Legacy of Kain: Defiance - Xbox

Got packs, screens, info?
Legacy of Kain: Defiance (Xbox)
Also for: PC, PS2
Viewed: 3D Third-person, floating camera Genre:
Adventure
Media: CD Arcade origin:No
Developer: Crystal Dynamics Soft. Co.: Crystal Dynamics
Publishers: Eidos (GB)
Released: 6 Feb 2004 (GB)
Ratings: PEGI 16+
Accessories: Xbox Memory Unit

Summary

Legacy of Kain has become a popular series in video games. It debuted in '97 and has since gone on to sell millions. And while the latest in the series - Defiance - is fundamentally more of the same, several new additions and the ability to play as both Kain and Raziel are very welcome.

The ill-fated land of Nosgoth is again the setting for the latest chapter in Crystal Dynamics' gothic adventure series. As usual, dark forces are looming and threatening to condemn the realm to eternal damnation, but this time a new culprit is responsible, in the form of Hylden. And so, lending a new slant to the proceedings, long time arch-nemeses Kain and Raziel must unite, fight side-by-side and do battle with this new evil, which threatens to destroy their very existence.

Consequently, the game's plot unravels in alternating chapters, with you taking control of each of the unholy protagonists respectively. Gameplay throughout borrows a great deal from past games in the series, having you explore and leap your way through gothic, platform-filled environments, defeating hordes of gruesome enemies, and making use of an array of supernatural powers. There's also the same emphasis on the sucking of blood (Kain) and devouring of souls (Raziel) in order to maintain energy levels and acquire abilities, meaning that each character must regularly take time out to 'feed' off his victims.

Defiance treads new territory compared to previous chapters in the series is in its emphasis on fierce, fast-paced battles. The combat system has been completely re-vamped, providing each character with a great deal more fighting moves and allowing players to partake in large-scale battles with multiple enemies. A quick tap on the Xbox controller allows you to cycle through the different targets, onto which you can then unleash an array of combos, jump attacks and telekinetic assaults.

Legacy of Kain: Defiance represents an obvious and well-conceived next step for the popular series, adding a gripping new chapter to the franchise whilst retaining its dark and involving themes, as well as its overly-serious attitude. After all, when all these bad dudes have British accents you know they mean business.

Artwork

Legacy of Kain: Defiance - Xbox Artwork

Legacy of Kain: Defiance - Xbox Artwork