For fans of the gothic action-adventure video game series Legacy of Kain, a glimmer of hope has emerged from the shadows. After a two-decade hiatus, the world of Nosgoth is coming back to life with a brand new graphic novel titled Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise. This project promises to delve into the previously unexplored past of the series’ iconic anti-hero, Raziel.
A Dive into Raziel’s Origins: Before He Became a Vampire
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise serves as a prequel to the beloved Soul Reaver series. Fans will be treated to a narrative that sheds light on Raziel’s story before his transformation into a vengeful vampire. The graphic novel will explore his formative years, revealing the events that ultimately led him to serve under the powerful vampire lord, Kain.
This exploration of Raziel’s past promises to answer lingering questions and fill in the gaps of established lore. Readers can expect a deep dive into the dark and complex history of Nosgoth, a world brimming with secrets and intrigue.
Unveiling a New Character and Expanding the Lore
The Dead Shall Rise goes beyond simply revisiting Raziel’s origins. The creators have hinted at the introduction of a brand-new character who will be directly connected to the history of both Raziel and Kain. This new addition to the Legacy of Kain universe has the potential to significantly expand the lore and provide fresh perspectives on the existing narrative.
Fans can expect a thrilling journey filled with revelations and intrigue.
A Collaborative Effort: Fans and Creators Unite
The Dead Shall Rise represents a unique collaboration between Bit Bot Media, a creative team specializing in graphic novels, and Crystal Dynamics, the original developers of the Legacy of Kain video games. The authors of the novel take the lead in crafting the story and creating the illustrations, while Crystal Dynamics provides oversight and creative guidance.
This collaboration ensures that the graphic novel stays true to the spirit of the original games while offering a fresh artistic interpretation. Notably, the writers were provided with access to previously unpublished lore and details about the world of Nosgoth and its inhabitants, suggesting a deep dive into the established history.
Crowdfunding Fuels the Project’s Future
The Dead Shall Rise is being fueled by the passion of the creative team and the longstanding loyalty of Legacy of Kain fans. To ensure the project’s success, Bit Bot Media plans on launching a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. While the campaign is slated for 2024, a specific release date for the graphic novel itself has not yet been announced.
Fan Passion Reignites the Legacy
The announcement of the graphic novel comes on the heels of a 2022 survey conducted by the game’s creators. This survey, which aimed to gauge fan interest in a potential Legacy of Kain revival, saw an overwhelming response with over 100,000 participants – a significant increase from the usual 1-3,000 responses on studio surveys.
This tremendous response showcased the enduring popularity of the Legacy of Kain series and fueled hope for future projects, whether in the form of remakes or entirely new titles.
Further evidence of fan dedication can be seen in the development of a fan-made remake of Soul Reaver using the Unreal Engine 5. This project, unveiled in January 2024, serves as another testament to the enduring legacy of the series.
FAQs
Q: Is there a new Legacy of Kain game coming out?
A: As of now, there is no official confirmation of a new Legacy of Kain game in development. However, the announcement of the graphic novel suggests renewed interest in the franchise.
Q: What is the story of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise?
A: The graphic novel will explore the backstory of Raziel, detailing his life before he became a vampire and his eventual allegiance to Kain.
Q: When will Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise be released?
A: A specific release date for the graphic novel has not been announced yet. However, the crowdfunding campaign is planned for 2024.
