Soul Reaver Cut Before Release

WARNING: This story contains major spoilers of Soul Reaver's storyline.

While an excellent title in many respects, Soul Reaver's abrupt conclusion left many gamers feeling a little jilted. An observant reader who goes by the handle of "" did some research into the title and its ending. What he uncovered may surprise you.

Darklore dug out his old EGM with Raziel on the cover and a Soul Reaver interview/preview. In this interview, the lead designer mentioned some features of Soul Reaver that were notably missing from the final version. To wit:

Games are often cut from their original vision for a variety of reasons, but Soul Reaver's vision was so complete that the jarring nature of the ending seemed out of place. Early walkthroughs and strategies for the game included some of the "missing" areas (Turel, a "final" showdown with Kain, etc.), so why were they no longer in the final version? Moreover, the missing sequences and abilities would go a long way toward filling in some of the later plot holes. Digging further, darklore took a sound-ripping utility to the PS disc ... and uncovered large "cut" portions of the game still present. These sound samples reveal that a large portion of the game - perhaps as much as a third - was cut from the final version of the title. These samples go a long way toward bringing the game to a more satisfying conclusion.

Morlock was not intended to be a boss, and the ability he gives was instead obtained from a relic. His soul is just a regular vampire soul, and he lacks a unique 3D model, further suggesting he was added at the last moment as a backup. Raziel's speech for him was the speech intended for his brother, Turel. Morlock's speech was modified from what the Priestess said to Raziel. Turel, on the other hand, was always intended to be a boss character. Even though Crystal Dynamics re-edited the voice clips to remove any mention of Turel, the company did not wish to re-render the intro FMV or the textures. Therefore, Turel is still in both the introduction (hence there are six generals), and his name remains in the Sarapham tomb. Another character, the Priestess, was removed from the game. She served Kain and his lieutenants as though they were gods and gave Raziel the ability to possess fallen vampires/humans.

Gameplaywise, each Glyph was supposed to have a Forge. In the final game, there are no Forges for the Soul Reaver besides the Fire Reaver. This contradicts previous interviews and previews of Soul Reaver on various magazines and web sites; an early PSM walkthrough lists the Sunlight Reaver, Water Reaver, Stone Reaver, Fire Reaver, Sound Reaver, Spirit Reaver, and Amplified Reaver ("The Amplified Reaver is so powerful that it supercedes all other elemental Soul Reaver types -- it encompasses all of their abilities.") In addition to the Priestess' ability, Raziel actually defeats Kain and absorbs a small portion of his soul, letting Raziel shift back to the Material Plane anywhere (instead of just through portals). An early PSM walkthrough again lists the missing Shift At Will, Possess, and Amplified Force Projectile. The ending of the shipped version of Soul Reaver is actually nothing more than a mid-point in the intended full game.

Here, as reconstructed by darklore, is the "true" story of Raziel.

Sound at further document these "missing" portions of the game. Darklore means no disrespect to Crystal Dynamics or Eidos by bringing these facts to light; the game, even in its shipped state, is an excellent title well worth playing. Instead, he has two questions. First, why was this otherwise excellent title released in such a fragmented form? Second, how will Crystal Dynamics and Eidos let fans who have purchased Soul Reaver complete the "true" adventures of Raziel? A director's cut, an expansion disc, a rebate program, or perhaps even expanding the second half of the game into a true sequel? Whatever the answer, gamers are sure to be intrigued by these revelations.

Thanks to and for help with this story.