Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver

"A Great Adventure Game With an Intriguing, Yet Told Before, Gothic Tale of Betrale and Revenge"

To start off the review, I'll just point out that, while this game reeks of quality, it was released early in the Dreamcast's life cycle, so while it saw much critical acclaim, it didn't sell so great at retail with the exception of the hard-core gamer who knows a good game when they see one. That's why I bought it, and that's why I'm here to tell you about it, so next time you see this game used for $15 at your local software store, you'll be informed.

Graphics- This isn't your two week Tomb Raider port here, this is the real deal. Everything has been updated and cleaned up from the PS-X version. From the 60 fps graphics, the beautiful animations and moving clothing on par with Soul Caliber, or the amazing cinemas rivaled only by the Final Fantasies and Resident Evils. These are some REALLY nice graphics! Also, considering the time in the Dreamcast's life when this game came out, it's quite the accomplishment. Many of even Sega's own first party efforts come to this level of refinment. 9/10

Sound- The sound is really great. Even though big, high profile orchestras often accommodate videogames now days in the same vein as this, the music in LoK stands out among most games for it's gothic style all it's own. The sound effects are done well also and the whole sound gives the game a unique mood. 8/10

Gameplay- The gameplay isn't anything overly innovative or never seen before. What it is though is what you have seen before, refined into a gameplay that is slightly unique from what you've seen but also learn's from their mistakes and takes only the best portions of them. The controls and fighting and everything are also used in an arcade-ish kind of fashion with a few combinations of buttons and what not. 8/10

Replay Value- Well, there isn't much you can say about replay value for an adventure game such as this when the emphasis is on story. Once you've herd it, why would you want to hear it again? I'm typically not the type to go back to a game after I beat it but I guess if you are the type of person that will put your games away for a long time and come back to it eventually to re-live it or something, then I guess it's OK, nothing meant to keep you playing after you beat it the first time though that you won't see the first time time 6/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/14/01, Updated 01/14/01