Legacy of Kain: Defiance is worth playing for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Don't miss this one.
The Legacy of Kain series has had a lot of different camera angles and perspectives over the years, from the isometric top-down perspective of Blood Omen to the full 3-D of the Soul Reaver games, and this game brings a new camera angle to the table.
This time around the camera is fixed, but can be swept from side to side, in a more cinematic view. It reminds me of a security camera watching the action. The camera is very odd at first but once you get used to it you will most likely find yourself enjoying the new perspective. The camera only gave me trouble, meaning allowing my character to walk into another room without the benefit of view, on one occasion and the problem was quickly fixed.
As for who is on camera, this game lets you control both Kain and Raziel in alternating chapters which unfold over multiple time periods but all of which advance the central story.
Some have complained that Kain and Raziel control too similarly, but I found that to be much less of an issue considering they are both a form of vampire and therefore it makes sense that they control in similar manners. The shared control concept also helps the player to easily adjust when the chapters and therefore characters change suddenly. Both of the characters control well and each receives several new moves over the course of the game to differentiate themselves and develop their respective halves of the story.
The game is of a length that is comprable to the other games in the series and the story does not disappoint. Without giving anything away I can say that if you enjoyed the stories in the other games you really must pick up this game in order to see how everything comes together nicely. A must play for fans of the series, and a game that newcomers can also enjoy thanks to the extensive recaps of the plots of past games.