Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain

Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain is a dark action-adventure viewed from an isometric perspective, in which the player takes on the role of Kain, a treacherously murdered nobleman turned into a vampire seeking revenge on his killers and on the entire morally corrupt kingdom of Nosgoth. The game from studio Silicon Knights combines exploration of a sprawling fantasy world with a combat system and a range of vampiric abilities that Kain gradually acquires — from transforming into a bat and a wolf to draining enemies' blood to restore health and moving between the world of the living and the dead. The world of Nosgoth was divided into several distinct regions with their own factions and side quests, giving the game a considerable degree of freedom in progression.

The game's atmosphere was exceptionally dark and mature, full of gothic motifs, morally ambiguous characters, and philosophical dialogue laced with dark humor, setting it apart from most action games of the time, which focused more on pure action without deeper substance. The gameplay built on a combination of weapon and magic combat, puzzle elements, and gradually unlocking new abilities and areas of the map, bringing the game closer to the action-adventure genre with metroidvania elements and rewarding patient exploration of the world. Kain could also transform into mist or a wolf, opening up further paths through the territory and alternative solutions to many situations.

Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain was very well received and laid the foundation for the entire Legacy of Kain series, which later continued with titles like Soul Reaver on PlayStation and other consoles. Kain's sarcastic narrative commentary accompanying the player throughout the game was one of its most distinctive elements, giving even the dark themes of revenge and betrayal a distinctive, bitterly ironic edge. Thanks to its dark atmosphere, richly developed world, and willingness to work with a morally complicated hero, it remains valued today as one of the most distinctive and atmospheric action titles of the PlayStation generation.

Why play it: For its dark atmosphere, a morally complicated hero, and Kain's sarcastic commentary, which gives the story of revenge a distinctive ironic edge.