I got some time in with Legacy of Kain: Ascendance, and I’ll say this up front, this game doesn’t ease you in.
They throw enemies at you early, and they don’t really stop.
You’re not just dealing with one or two targets. You’re getting groups, and if you’re not moving right or staying aggressive, you’ll feel it immediately. This isn’t a “wait your turn” type of game. You have to stay on offense, keep chaining attacks, and make use of your movement or you’ll get overwhelmed.
Combat Feels Right… When You Stay in Control
The combat is built around speed.
You’re:
- Chaining melee attacks
- Dashing to reposition
- Using abilities to keep pressure on enemies
When it clicks, it feels good. You start controlling the space instead of reacting to it.
But if you hesitate? Dude, they will swarm you.
That’s where the game separates itself a bit. It’s not just about hitting enemies, it’s about managing space and staying ahead of the chaos.
Switching Between Characters Keeps It Fresh
You’re not locked into one playstyle, and that helps.
Playing as Kain feels powerful, like you’re supposed to dominate the screen. Then you switch over to Raziel, and things shift depending on where you are in his timeline. There’s also Elaleth, who leans into a more aggressive approach.
That variety matters, because with the number of enemies coming at you, doing the same thing over and over would get old fast.
The Mix of 2D and 3D Actually Works
Most of the action happens in 2D, and that’s where you’re dealing with all the combat pressure. Then the game shifts into those PS1-style 3D moments when it wants to slow things down and focus on the story.
It doesn’t feel random. It feels placed where it needs to be.
And since this takes place before Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, there’s context there for people who know the series. What makes it even better are the original freaking voice actors. This is where they couldn’t afford to mess up, and it would've been off to have completely different voices.
You’ve got returning talent like:
- Michael Bell
- Simon Templeman
- Anna Gunn
- Richard Doyle
That voice work is part of what made this series what it is.
Here’s where I land after playing it.
The game is at its best when you’re in control, moving fast, and dealing with enemies on your terms. The problem is, it doesn’t always give you breathing room to get comfortable before things ramp up.
Some players are going to like that. Others are going to feel like the game is coming at them a little too hard, a little too early. The blood meter was my biggest enemy.
But one thing is clear, this isn’t a passive experience.
If you’re stepping into this, be ready to fight for every bit of progress.
