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After Two Decades, This Iconic PS1 Game Was Supposed to Get a New Release, But It Didn't Go as Planned

Although progress on the Legacy of Kain reboot at Eidos Montreal was halted, Crystal Dynamics has since taken over the project, rekindling discussions around the beloved franchise's future.

Ahmed Hassan 14 December 2025 · 2 min read

Legacy of Kain Reboot Canceled Amid Embracer Group's Cost-Cutting Measures

A once-promising revival of the cult Legacy of Kain series from the PlayStation 1 era has been canceled, leaving fans without a new installment in the franchise. Eidos Montreal had been developing a Legacy of Kain reboot, codenamed P16, since 2020, according to anonymous sources speaking to Insider Gaming. The reboot was penned by Amy Hennig, known for her work on Uncharted 2. However, Embracer Group's acquisition of Eidos Montreal in May 2022 led to the project's cancellation, as the parent company began focusing on cost-cutting after a period of rapid expansion. This shift in priorities resulted in layoffs and project cancellations across Embracer, including the closure of studios like Volition (Saints Row). Eidos Montreal was also affected by these changes. Insider Gaming reports that the studio has been operating with a short-term financial focus, prioritizing cost-cutting over ambitious long-term projects. The reboot was then passed to Crystal Dynamics, but development stalled.

Legacy of Kain Returns with Remastered Soul Reaver 1 & 2 in Late 2024

Despite the cancellation of the reboot, the Legacy of Kain series is returning to the spotlight with the upcoming remastered versions of Soul Reaver 1 and 2, scheduled for release in late 2024. Eidos Montreal aimed to recapture the spirit of the original game, blending close combat and parkour within a dark fantasy universe.

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Game info

Official Name: Legacy of Kain: Defiance
Brief Summary: Defiance continues from where Soul Reaver 2 ended. In Soul Reaver 2, Kain saved Raziel's life by drawing the Soul Reaver from him – Raziel was meant to enter the blade and become its soul-devouring spectral half. This causes a paradox that changes time for the worse and separates Kain and Raziel. Kain's part of the game follows him seeking Moebius the Time Streamer, a time-travelling mystic, for answers to where Raziel is, how he has changed time, and later following a lead Moebius gives him to explore a Vampire citadel. During his quest, Kain finds and completes a broken talisman of a Vampire construct known as the Balance Emblem. Kain discovers murals during his quest, dictating an ancient war between the first races to inhabit Nosgoth, the Ancient vampires and the Hylden. After sealing the Hylden in an alternate dimension using the Pillars of Nosgoth, the Hylden cursed the Ancients with bloodthirst, sterility and immortality, turning them into the first Vampires. Kain discovers from the murals that it was prophesied that both races would have a champion arise – a Vampire champion wielding the Soul Reaver, and a Hylden champion wielding a flaming sword. Because he possesses the material Soul Reaver depicted, Kain comes to believe he is the prophesied Vampire champion. The outcome of the battle between the two champions remains ambiguous. A port of Legacy of Kain: Defiance, enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters.
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Released: September 16, 2025
Genre: Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Play Modes: Single player
Content Rating: 18
Languages: Chinese (Simplified)
Genre: Crystal Dynamics

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