Legacy of Kain: Ascendance Revives the Cult Classic Franchise With a Bold 2D Direction
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Crystal Dynamics has announced Legacy of Kain: Ascendance, a 2D action platformer arriving on March 31 that brings back original voice actors and dark fantasy themes for the long-dormant franchise.
Crystal Dynamics surprised the community during the latest PlayStation State of Play by announcing Legacy of Kain: Ascendance, marking the first new entry in the beloved dark fantasy franchise since 2003. Revealed via an Xbox Wire post by lead writer Claribel Guerra, the upcoming title shifts the series to a 2D side-scrolling action platformer. The game features a striking pixel art aesthetic paired with PS1-era 3D sequences and anime-influenced cinematics, blending nostalgic art styles with modern pacing to relaunch the historic universe for current platforms.
Despite the dramatic gameplay shift away from traditional 3D exploration, the development team insists the title will still resonate with longtime fans. Series veterans Simon Templeman and Michael Bell are returning to voice Kain and Raziel, respectively, starring alongside a new playable character named Elaleth. According to Guerra, the game preserves the bleak atmosphere, heavy themes of fate and power, and intricate narrative storytelling that defined the original releases, ensuring that community expectations for lore and tone are fully respected.
The project arrives alongside a forthcoming remaster of Legacy of Kain: Defiance next month, giving fans plenty of material to dive into while waiting for release day. Set to launch on March 31 across PC, consoles, and modern hardware ecosystems, Ascendance aims to balance fast-paced platforming mechanics with the deliberate, atmospheric puzzle-solving veterans expect. You can read the original announcement and track updates over at Rock Paper Shotgun.
As players digest the unexpected format change, the real test will be whether this stylistic pivot successfully captures the gothic charm of the PS1 and PS2 eras. For a community that has waited over two decades for a proper continuation, this revival offers an exciting new chapter, whether you are playing on a high-end PC, a living room console, or checking out wishlists on the go.
Tags: Legacy of Kain, Crystal Dynamics, PlayStation State of Play, Action Platformer, Gaming News
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun