Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2 (2001)

The gameplay of the game is a mixed bag, with many praising its engaging combat and puzzle mechanics, while others criticize its linearity, outdated controls, and frequent technical issues such as crashes and freezes. While some players appreciate the story and character development, they find the gameplay to be simplistic and at times tedious, particularly due to backtracking and unskippable cutscenes. Overall, the game offers a nostalgic experience for fans of the series, but its mechanics may not appeal to everyone, especially those seeking modern gameplay standards.

The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the stunning visuals and artistic design that still hold up well, particularly for its time on the PS2. However, many users note that the graphics show their age, with various glitches and issues that detract from the experience, suggesting a need for a remaster. Overall, while the aesthetic and character design are appreciated, the dated graphics and technical problems are significant drawbacks for modern players.

The game's stability is heavily criticized, with numerous reports of frequent crashes, freezes, and game-breaking bugs that render it nearly unplayable. Players have encountered issues such as unresponsive controls, graphical glitches, and the need for various workarounds to mitigate these problems. While some users have found temporary fixes, the overall consensus is that the game suffers from significant stability issues, particularly on PC.

The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to enhance the atmosphere, with soundtracks that are both iconic and memorable. Many reviewers highlight the quality of the compositions, noting their emotional depth and how they complement the narrative and gameplay. However, a few critiques mention instances of blandness or unmemorable tracks, but overall, the music is considered a standout feature that contributes significantly to the game's experience.

The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive storytelling, impressive architectural design, and attention to detail, creating a captivating and dark world. The combination of a haunting soundtrack, distinct audio effects, and excellent voice acting further enhances the overall experience, making it a standout feature that remains compelling even years after its release. Overall, reviewers consistently rate the atmosphere as exceptional, contributing significantly to the game's legacy.

The game excels in character development, offering a compelling narrative and interconnected storytelling that remains impactful years after its release. Players appreciate the progressive character arcs and impressive character design, though some feel that while the story evolves, other gameplay elements may not keep pace. Overall, the character development is highlighted as a standout feature, enhanced by captivating cutscenes and strong visual presentation.

Overall, "Soul Reaver 2" on Steam offers improved performance and seamless gameplay, allowing both veterans and newcomers to enjoy the classic without significant issues. However, some users reported bugs, such as getting stuck between realms, and noted limitations in optimization for higher resolution displays. Despite these drawbacks, the game's performance and captivating story keep players engaged.

Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while the puzzles and overall pacing are enjoyable, the combat can become repetitive and tedious due to a lack of new moves and abilities. Some puzzles are also criticized for being vague and simplistic, leading to a sense of backtracking that detracts from the overall enjoyment. Despite these issues, fans of the original may appreciate the story contributions and the nostalgic elements.

The humor in the game is likened to a less amusing version of "Groundhog Day," with players finding the comedic elements lacking. While some attempts to fix gameplay issues were noted, they did not enhance the overall humor or experience, as the game still suffers from technical problems.

Users express that the emotional aspect of the game is heavily tied to frustration, as the simplicity of the puzzles can evoke feelings of disappointment and sadness.

Overall, the game's replayability is considered limited, with some users noting a lack of compelling reasons to return. However, the original version's sidequests were highlighted as a strong factor that enhanced its replay value.