11-02-2003, 01:20 PM
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Legacy of Kain : Defiance
Quote:
"Reinvention." A word used so often in PR campaigns, it nearly topples the world record held by "immersive" (which, according to the dictionary, isn't actually an adjective -- it's nothing). Yet, for Legacy of Kain: Defiance, it applies quite firmly.
Over the last few years, Eidos attempted to cash in on the so-so selling power of its popular Kain line by continuing spin-offs for each leading vamp, those being Blood Omen and Soul Reaver. After two titles apiece, developer Crystal noticed that the formula proved to be a tad stale. Once the drawing board was cleared of eraser debris and pencil shavings, the knightly Kain and stoic Raziel were teamed up, thus creating the two-games-in-one Defiance.
Basically, the adventure at hand is about "more show, less tell" in developer Crystal Dynamics exact words. So immediately, expect a lot of scripting to be dumped for action, a complaint that many fans posed about previous releases in the line. The combat is like Devil May Cry in a more epic sense, with problem solving being the key to separating it from an all-out frenetic nature. Employing a dynamic camera, many of the environments appear to be pre-rendered simply because of the seemingly fixed position of the lens, but as either Kain or Raziel begin to fight, zooms and pans occur in the most effective way possible. Obviously, that could easily turn against a programmer, but the camera in Defiance actually works well to convey a strong feeling of grandeur without going haywire.
Levels are shared between the two leads, so after completing one stage you'll switch from Kain to Raziel -- or vice versa. Immediately, it's pretty obvious that while fighting with either of the guys that the fighting engine has been dramatically improved, too. Kain is now a god-like creature, able to levitate enemies and toss them about like rag dolls like a Jedi using The Force (a stylish motion ripple follows each attack). Conveniently, each level is equipped with spikes, fire, pillars and tons of breakable objects, allowing Kain to impale, burn, or simply torture enemies. You're also equipped with a trusty sword to hack and slash your way through hordes. Raziel, on the other hand, has the ability to warp from the Spectral Realm to the Material Plane by possessing the bodies of fallen baddies, along with an array of melee combat skills.
Soul-sucking plays an intricate role in your survival again as well, with a choice being offered between powering up your weapon or adding to your health meter (a simply button press is all it takes to differentiate). Such extends into the familiar themes of the game, in which both characters struggle for freedom against their torturous fate.
Coupled with effectively moody, gothic centerpieces and a keen approach to epic, open levels -- teaming with far-off mountains, fog, massive castles -- Defiance is shaping up to become the best the Legacy of Kain installment yet.
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