User Rating: 9 | Legacy of Kain: Defiance PS2
Legacy of Kain: Defiance is the sequel to the original Soul Reaver and Blood Omen that has been too long delayed. As a long-time fan of the LoK series, and having been let down by the last 2 installments (though of SR2 or BO2, I infinitely preferred BO2, as it was at least fun, covered more area then SR2 did, and had the Eternal Prison and Magnus to recommend it), I am pleasantly pleased with Defiance: The camera, while it does take an adjustment period, is really rather fluid and easy to use; the gameplay and combat is fun and very easy to learn (I find I am actually looking forward to smacking around my enemies-the combat system is just incredibly intuitive and engaging); and the environments are richly detailed and nicely sized. It's wonderful to see and hear the return of so many beloved (for want of a better word) characters that have been too long either missing in action, or consigned to some really stupid lines; the sheer number of improvements over the last 2 entires in LoK is very astounding, really: improved combat, improved gameplay, the use of a thesaurus for the writing (So far, haven't heard a single "thus" or "and I realized"!), improved camera... just all around, an improvement on every aspect of the series. I also like how this game can be played on at least 2 different levels: That of the casual gamer who is looking for an enjoyable, fast paced action game to while away the time; and that of the rather dedicated fan of LoK who enjoys the twists, turns, and eventual answers of the plot. Now if only it sells well....
