In a manner of speaking, Legacy of Kain: Defiance is something of an inbred title. By name, the game is a successor to the Legacy of Kain series of games. Yet, by plot it is more of a sequel to the Soul Reaver series (which is a spin off of the Legacy of Kain series). Regardless, Defiance manages to finally bring both Kain and Raziel's quests full circle in a fast paced, yet ultimately boring game.

Defiance takes much of its graphical influence from games like Devil May Cry and the recently released Castlevania: Lament of Innocence. Level designs are nice and gothic, providing a dark atmosphere for the game's events. The layouts are generally good, and manage to make you feel like the little area you are exploring is part of a much larger place, rather than your little isolated island somewhere. Some of the better aspects of the game come in the form of ornate architecture. This is only enhanced by the 'timeline' the game's events follow. Both characters are on a similar quest, which covers similar areas. However, about 500 years separates each character's story, so each area looks different. This gives each area a nice, used feel and is similar to going back to your hometown after being away for a long time. Everything looks familiar, yet different. Character designs are excellent and haven't gone through too many changes since their respective last games. Enemies also look great, but show very little in terms of variation, which gets old. You've seen one knight, you've seen them all.

Sound is a mix of good and bad -- but mostly bad. The game's soundtrack is pretty bad, and doesn't really fit with the game's mood. Sound effects are rather generic, and don't really stand out. Two elements do, however, come through loud and clear and really make the entire package worth listening to. First off, the voice acting is, as usual, top notch. Next are the ambient sounds of the Spirit Realm. This was one of my favorite aspects of the entire sound package and it really adds to the overall feel of the 'other' world. Screams ring from nowhere, and voices taunt you every step of the way.

Trying to understand the story behind Legacy of Kain: Defiance without having played the first games in both series is a bit like watching Matrix Revolutions without first watching The Matrix and Matrix Reloaded. If this is your first time with the series, I'd recommend renting Blood Omen and Soul Reaver 2 before jumping into this game, or at least spending some time with the story recap and history in the front of the manual. You can also unlock movies from past games to help either remind you or get you up to speed. The gist of the story is that you play the roles of Kain, a vampire lord, and Raziel, a former vampire turned wraith. Each character's story is separate and unique to them -- mostly having to do with completing their own personal agendas -- but ultimately the same. Central to the story is the legendary blade known as the Soul Reaver. Both want it, but for different reasons. Much of the story is pretty basic, but contains some almost Shakespearian aspects, mostly in the way of philosophical soliloquies given during cut scenes. What is good? What is bad? Which is greater, destiny or the will to change it? This is the same stuff we've heard in past games, only now we're not left hanging in the end (although the game does leave an opening for further games in the series).

Each character plays in a very similar hack-n-slash fashion. As you progress through each level, you will be accosted by droves of similar-looking enemies which you must dispatch. The main element of each level is to power up each character's main weapon -- the Soul Reaver. Kain holds the physical form of the blade, while Raziel the spiritual form. Upgrading these weapons allows you to open locks, which will then allow you to progress through the level. Kain must seek out crests that imbue the Reaver with powers, which each have an elemental property. The same goes for Raziel, only he must forge his blade. Taking a page from Blood Omen's RPG elements, each character gains combat EXP after defeating enemies. As you gain EXP, your character will learn new combat moves. Since both Kain and Raziel are vampires, they must feed in order to survive. After dazing an enemy, Kain must drink their blood to replenish health, and Raziel must eat their soul. Each character can also forgo the feeding and instead choose to feed the Reaver. This allows the Reaver to grow in strength and unleash a powerful attack based on which element you currently have equipped.

Unfortunately, the game doesn't deviate too far from this pattern. Each level plays out in a similar manner, with only slight deviations in the puzzles you must complete and settings. This kills any replay value for the game and can grow tedious. Defiance is fun, but only for short stretches of time.

Legacy of Kain: Defiance isn't a hard game; it's just frustrating and lackluster. Although the game makes sure to throw large groups of enemies at you, they're actually quite courteous -- even when you're feeding on their comrades. During combat, groups of enemies will attack at the same time, but they will all back off when you finish them off.

Getting around levels in Defiance is also a bit of a hassle. First off, your life gauge is constantly being depleted -- even when not in combat. This gives you a reason to feed. Usually, this isn't a problem since there's an ample supply of people to feast on. Once you defeat all the enemies in a level, you're stuck since you have no way to feed. Again, most of the time this isn't a problem, but there are a few times where you'll wander around the level trying to figure out where to go next. This problem could have easily been solved by implementing a map or simple radar system to help you get around.

Gameplay combines the best elements of the previous games, which were very different from each other. Blood Omen's RPG and stealth elements have largely been replaced with the more fast-paced action of Soul Reaver. I personally found this a little disappointing since I really enjoyed the mechanics behind Blood Omen. As Kain, you can no longer choose to use certain abilities to dispatch of enemies, nor does the game contain the same sense of puzzle solving, such as using mist form to sneak through foggy graveyards. Instead, all of Kain's Dark Gifts are used during gameplay situations. He can only go into mist form when he needs to pass through gates. In addition, the long jump, which was great for pouncing on enemies, can only be activated after stepping on glowing rings. The long jump's offensive capabilities have also been lost. You do, however, gain command over one power -- telekinesis. This is one of the more enjoyable elements of the game and usually allows for some of the more 'creative' ways of dispatching enemies. Telekinesis can be used to knock people into walls (repeatedly if you wish), throw them off ledges or knock them into spikes. This power also plays a role in puzzle solving, since you can use it to punch through weak walls or, once you have the right upgrade, light torches.

Raziel's side of the game plays much the same way; only it takes more of a puzzle solving aspect rather than an action oriented one. All of the puzzles in Raziel's levels involve shifting between the Physical and Spiritual Realms. These puzzles are usually long and drawn out, especially since you can no longer shift into the Physical Realm at will, but instead must find a pink spiritual essence cloud. Most of the time when you have to shift, it will be to pass through a gate or warp a ledge (so you can jump on it).

Perhaps the biggest issue with the game is the camera problem. Unlike the previous games, Defiance gives you a set vantage point in each level -- similar to the system used in Devil May Cry, only not as good. This leads to control problems since the camera will sometimes shift its view point to odd angles and makes some simple platforming elements a challenge (such as on Kain level where you have to jump between rocks and find a sliver of outcropping that leads to the end of the level). There are also times where your character will stand right in front of the camera and block your view for everything else.

All things considered, Legacy of Kain: Defiance is entertaining for its story alone, especially to those who've played previous games in the series. That said, the game is really only worth a rental or two due to its limited play experience and the number of issues that will keep you from wanting to play through it again.