Crystal Dynamics has announced a major resurgence for the Legacy of Kain franchise, revealing two new titles during Sony Interactive Entertainment’s latest State of Play presentation.
The revival includes Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered, launching March 3, 2026, and the brand-new 2D action platformer Legacy of Kain: Ascendance, arriving March 31, 2026. Both titles are coming to PC and consoles.
Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered Arrives March 3
Originally released in 2003, Defiance returns with modern enhancements while preserving its dark fantasy roots. The remastered edition launches on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Players once again step into the roles of Kain and Raziel as they navigate the gothic world of Nosgoth, bound by fate, betrayal, and free will. The remaster features upgraded HD visuals, improved character models and environments, a refined camera system, and the option to switch between the original fixed camera and a modern third-person perspective.
Additional features include a new photo mode, alternate character skins, a lore reader, and previously unreleased content, including “lost levels.” Pre-orders are live now, with bonus character skins inspired by the early “Shifter” concept that influenced the Soul Reaver saga.
Three editions are available:
- Standard Edition ($24.99) – Base game plus pre-order Shifter Skin Pack
- Deluxe Edition ($29.99) – Includes comic reader, a demo of the unreleased Legacy of Kain: The Dark Prophecy, and Shifter Skin Pack
- Heart of Darkness Collection ($44.99) – Includes everything above plus Legacy of Kain: Ascendance and bonus themed skins
Legacy of Kain: Ascendance Launches March 31
Launching later in the month, Ascendance introduces a fresh gameplay style to the franchise. Developed by Bit Bot Media in association with FreakZone Games, this fast-paced 2D action platformer blends retro-inspired pixel art with anime-influenced cinematics.
Set as a prequel to Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, Ascendance features vertical movement, fluid melee combat, and skill-driven gameplay. Select PS1-era inspired 3D sequences appear at key story moments, adding a nostalgic twist to the presentation.
Players will control three protagonists: Kain, Raziel in both human and vampiric forms, and the aggressive vampire Elaleth. The game also sees the return of iconic voice talent, including Simon Templeman (Kain), Michael Bell (Raziel), Anna Gunn (Ariel), and Richard Doyle (Moebius). The soundtrack is composed by Klayton (Celldweller/Scandroid).
Legacy of Kain: Ascendance will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. It is currently available to pre-order as part of the Heart of Darkness Collection, with standalone wishlisting live across platforms.
