Three Legacy of Kain Titles Announced for 2003

article by Ben Lincoln, artwork by Willow Ayala, Divine Shadow and Ben Lincoln

This article was an April Fools joke in 2003. It is preserved here for historical reasons.

In a press release dated 1 April 2003 (2003 April Fools - Mock Press Release), Eidos Interactive has revealed to The Lost Worlds and Just Play With Them that this year will see the release of three brand new Legacy of Kain games, for all three major consoles! [ Note: Just Play With Them was Willow's game news/review site, which is now defunct ]

Fans of the series have been expecting Soul Reaver 3 since the day they finished Soul Reaver 2. It certainly looks like we won't be disappointed:

Perhaps the most eagerly-awaited title of 2003, Soul Reaver 3 will conclude the story arc developed in the second game. Executive Producer Rosaura Sandoval described it as "the most epic conclusion imaginable" for the series. "While the Special Edition of Soul Reaver is going to give players a look at our original design," she continued, "Soul Reaver 3 will truly showcase why we moved in a different direction with Soul Reaver 2."

While much of the storyline of Soul Reaver 3 is still a tightly-guarded secret, Sandoval revealed that it will give players the chance to see the world of Nosgoth through the eyes of both series protagonist Raziel, and his creator - Kain. "The two Blood Omen games have been about Kain while he was still relatively inexperienced as a vampire," said Sandoval. "This will be the first time that his true power is revealed."

Sandoval also hinted that the game will encompass an even wider range of Nosgoth's history than Soul Reaver 2: "The last game gave glimpses into historical events that players will now be able to experience firsthand. However, we also haven't forgotten about the loose ends that Raziel left behind in his own time - or even further ahead."

However, long-time Lost Worlds readers may be even more excited by the announcement of Soul Reaver - Special Edition.

It certainly sounds like Crystal Dynamics have thrown in everything (including the kitchen sink) for this title. SRSE is not only a next-generation console version of what many consider the best in the series, but it will also include the material deleted from the original game! Amy Hennig herself is quoted in the press release as saying "It's all here... Turel, the Reaver enhancements, and the final showdown with Kain."

As if that weren't enough, the disc will include a whole whack of extras, including DVD-style Director's Commentary.

Finally, year's-end will see the release of Vehiculum Furtus Maximo. The press release describes this one as "the best of Blood Omen 2 with the action of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Jet Set Radio Future." It sounds like this cel-shaded game is going to be playing a little loose with the themes of prior Legacy of Kain titles, but it should be a barrel full of fun (or perhaps a burning stolen carriage full of fun, to be more accurate) nonetheless.

SRSE will be the first of the three on store shelves in June. SR3 will follow in October, and VFM is targeted for a December release. I'd recommend placing your pre-orders now, since all three are virtually guaranteed to sell out.

Eidos was kind enough to send The Lost Worlds and Just Play With Them a selection of screenshots from the two new Soul Reaver games, concept art for Vehiculum Furtus Maximo, and mock-ups of the packaging for Soul Reaver - Special Edition and Vehiculum Furtus Maximo.

Curiously missing was packaging for Soul Reaver 3, but their PR department was quick to explain that it would spoil too much of the plot. Hopefully at least a little more will trickle out in the months ahead. In the meantime, these images certainly look impressive - particularly the volumetric shadows in SRSE.