Crystal Dynamics has officially unveiled two highly anticipated titles for the iconic Legacy of Kain series, catering to both long-standing fans and a new generation of players.
The announcement introduces Legacy of Kain: Ascendance, a brand new entry in the franchise, alongside Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered, a comprehensive update to the classic series finale.
Both titles are set to launch on Nintendo Switch, the upcoming Switch 2, PC, and additional modern platforms, broadening the reach of Nosgoth's dark fantasy world. Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is developed by Bit Bot Media and will mark a major return for the series.
Scheduled for release on March 31, 2026, this installment is a fast-paced 2D action platformer that delves into the events preceding Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver.
Ascendance emphasizes vertical movement and fluid combat mechanics, offering players a skill-based experience filled with chained melee strikes, evasive maneuvers, and supernatural abilities.
Nosgoth’s atmospheric settings are brought to life through meticulously crafted pixel art and animated cutscenes, seamlessly blending environmental puzzles with dynamic combat sequences. Distinctively, Ascendance introduces multiple protagonists, including the vampire lord Kain, Raziel in both his human Sarafan knight form and as a fledgling vampire, and the new character Elaleth, who boasts a relentlessly aggressive playstyle focused on rapid, continuous offense.
Series veterans will appreciate the return of iconic voice talent—Michael Bell, Simon Templeman, Richard Doyle, and Anna Gunn—bringing depth and continuity to the narrative.
The game also features an original soundtrack composed by Celldweller, further immersing players in the haunting world of Nosgoth. On the remaster front, Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered breathes new life into the beloved fifth and final chapter of the original saga.
Launching March 1, 2026, it invites players back into a struggle between fate and free will as both Kain and Raziel.
This edition debuts enhanced high-definition graphics, reengineered controls, and a modernized camera system, granting players the flexibility to toggle between updated visuals and the classic presentation at will.
It also includes a comprehensive photo mode, alternate character skins inspired by franchise lore, a detailed lore reader, previously unreleased content, and rediscovered 'lost levels.' Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered preserves the core dual-protagonist structure.
Players alternate between Kain and Raziel, each equipped with distinct abilities and perspectives.
The gothic world of Nosgoth expands with intricate environments, challenging enemies, and multifaceted puzzles, all rendered in rich, updated visuals suitable for the Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and modern gaming PCs. Both titles underscore Crystal Dynamics’ dedication to honoring the Legacy of Kain’s storied past while innovating for today’s gamers.
With confirmed release dates and extensive enhancements, Legacy of Kain: Ascendance and Defiance Remastered promise to reinvigorate the franchise for Nintendo Switch owners and beyond.
Stay tuned for further updates ahead of their 2026 release.
The announcement introduces Legacy of Kain: Ascendance, a brand new entry in the franchise, alongside Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered, a comprehensive update to the classic series finale.
Both titles are set to launch on Nintendo Switch, the upcoming Switch 2, PC, and additional modern platforms, broadening the reach of Nosgoth's dark fantasy world. Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is developed by Bit Bot Media and will mark a major return for the series.
Scheduled for release on March 31, 2026, this installment is a fast-paced 2D action platformer that delves into the events preceding Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver.
Ascendance emphasizes vertical movement and fluid combat mechanics, offering players a skill-based experience filled with chained melee strikes, evasive maneuvers, and supernatural abilities.
Nosgoth’s atmospheric settings are brought to life through meticulously crafted pixel art and animated cutscenes, seamlessly blending environmental puzzles with dynamic combat sequences. Distinctively, Ascendance introduces multiple protagonists, including the vampire lord Kain, Raziel in both his human Sarafan knight form and as a fledgling vampire, and the new character Elaleth, who boasts a relentlessly aggressive playstyle focused on rapid, continuous offense.
Series veterans will appreciate the return of iconic voice talent—Michael Bell, Simon Templeman, Richard Doyle, and Anna Gunn—bringing depth and continuity to the narrative.
The game also features an original soundtrack composed by Celldweller, further immersing players in the haunting world of Nosgoth. On the remaster front, Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered breathes new life into the beloved fifth and final chapter of the original saga.
Launching March 1, 2026, it invites players back into a struggle between fate and free will as both Kain and Raziel.
This edition debuts enhanced high-definition graphics, reengineered controls, and a modernized camera system, granting players the flexibility to toggle between updated visuals and the classic presentation at will.
It also includes a comprehensive photo mode, alternate character skins inspired by franchise lore, a detailed lore reader, previously unreleased content, and rediscovered 'lost levels.' Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered preserves the core dual-protagonist structure.
Players alternate between Kain and Raziel, each equipped with distinct abilities and perspectives.
The gothic world of Nosgoth expands with intricate environments, challenging enemies, and multifaceted puzzles, all rendered in rich, updated visuals suitable for the Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and modern gaming PCs. Both titles underscore Crystal Dynamics’ dedication to honoring the Legacy of Kain’s storied past while innovating for today’s gamers.
With confirmed release dates and extensive enhancements, Legacy of Kain: Ascendance and Defiance Remastered promise to reinvigorate the franchise for Nintendo Switch owners and beyond.
Stay tuned for further updates ahead of their 2026 release.
