Gaming Target - PlayStation 2: Blood Omen 2

Written by Omer Ali on June 21, 2001

First Impressions: More Bats in the Belfry!

The Eidos vampire epic began on PSOne with Legacy of Kain: Blood Omen, and later the company continued the series in releasing Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver in 1999. Vampire stories have always been told from the point of view of the vampire hunter, but Eidos put a nice little spin on these mythical creatures by looking at the world through their eyes.

This installment of Legacy of Kain kicks off 400 years after the first title. At this point in time Kain does not posses the soul reaver. After his battle with the Sarafan in the first title, Kain went into hiding to regain his powers. In the present time of this title Kain is brought back into the outside world by some fellow vampires that seek refuge from the Sarafan. Kain's fellow vampires from the first title have joined forces with the Sarafan and are hunting down all the other vampires. Now that Kain is without the soul reaver, because the lord of the Sarafan took it from him in the first Blood Omen, he must seek out each of his companions to regain his power and the soul reaver.

The battle system is heavily based on one on one combat. Focusing on one aspect type combat should give this game a better edge over others. In the game Kain will be able to use a variety of weapons that he will be able to find on the ground and also be able to take them from enemies. Also Kain's movements will change every time he wields a different weapon. For example if Kain is holding a dagger he will stab at the enemy, but if he is holding an axe he will do a chopping motion to cut his enemies down to size.

Expect to see a whole lot of blood and gore. Kain will also be able to use his nifty vampire powers like invisibility. This will allow Kain to remain hidden in the dark and still let him eliminate his opponents without ever revealing himself. Stealth has to be the greatest thing since sliced bread. Kain will also have his blood sucking ability to drain helpless people who dare get in his way, and his enemies. Kain can also glide across any surface making him completely silent and deadly.