Blood Omen 2

This game is highly underrated and I actually did see some criticism on it from popular game magazines. The truth is that nowadays, even more then before, games have a lot to do with acquired taste. For me, walking around in Nosgoth as Kain was a blast, even when I had no one left to kill. I enjoyed every sweet sap and rus of the game. Games like Bloodrayne got better and or equal ratings, which surprised me very much, since I can't imagine that many female players in the world nor do I assume that gamers have a perverted motive to play nowadays but I guess I gotta research that. Videogame magazines are fun and I've been reading them for years but DON'T get suckered into the rating system to a point that your buying games only they see worth buying. Remember what I said about acquired taste! Anyway I'd like to say that Julian Sands (Warlock) , if he gets into good shape, can MASTER the role of Kain if a movie ever comes out.

(The following will reveal minor elements of the plot)...... Blood Omen 2: 3.5/4......... Goodness, what a game this is! Kain has reprised his role as the nobleman turned Vampire from the original Blood Omen, and this time he's angry! The game itself looks great; filled with demons, aliens, zealous humans, and, of course, Vampires. The environments, while graphically moderate are filled with intrigue. The gameplay is both entertaining and VERY violent. But, the lopping off heads and the running through and the blood-sucking provides an almost relaxing release from reality. All in all, very fun. Gameplay is further enhanced by the addition of such "vampirical" abilities as floating, turning into mist, possessing people, telekinesis, and "immolating" people with your eyes. I very much enjoyed this game. It relives stress, provides an in-depth, dark, almost noir-style story that motivates you forward, and shows a dark and gothic environment that provides plenty of mystery, blood, and adventure. My advice: PLAY THIS GAME!

Truly a visual masterpiece! This game has a storyline that would make for an excellent animated series or even live-action. I have had this game since it's debut and have played it again and again, replay value is great! My only complaint is the lack of bloodsplatter after you maim some poor townsfolk or unsuspecting sarafan flunkie. Otherwise a great game! There is a nice variety of weaponry at your disposal to wreak havoc throughout nosgoth. The last three levels (I refer to them as the "Hylden levels") resembles a sub-ghetto tribute to R.H. Giger seeing as the hylden have let their city go to waste, but this just adds to the character of the whole gaming experience. I would recommend this as a must-have to any gamer's library.

Being one of the few fans of the somewhat "niche" original "Legacy of Kain" from waaaaay back in '96, I have been eagerly awaiting a sequel on a next-generation console. The "Soul Reaver" spin-offs were beautifully done, but a bit of a letdown in terms of gameplay. Enter Blood Omen 2, and all is once again right with the world.

One of the first things that hits you with this title is the absolutely gorgeous graphics. The visuals do an excellent job of conveying the grim, gothic world of Kain, which blends the medieval with a sort of mystical analog to modern technology. The atmosphere is further helped by a haunting musical score (though not quite as good as the crashing symphonies of the "Soul Reaver" games) and appropriate sound effects. Simon Templeman delivers a great performance as he once again lends his sinister voice to Kain, putting to shame all those games out there with cheap, laughable voice acting.

Gameplay is considerably better than in the "Soul Reaver" series. While the combat can be at times tedious and opponents can land some fairly cheap hits, overall it's less stilted than in Blood Omen's sister series. Kain blocks attacks realistically, and has a number of weapons to use on his enemies. These swords, axes and clubs can also be used on the peasants and townsfolk you will encounter, which leads to a key aspect of gameplay - blood drinking. Being a vampire, Kain needs to feed constantly, and there is a darkly satisfying pleasure in preying on the townspeople.

The only real drawbacks come from the price we have to pay for such excellent visuals; the game chugs and skips when things get hectic; three enemies and a peasant all on the screen at once can slow things down quite a bit. The puzzles are fairly simplistic - "pull a lever here, which powers another lever over there" kind of thing. Combat, as I said before, can get tedious; however, this can be offset by Kain's ability to sneak up on enemies by hiding in mist and "stealth killing" them.

Overall, drawbacks aside, this is one you want to add to your collection, especially if you're like me and actually own and still enjoy the original Blood Omen. Pass over the "Soul Reaver" games as rental-only - this is the true sequel we've been waiting for.