Crystal Dynamics has revealed Legacy of Kain: Ascendance, the latest entry in the long running vampire franchise that began with 1996’s Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain.
The game is the set to drop next month on March 31, 2026 for PS5, Switch, Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store.
Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is a 2D sidescroller with a retro, pixelated artstyle that is unlike anything explored in the franchise thus far. In addition, some cinematics will be presented in a hand-drawn, anime-style, while others will be invocative of the PS1 era 3D graphics of the original games.
Players will take control of four main characters: the vampire lord Kain; a human and vampire version of Kain’s lieutenant Raziel; and Elaleth, a vampiress who is prominent in the 2025 graphic novel Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver — The Dead Shall Rise.
It is unknown if Legacy of Kain: Ascendance will feature one continuous story with revolving characters, or will provide four distinct scenarios for each of the protagonists. Crystal Dynamics has shared that the original voice actors for Kain, Raziel, Ariel, and Moebius will all be reprising their roles for the game.
Crystal Dynamics has stated that gameplay will flow seamlessly from traversal exploration, environmental puzzles, and exhilarating skill-based combat where players must chain attacks and dash to evade incoming blows in order to survive.
Music is provided by Celldweller, an award winning industrial rock project that is headed by musician Klayton. Celldweller’s work has previously been featured in the video games Dead Rising 3 and Killer Instinct Season 3,
This news comes in addition to the announcement that 2003’s Legacy of Kain: Defiance will be receiving a full remaster later this year. The last mainline game of the Legacy of Kain series, Defiance sees Kain and Raziel traveling to Nosgoth’s past to do battle with Moebius, the Time Streamer. The remaster will sport updated HD graphics, an improved 3rd person camera, wayfinding maps, character skins, and an art gallery. The biggest news for longtime fans though is undoubtedly the included playable demo of Dark Prophecy, the previously unreleased sequel to Defiance. There is no word on if this playable demo is in anticipation of a full game of Dark Prophecy, or simply a fun interactive piece of video game history.
Are you more excited for Legacy of Kain: Ascendance or the upcoming Defiance remaster? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to follow us on all of our social media platforms!
Source: Legacy of Kain
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