Crystal Dynamics has unveiled two new entries in the Legacy of Kain franchise, with both titles set to launch this March across PC and consoles. Announced during Sony’s State of Play, Legacy of Kain Defiance Remastered arrives first on March 3, followed by the brand new 2D action platformer Legacy of Kain Ascendance on March 31.
Defiance Remastered revisits the 2003 action-adventure and updates it with enhanced visuals, modernized controls, and a range of bonus content. Developed by Crystal Dynamics in collaboration with PlayEveryWare and published by Crystal Dynamics, the remaster will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Pre-orders are now open, with early purchasers receiving a Shifter Skin Pack for Kain and Raziel inspired by an early game concept that influenced the Soul Reaver saga.
The remaster once again places players in control of both Kain and Raziel, offering two distinct combat styles and narrative perspectives as their conflict unfolds in the world of Nosgoth. The updated edition features high-definition character models, textures, and environments, alongside a new camera option, while retaining the ability to play with the original fixed camera. Players can switch between classic and modern visual presentations at any time. Additional content includes a photo mode, alternate character skins, a lore reader, and previously unreleased material described as lost levels from the original game.
Three editions of Defiance Remastered will be offered. The Standard Edition is priced at $24.99 and includes the base game along with the pre-order Shifter Skin Pack. The Deluxe Edition, priced at $29.99, adds a digital comic reader featuring three classic comics and a demo of the unreleased Legacy of Kain: The Dark Prophecy, while also including the Shifter Skin Pack. The Heart of Darkness Collection, available for $44.99 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, bundles the Deluxe Edition content with Legacy of Kai:n Ascendance and an additional Ascendance-themed skin pack for Defiance Remastered.
Ascendance represents a new direction for the franchise as a fast-paced 2D action platformer developed by Bit Bot Media in association with FreakZone Games and published by Crystal Dynamics. Set as a prequel to Soul Reaver, the game emphasizes vertical movement, fluid combat, and skill-driven play, while incorporating select 3D sequences inspired by the PS1 era at key narrative moments.
The story unfolds across collapsing kingdoms and fractured timelines, blending retro pixel art gameplay with anime-influenced cinematics. Players will control three protagonists: Kain with his vampiric abilities, Raziel before and after his transformation, and the vampire Elaleth, who brings an aggressive combat style focused on relentless offense. Original voice actors Simon Templeman, Michael Bell, Anna Gunn, and Richard Doyle return to reprise their roles, with an original score composed by Klayton.
Legacy of Kain: Ascendance will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on March 31. On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, it can be pre-ordered today as part of the Heart of Darkness Collection.
With both a remaster of a fan favorite and a new genre entry expanding the series, March marks a significant moment in the ongoing revival of the Legacy of Kain franchise.
