Legacy of Kain: Defiance

Defiance shines with pure entertainment value, with crisp and gorgeous visuals and squishy sounds that invoke the feeling of steel crushing flesh.

Despite its flaws (mostly remnants of four-year code still at the core of this engine) LOK: Defiance is a polished, challenging, entertaining and adult interactive experience to die for. I can’t recommend this game high enough, especially for those that quit playing the series out of frustration (and will find in Defiance all the answers that left them scratching their heads).

The idea of playing as both Kain and Raziel is great and their intertwining journeys bring the game to a spectacular close.

The story is nothing short of fantastic and it’s worth noting that this being the last Kain game under the direction of Amy Hennig (who is off to create games for Jak and Daxter developer Naughty Dog), she has really gone out with a bang.

There’s a good chance that this will be the final chapter in the series (as the ending suggests), and if it is, there’s probably no better way to close up the story and give the fans what they were looking for: closure.

Feeds off an incredible storyline, but is hampered by somewhat linear gameplay.

The game features an addictive quality and in some levels will really grab you until they are completed.

The innovative platform elements, brutal combat, and puzzle-solving are a thrill for the soul. [Jan 2004, p.58]

Whether you start as Kain in a towering Nosgoth citadel or as Raziel in the other-worldly Elder God Caverns, you'll find environments lush, solid and atmospheric. [Playstation 2 Max]

Blending elements of both action and adventure, Legacy of Kain: Defiance offers plenty of fast-paced combat between solving puzzles.

The rewards to be reaped are well worth ignoring the occasional glitch or repetitive section, as haunting musical tracks, and some wonderfully Geiger-esque environments make this game one of the best presented on the console, even if it sometimes lacks a little bite.

The combat-focused gameplay is far superior to the box-and-switch puzzles of past titles. [Jan 2004, p.126]

One of the best stories in the series and without a doubt, one of the best combat systems in an action-adventure series.

Once you have access to multiple Forges (they're connected by magic portals), it's easy to get lost in the endless curving hallways.

Solid gameplay meets incredible presentation. If you have any doubt that Crystal Dynamics can rock "Tomb Raider," play this and your fears will evaporate. [Holiday 2003, p.74]

For fans of the series this game is a must, it's the game that both "Soul Reaver 2" and "Blood Omen 2" should have been.

You'll have fun fighting in Defiance, and feel lucky, because it happens quite often. But if you've been following the series, you'll also know that it's quite heavily reliant on aimless wandering and boring box puzzles.

One of those rare games where the story, characters and performances eclipse the gameplay by a wide margin.