With a plot and cinematic presentation of a quality comparable to that of "Metal Gear".
For the first time players will have the opportunity to control both Kain Raziel as using their specific strengths and weaknesses in a long journey through time and space, answering all the questions that remained outstanding in the remaining games of the series. "Destination" is the keyword here, as we see each character being loaded for the elaborate plot. Although not impossible it's not recommended to play this title without having experienced both "Soul Reaver" and without full command of English.
Following the roots of the series, the two vampires take their antagonistic opposition through different phases, with huge armies to fight against enemies, fighting against conspiracies and solving puzzles. As in "Zelda," we must gain new powers and defeat bosses to reach new spots that lead to the end of the story.
The action scenes in the game are very well built, aided largely by the dramatic use of cameras (pre-defined, but with some freedom of movement) and the provision of blows that really make the player feel like one (or two) Mighty (s) vampire (s). Despite sharing many of their skills, Raziel and Kain control differently enough to justify the presence of both. It is true that the camera gets in the way some of the fights, but overall it's just a little uncomfortable.
Perhaps the biggest flaw of the game is the same that has discouraged many players from Soul Reaver 2 ": the need to be strolling by the huge stage for a long time to find the next focal point of the plot. Despite being totally linear in their advance, the player has great freedom in their movement, and spends much time traveling from one place to another in search of vague goals. Fortunately, the plot is so captivating that it is impossible not to feel motivated to find the next piece of the puzzle.
To break a bit of fighting action, you must solve many puzzles that use different forms of the two swords Soul Reaver each character, their powers and the Spiritual (Raziel has access only) to offer creative solutions. Although not as elaborate as "Zelda" in this respect, the challenges help to give more variety to the game.
In addition to the dialogues and songs of cinematic quality, the game displays a graphical system extremely competent. The art direction maintains the high level of the series, but now with light effects and even more elaborate environments. Still, it is worth noting that it lacked some care in the finishing touches: collision problems are constant and there are reports saying that players were stuck at certain points of the game.
It is important to note that "Defiance" was produced by the same woman responsible for two "Soul Reaver" but not the same person of "Blood Omen 2," and the standard of quality seen in this game much better reflects the characteristics that would please the fans of the series : a mechanical functional and fun (she managed to "fix" the gameplay wrapped in "BO2"), an epic story and well told and excellent characterization of the powerful vampires, gods and monsters that carry through to conclusion.