Legacy of Kain is set to receive a new remaster along with an exciting prequel.

Crystal Dynamics is reviving the Legacy of Kain series with two exciting releases this year. The first is a full remaster of Legacy of Kain: Defiance, while the second introduces a fresh take on the franchise as a retro 2D side-scrolling action-platformer.

The remastered version of Legacy of Kain: Defiance is based on the fifth and final installment of the series, originally launched in 2003 for PlayStation 2, Windows PC, and Xbox. This remaster promises enhanced visuals, featuring upgraded character models, textures, and environments, along with the ability to toggle between classic and modern graphics seamlessly. Players can also expect a revamped third-person camera, with an option to stick to the original fixed perspective. Additional features include a photo mode, alternate character skins, a comprehensive lore reader, and fan-selected “lost levels” from the original game.

To make the remaster accessible for newcomers, Crystal Dynamics is introducing a combat tutorial and improved navigation mechanics dubbed “vampire foresight navigation,” which will guide players on their journey.

The original Legacy of Kain: Defiance was notable for being the first game in the series to allow players to control both the vampire Kain and the wraith Raziel. Co-written by Amy Hennig, the game continues the story from Soul Reaver 2. The original Soul Reaver and its sequel were remastered in 2024, released as Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered.

Legacy of Kain: Ascendance serves as a prequel to the first Soul Reaver, featuring Kain, Raziel, and a new vampire character named Elaleth, who was introduced in the 2024 graphic novel Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise. Ascendance focuses on vertical movement, fluid combat, and skill-driven gameplay. While the majority of the game is presented in stylized pixelated 2D, it will also include 3D sequences inspired by the original PlayStation era at key narrative moments, providing story-driven interactions and lore-rich experiences.

The game will feature anime-inspired cinematics, with voice acting from veteran Legacy of Kain series actors Michael Bell as Raziel, Simon Templeman as Kain, Anna Gunn as Ariel, and Richard Doyle as Moebius the Time Streamer.

Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered is set to launch on March 3 for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC (via Epic Games Store, GOG.com, and Steam), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. The standard edition will be priced at $24.99, while the Deluxe Edition, which includes the remaster, a comic book reader with three Legacy of Kain comics, and a demo of the unreleased Legacy of Kain: The Dark Prophecy, will be available for $29.99.

Legacy of Kain: Ascendance, developed by Crystal Dynamics, Bit Bot, and FreakZone Games, will be released on March 31 for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC (via Epic Games Store, GOG.com, and Steam), and Xbox Series X, with a price tag of $19.99.