PLATFORM: PC, PS5, SWITCH, XBOX SERIES (REVIEWED) | RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
More than twenty years years since we last saw Kain and his goth mates from the dark fantasy Legacy of Kain games (if you don’t include the recent remasters, that is), the series has been resurrected for a brand new instalment. Ascendance moves away from its predecessors’ 3D formula, instead taking the form of a side-scrolling 2D action platformer with both feet firmly planted on the “retro inspired” side of the room. With its simple gameplay and chunky Game Boy Advance style pixel art visuals, it very much feels like a throwback to days gone by, although admittedly it does seem like a slightly odd decision to make such a departure when the series is so well known for a particular style of gameplay.
The game’s twelve chapters are relatively short, lasting 2-3 hours in total, and largely consist of very straightforward platforming. At various points in the game, you’ll play as series stalwarts Kain and Raziel as well as newcomer Elaleth, each equipped with a single weapon to attack whatever’s in front of them. They all have their own unique ability too – as a vampire, Elaleth can dive down from the air to quickly attack enemies, while Kain can turn into a flock of bats to cross large distances and Raziel is able to throw holy flasks that burn enemies. It’s fairly rudimentary stuff, and the level design follows a similar philosophy – apart from a few levels that ask you to make your way up to higher platforms, there’s very little in the way of platforming challenges or any sort of level variety. The controls can be a bit stiff too, again evoking memories of games from a less refined era, which those who are old enough to remember the Legacy of Kain series from their younger days might perhaps appreciate a little more than modern players would do.
Other than giving those older players a chance to see what some old pals have been up to after all these years, Ascendance doesn’t quite do enough to stand out. Its gameplay is very simplistic and straightforward, lacking any sort of unique mechanic or interesting gimmick to hook you in, and while the visuals are appealing in a retro sort of way and the soundtrack features some nice Doom-esque metal, the overall package feels a little bit undercooked. It’s lovely to hear new lines recorded by the original game’s voice actors (including Breaking Bad‘s Skyler, Anna Gunn) but its brief length, lack of challenge and confusing narrative (based on the fan-funded 2025 comic, The Dead Shall Rise) mean that this one is definitely best suited for hardcore Kain completists.
