Legacy of Kain: Defiance

 PC
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
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  1. IC-Games
    90
    A fantastic game that is let down slightly by an ill-designed camera system and lack of a map feature.
  2. IGN
    80
    The long-standing Legacy of Kain series finally hits paydirt with one of the best stories in the series and without a doubt, one of the best combat systems in an action-adventure series.
  3. Computer and Video Games
    79
    Worse still (by about a million times), is the fact that you have to visit the exact same bloody temple at least ten times during the course of the game, solving its baffling 'mysteries' every time. [PC Zone]
  5. Game Power Australia
    75
    One of those rare games where the story, characters and performances eclipse the gameplay by a wide margin.
  6. GMR Magazine
    70
    It's a well-made game, but its high points start to fall as you experience them over…and over...
  7. 1UP
    70
    Defiance stands as a solid title that fans of "Devil May Cry" and even the recent "Castlevania: Lament of Innocence" should have plenty of fun with.
  8. ActionTrip
    69
    Hard-core fans will love the story and eventually, if they're persistent and patient enough they'll get over the horrendous controls and camera and other gameplay drawbacks.
  9. GameSpot
    69
    Has an outstanding premise, but it's ultimately a disappointment.
  10. TotalGames.net
    65
    The previous games in the series have all been relatively successful, and Defiance looked set to continue that tradition, until the poor camera angles and misjudged over-emphasis on combat scuppered things somewhat. As it stands, this is very much a game for fans of the series only.
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  11. PC Format
    52
    Complacency has set in by now and calcifies this ongoing saga.
  12. Edge Magazine
    40
    You get the impression the only person who cares about Kain's legacy any more is the writer. The turgid battling lets an average game down. [Jan 2004, p.107]
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

88
#88 Most Discussed PC Game of 2003
68
#68 Most Shared PC Game of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 99 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 99
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 99
  3. Negative: 4 out of 99
  1. StefanP.
    Jan 17, 2004
    10
    Great game . If you are ceeping with Legacy of kain series . At first I was a little frustrated by the camera ,but with time I get use to it Great game . If you are ceeping with Legacy of kain series . At first I was a little frustrated by the camera ,but with time I get use to it . The story line is Superb . There are many unpredictable twists and thurns ,for you get the chanse to fight both Kain and Raziel . And again Kain and Raziel fight for dominion over destiny . DEsperetly surching for a new path , for a choise , to breake the promised future . It's a interesting concept to fight agenst destiny for free will . LOK relegate with the medieval princip of the two swords of power . The one in the hand of the king , the other in the hand of the pope .... Great idea .... The grapihc is realy greate better than the previous series . The new battle system is also vrey fun for you can lift enemies , and kick their asses in the air . … Full Review »
  2. CoffinSandman
    Oct 9, 2007
    5
    Not much more that a poor man's Devil May Cry. The gameplay is mediocre and shallow, the fights are repetative, the enemy AI sux, and Not much more that a poor man's Devil May Cry. The gameplay is mediocre and shallow, the fights are repetative, the enemy AI sux, and the levels and environments are dull. The controls are made even worse by the keyboard. Do yourself a favor and pick up DMC instead.… Full Review »
  3. MariusK.
    Feb 11, 2005
    10
    The best advenure game ever.
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