Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain

""But I AM dead! ....As are you....""

It was the mid Nineties... Playstation was relatively new.. A breathtaking system at the time.. However, there were only a few games beings it was so early in development. One day I read a rather large article about a new kind of game.. ''Blood Omen: Legacy Of Kain'' EIDOS was attached to it, and the screenshots of gore seemed interesting.. Perhaps I might buy this. I have to say.. Once purchasing it I wasn't all that thrilled.. To me it was just another game.. However, upon turning it on I have to say... Nothing.. Had ever blown me away more, or will blow me away..

Right from the opening FMV I was spell bound. Such.. Grotesqueness... Men impaling vampires on stakes, as well as a bald woman who has her flesh blasted right off leaving nothing more then bloody bone.. Really is enough to strike anyones interest, and hold their attention. I can say this is possibly one of the best openings I've ever seen.. And an even better.. Dark story was soon to follow..

In Blood Omen: Legacy Of Kain you take on the role of nobleman Kain, likely enough hence the title.. Due to a rather rude bartender kicking him out, Kain is left on the streets where he is shortly murdered by what seems to be a never ending group of guards. In this sense I mean if you're lucky enough to kill a few before you're done in, they just keep spawning out of nowhere.. Must've cost the contractor a hell of a lot of money.. Anyhow, Kain finds himself awake in what appears to be Hell. He wishes revenge, and so it seems he will get it. As Kain put it.. ''The Necromancer Mortanius offered me a chance for vengeance.. And like a fool.. I jumped to his offer without considering the cost.. Nothing is free, not even revenge..''
And so be it.. You're officially a Vampire, plastered into the world to suck the blood of the living, as to sustain your undead corpse for immortal existence. Now what could be cooler then this? I'll tell you..

Graphics 9/10
For the time, the graphics are astounding. FMVs are enough to make anybody evacuate excratory fluids in their pants.. When it comes to gameplay, Graphics seem to follow an old school format, which actually isn't so bad once using simple spells or items that either mutilate an enemy, or turn him into a steaming pile of toxic slime.. Nice.. Actually, Graphics are quite impressive considering the games of the time. The overhead view gives it a nice feel, especially when you're hacking at a guard and his blood spews into your mouth. Very nice gore.

Controls 7/10
While many seem to complain about the controls I feel they suit me just fine. Sure, it's an Ariel view and your character is limited in his actions, however this doesn't take away from the over all feel of the game. YOu can still hack at enemies with much ease and much skill.. While movement isn't as fast as you'd like it to be, it's quite easy to dodge enemy attacks if timing is precise. The combination attacks also make it interesting, where you'll need to press SQUARE repeatadly to obtain the perfect kill. The only problem with the controls is when going to strike an enemy, sometimes you will miss due to a distance shortage. Taking on multiple enemies is also a problem. However, when getting the hang of it things will go over smoothly.

Music 10/10
Simply put.. Amazing.. Steve Henifin delivers such a creepy, dark score... Such superb background vocals make you either feel like you're in Church at a wedding.. Or at a funeral... One of my favorite songs is from ''Nupraptor's Retreat'' Not only is there fast, upbeat music... But Ariel pleading with Nupraptor to the beat in the background, as well as the chilling scream add a truely awesome effect. I garuntee if you turn this game on at night, and just listen to the music.. You're garunteed to double check under your bed once or twice before sleeping..

Sound 8/10
See above. While the music is great the sound isn't As perfect.. The swooshing of your blades upon striking living flesh, or an obstacle is very well done.. The blood draining as well as the screams also make for the sound. However, the screaming and moaning of dead guards and the blasting of enemy magic at you makes you want to throw the CD against the wall.. I mean, those green balls that the wraiths shoot at you are a pain enough, now they have to SOUND tormenting as well?

Voice Acting 10/10
One of the best features of the game. Simon Templeman really delivers an amazing, dark performance as Kain, and I'm glad he's contracted for the entire franchise. This is probably the best voice acting out of any video game I've played. While it may seem over the top on some instances, it fits to the current situation. Also, the fact that all actors had to dawn more then one role make their performances even more appreciatable. It may have been Denis Dyak's call, or the Actors themselves, but characterization was truely excellent. Every time I hear Kain deliver another dark edge of sarcasm or wit, I get chills.. And a smile comes to my face Just.. The intonation.. The characterization... The Tone.. Everything, it just sounds so amazing, no matter who it comes from. And it also adds to Kain himself, who is in every sense of the word the perfect dark hero.. However, I must admit the Dollmaker was rather annoying and I was more then pleased to silence him permenantly.. Despite this minor infraction, the voice acting couldn't have been any better.. And coming from the actors, can't get any worse either..

Story
The best part of the game and the reason I love it so much.. Such a twisted, dark, Gothic tale and the dark hero makes it even more loveable.. You're not some prissy Hyrulian running around in pajamas spinning in circles.. No, the main character is far worse.. He doesn't care about saving anything.. As far as he's concerned, the world can perish.. He just wants revenge and to end his curse.. Plus, adding to the fact he's a Vampire, it makes him just awesome... Leaving the hero aside for a moment, supporting characters can't be overlooked. Ariel is a great mentor character, and Malek is great as an advesary.. So great most of the beginning of the game is based upon finding a way to defeat him.. Voradoor is even greater in his own right.. Simply an ally.. And he is used for Kain's own victory.. Anyhow, the entire story is told through franchise, which makes all games worth purchasing.. It's just.. So dark, and twisted... It makes you almost feel pitty for those you kill, as if they haven't suffered enough... Hmm, NAAAAAA!

Gameplay 8/10
Combat is nice.... And gore is exceptional. First person narration keeps your interest along the way and delivers the story in a way that flows.. This use of narration really makes you feel part of the land of Nosgoth.. It makes you sympathise for the characters.. Which adds to the gameplay experience.. The major drawback to gameplay is the load time.. Every time you enter a room, or enter the menu it takes a good 10 seconds to load up.. then five seconds later.. Once clearing the room it starts again.. It's only annoying in the begining, however once playing the game for a while you get used to it.. I don't feel it takes away from my gameplay experience and it shouldn't for you either.. I enjoy the variety of spells which are downright pretty nasty little things.. As well as the artifacts you can use at your disposal.. Also, having several forms also makes the game a bit better... And a rather large, non-linear world map keep you interested... There's ALWAYS something to do.. And different ways of doing it.. (Secrets that is.. As far as quest it's pretty much you can either fly or walk..) However, the feel of Gameplay feels like a lot of old school games.. And Zelda with a bit more zest.. Puzzles are a bit dumb, and I have to tell you.. I HATE Puzzles. Just make enemies a bit harder if you want a more challenging game.. If I wanted to play with puzzles all day I'd get a Rhubic's Cube.. Overall, I enjoy Gameplay..

Replayability 6/10
Hands down.. I love this game.. I can play it hours on an end... I'm just that in love with the series.. The only reason the game isn't worth replaying is because it's so damn long.. And some times the same thing.. Over 100+ hours of gameplay.. However, the compelling story makes it worth it.. I've played the game through a good five times.. And it still manages to hold my interest... Amazing..

As you can tell, I'm a major fan of the series and I enjoy this game to its fullest extent.. If you're an imaginative gamer and you've a hell of a lot of time on your hands, I suggest getting this game.. I must warn you, it takes imagination.. You need to open up and accept things as they are.. You're not in a happy little place with Moogles running around.. No, you're in a dark, twisted world.. And your actions are only making it worse.. Accept this, and you'll love it.. Until next time.. ''Beware The Unspoken..''

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/30/03, Updated 07/30/03