Legacy of Kain- Blood Omen
SYSTEM: Sony Playstation
DEVELOPER: Silicon Knights
PUBLISHER: Crystal Dynamics, Distributed by Activision
PRICE: Around $49.95
RATED: Mature Ages 17+ , Animated violence, blood and gore

In this game you play Kain. Early in the game Kain is killed, and is offered a chance for revenge by Mortanius the Necromancer.  Kain rashly accepts without considering the consequences. Mortanius resurrects Kain as a vampire, and so your journey begins. As you travel through Nosgoth you learn of the Piller of Nine, Vorador, and what you must do to "right the wrong" so to speak.

I'm not one who likes to go too deeply into the storylines in reviews. For reason one, it can give away the plot. For another, it tends to go outside what a review is about, which is telling you if you will like the game. So, I'll just say this. Kain is not your average game hero. Kain is a vile bloodthirsty villian who really only seeks to satisfy himself. He seeks to avenge his death, gain personal power, and leave the ranks of the un-dead. His story, seems to run alongside what is happening with the Pillar of Nine, and eventually they become entertwined. What awaits Kain (you) is a very vast adventure that will take a great deal of time to complete.

Legacy of Kain Blood Omen is a top-down 2D RPGish type of game. It is definetely a vast adventure as it boasts 100,000 screens, 170 different enemies, 21 objects and spells, 25 minutes of high quality full motion animation, and hours of voice overs. This game was released when 3D games were in their infantcy, so although it had a strong cult following, it was often overlooked by those seeking the newer 3D type games available. Definetely a mistake, because this is one of the best designed games ever made.
 
I have wanted to review this game for some time, but un-fortunely I got stuck and gave up on it for a while. Just last night, I began playing again (with hint book now), and remembered what a great time I had playing the first time around. In general, I'm not much into "Demonic" themed games (like this), but this game was so expertly done that it did appeal to me. I am now trying to complete this game again, and have decided to write the review in progress of the game. Normally, I wait until I have finished completely, but I was pretty far through last time, and I have a good feel for the game now.

I must say that this game is NOT for young children. There are far too many graphic depictions of blood, gore, death, and outright evil looking imagery for young children to view. If you are an adult and like "evil" looking games, or are just like me and appreciate an excellent video game production, then this game is for you. But please, don't buy this one for kids. The imagry is not comic in appearence, and could be harmful to young viewers.

Graphically, some would down rate this game because it is not in 3D. To me, not being 3D is a plus, not a minus. 3D games at times seem to open to me and can't compare with the character interaction involved in a well written 2D game. This game is a prime example of a 2D game done right. It currently ranks as my overall favorite top-down 2D sprite based game. The graphics are absoluely awesome in this game. it looks somewhat standard while exploring the countryside, but once you cast a few spells, lookout... Spectacular!!! The first time you explode an enemy to bits, you'll know what I'm talking about. It can truely be a sight to behold at times. Additionally, the CG intro, and storytelling, scenes are right up there with a good Hollywood production.  It's loaded with fine touches that really set it apart from your average Playstation game. Touches like: Death animations, spell animations, weather and time of day changes, blood sucking, voices, morphing, and a host of others. From start to finish (I think, because I really haven't finished it yet), this is really a top notch production!!!!

The sound is first rate for a game like this. It really has a scary sound to it. Blood sucking, and killing sounds seem almost real. Add to that all the voices used, and the sound really imerses you into the story. As Kain walks, he talks to himself, and you really get a feel for being there.

If you buy this game, I suggest you play it late at night, sound up, with all the lights turned out. This is positively the best way to fully appreciate this game. It is very scary, and should send chills up your spine.

Most of the time, the game is pretty strait foward, and easy to figure out (That is if you pay attention to the story). At times, it can get tough though. I suggest you get yourself a good hint book to play if your not that good at RPG's (Actually, this is not a traditional RPG, but it does share some elements).

Overall, this is one Great game!!! I would really like to see a true sequel to it (Yes, I know Soul Reaver is almost here), but somehow I don't think it will happen. Soul Reaver, which looks awesome by the way, isn't a real sequel in my book. I'd like to see another Kain, developed by the same people, in the same fashion as Blood Omen. Oh well, maybe I'll never need another Kain, as this game is so vast I may never finish it!! Kain is as good as it gets on Playstation.

RATINGS
GRAPHICS 93%
SOUND 98%
GAMEPLAY 96%
ORIGINALITY 96%
REPLAY VALUE 95%
OVERALL 96%