game. Crystal Dynamics and Aspyr announced it on September 24, 2024, describing higher-resolution textures, models and visual effects, a photo mode, an upgraded camera, new control options and performance improvements. Official announcement

The two games share a setting and a continuing story, but remain separate adventures. The collection’s value is therefore partly in having both together; its modernization updates presentation and handling rather than rebuilding the games from the ground up.

What changed in the remasters?

Visual presentation and camera

The updated textures, models and effects offer a higher-fidelity presentation of Nosgoth. An upgraded camera is also among the announced features. GameSpot’s review notes that both games gained full camera control with the right stick, an important practical change for exploring and orienting yourself. GameSpot review

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Legacy of Kain™ Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered - Nintendo Switch
  • Experience the Legendary Narrative: Centuries after your former master, Kain, betrays and executes you, you rise again and embark on a relentless quest for revenge.
  • Wield the Powers of a Wraith: Slay your former vampire brethren with your claws, bolts of telekinetic energy, and the elemental Wraith Blade. Grow stronger by devouring the souls of your enemies.
  • Shift Between Realms: The Elder God has granted you the ability to shift between the Spectral and Material Realms. Traverse the realms to solve puzzles, reveal new paths, and defeat your foes.
  • Voice: English, French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish; Subtitles: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish.

Controls and the first game’s legacy design

Additional control options aim to make the games more comfortable on current systems, but they do not turn the first Soul Reaver into a modern action-adventure. TechRadar’s review cautions that improved visuals alone do not resolve the challenge of updating its older control scheme. TechRadar review

That distinction matters if you are deciding whether to play. Camera freedom can reduce one source of friction, but it is not evidence that movement, combat or platforming has been redesigned. Players who enjoy historical design quirks may find the fidelity part of the appeal; those who expect a contemporary control feel should weigh that limitation carefully.

Restored day-and-night cycle

The first Soul Reaver includes a restored day-and-night cycle. PlayStation Blog describes it as a legacy feature that was cut from the original final release, making it a preservation addition rather than a newly invented mechanic. PlayStation Blog

Rank #2
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered Deluxe Edition - PS5
  • Beyond the physical game Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered on Nintendo Switch or PlayStation 5, the Deluxe Edition includes the following exclusive items:
  • Steelbook with some of the game’s gorgeous motifs; A soft bound artbook highlighting the game’s stunning remastered gothic environments, architecture, characters, enemies, weapons, and concept & key art; The Official Soundtrack on a physical CD; A collectible tuck-in box housing all the contents.
  • Included Game Titles: Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver & Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2
  • Experience the Legendary Narrative: Centuries after your former master, Kain, betrays and executes you, you rise again and embark on a relentless quest for revenge.
  • Wield the Powers of a Wraith: Slay your former vampire brethren with your claws, bolts of telekinetic energy, and the elemental Wraith Blade. Grow stronger by devouring the souls of your enemies.

Photo mode

A photo mode is part of the announced feature set. It provides a way to frame the remastered environments, though it does not change the underlying level design or gameplay. Official announcement

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Is it worth playing today?

For returning fans, this collection offers both games in one release, a refreshed visual presentation and camera options that published reviewers identify as a meaningful improvement. The restored cycle in the first game also adds historical interest for anyone curious about what was left out of its original final release.

For newcomers, the key question is tolerance for older action-adventure design. The collection documents modernization, not a comprehensive redesign; TechRadar’s concern about the first game’s control scheme is a useful caution, while GameSpot’s camera assessment points to a specific quality-of-life gain. Neither point establishes that every dated element has been solved. The best fit is a player interested in the games’ setting and legacy who is willing to meet them on their original terms.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Platforms and release date

The collection launched on December 10, 2024. Aspyr lists Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series S|X, Steam, Epic Games Store and GOG as platforms. Aspyr support notice PlayStation separately confirms PS4 and PS5 editions. PlayStation product page

Choose among supported platforms according to your own console or PC preference; the available information here does not establish comparative performance between versions. Aspyr has published post-launch patch notes, including Patch 1, so launch-day impressions should not be treated as a description of every later build. The captured patch information does not establish the latest patch state or performance across platforms. Aspyr patch notes

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Should you buy a physical copy?

An ESRB listing associates the title with Limited Run Games, indicating a physical-release connection. That listing does not establish current stock, edition contents or availability from a particular retailer. ESRB listing Check the format, platform and current availability directly before buying.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How To Create Custom Stickers & Shoutouts In Monster Hunter WildsMonster Hunter WildsBlog20min
  2. How to Get XL Gogoat in Pokemon Legends Z-A (An Extra-Large Gogoat)Pokemon Legends Z-ABlog20min
  3. How to Get Rotting Lightbringer in Diablo 4Diablo 4Blog17min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.