It looks like the return of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is just around the corner thanks to a new poll from Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics asking fans what they would like to see in a modern take on the classic adventure game. The late '90s favorite series, which featured developers including Denis Diack and former Uncharted writer Amy Hennig, looks set to make a dramatic comeback after the rights to the vampire game were returned to Crystal Dynamics following its acquisition by Swedish firm Embracer Group.
Survey participants are asked about their experience with the series, asking which games they have played and how they would rate each one. It also delves into questions about whether fans prefer the eponymous series' protagonist Kain or his lieutenant Raziel, who takes control in Soul Reaver and its sequel. He also asks which members of the supporting cast are most loved and which other vampire games in the poll were their favorites.
When it comes to a possible return, Crystal Dynamics is asking fans to rate their preferences for what they would like to see next in the series: a remake of one of the original games from scratch, a remaster of one of the original games (upping the quality but keeping the shape), a sequel, stemming from the stories of previous games, or a complete reboot of the series. It also asks which of the five main games in the series players would most like to see remastered or remastered, and would like them to include a brief overview of the story.
In addition, the survey asks players to rate what they enjoy most about vampire games, including options such as blood feeding, magic spells, immortality, shapeshifting, mythology, moral ambiguity, and supernatural horror. The team is also asking players to suggest "Which modern game most resembles the type of gameplay you expect from the new Legacy of Kain" as well as "Which media franchise most resembles the tone" that fans are looking for.
Currently Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver cannot be purchased from Steam and GOG with the announcement that "Square Enix has temporarily taken this game off the market in order to work on some important updates." Other games in the series are still available for purchase. Given the Embracer Group's track record of remastering, the idea of a comeback already seemed likely - this review only further confirms Crystal Dynamics' intentions. As someone who has warm feelings for the original games, I would definitely like them to be polished for a new audience.
If you would like to take the survey for yourself, you can do so. here.
If you can't wait for the official return, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver HD's ambitious remaster mod raises the classic game to more modern standards thanks to the hard work of fans. Hopefully they get some good news soon, but in the meantime, there are still many better classic PC games out there.
