Update: Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2

On a recent visit to Crystal Dynamics' Menlo Park, Calif. studio, we were treated to an extensive first-hand look at Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2. Specifically, we were able to closely examine the game's combat system--an aspect of it that had been, until now, relatively dark. Simply put, Soul Reaver 2's combat system is much deeper than its predecessor's, featuring a larger repertoire of moves for Raziel. The enemies he'll face have also been revamped, and they'll boast behaviors that are more realistic and effective.

Raziel can now deliver both low and high attacks, as well as a number of combos composed of such attacks. When unarmed, Raziel will strike foes with his claws, picking and swiping at them quickly and viciously. He can also perform a sort of slide attack, similar to what you've surely seen in many fighting games. A host of weapons will also be available for Raziel to use, everything from swords, torches, and axes to large and heavy poleax. And unlike in the original Soul Reaver, each weapon will perform uniquely--the game takes into account both the weight and shape of weapons, which dictate how it will perform in combat. Blocking and evasion plays a fairly large role in combat, and Raziel's enemies will often prove to be quite slippery. Luckily, Raziel can wear them out by repeatedly attacking them, which effectively leaves them vulnerable.

Raziel's "finishing moves" have also benefited from an upgrade. They've become markedly more grisly overall. We witnessed one such move during our visit--Raziel leapt up to dazed enemy and literally ripped his torso from his lower body. The effect was very graphic and spectacular, and Crystal Dynamics assured us that it was only the beginning.

Perhaps the most important change to the combat system, however, is the heavily retouched enemy AI. In Soul Reaver 2, all enemies--from wandering Sarafan knights to vicious ethereal sluagh--will exhibit different types of pack behaviors that greatly influence the way they'll perform in battle. During some battles, for instance, lower-level creatures will stand back and watch as their leader engages Raziel in combat. If Raziel defeats their leader, the creatures will fight with much less fervor, indicating a dip in morale. When fighting in packs, though, enemies can be especially deadly--a good example is an attack launched by three Sarafan knights that the developer demonstrated for us. All three were armed with axes, one of which had a circular notch in its blade. First, the knight with the notched ax snagged Raziel by the ankle, causing him to fall on his back. Then, his two partners brutally cleaved into Raziel's prone body, severely damaging him. Crystal Dynamics again assured us that the game will be littered with many such attacks, which is quite encouraging.

All this bodes well for Soul Reaver 2's overall experience. As many felt that the first game stagnated in terms of combat, these upgrades should come as a pleasant surprise to the series' fans. For more information, check out our previous coverage of 2715265Soul Reaver 2 .