New graphics and that's it?

[Mesarthim]

So graphics are the only things that were changed?

I mean, Soul Reaver 1 had plenty of cut content which deserved to be reintroduced and Soul Reaver 2 had a mediocre gameplay compared to the first game.
(spells were removed, sword was shorter, the elemental stuff were not adding anything, the combat felt weird once we got used to the one of the first game)

Pretty sure they could have done more than a simple graphical update.
Still glad the games are remastered and all but these remasters feel a bit lazy, don't they?

[Maik]

I don´t think so. It is true that first Soul Reaver has a lot of cut content for sure. But the game stands on its own as it was delivered first time. Although I would like to see game restored to it´s full potential... I am just glad we get this. We should all support it to show them that we also want Blood Omen 2 and Defiance....

.... and perhaps some new installment.

[life is dank]

from: https://www.crystaldynamics.com/blog/2024/09/24/aspyr-crystal-dynamics-reveal-legacy-of-kain-soul-reaver-1-2-remastered-launching-dec-10-2024-on-pc-consoles/

Key Features:

Experience a Legendary Tale of Vampires & Vengeance: Centuries after your master Kain betrayed and executed you, you’ll rise again and embark on a relentless quest for revenge.

Wield the Powers of a Wraith: Slay your former vampire brethren with your claws, bolts of telekinetic energy, and the elemental Wraith Blade. Grow stronger by devouring the souls of your enemies.

Shift Between Realms: The Elder God has granted you the ability to shift between the Spectral and Material Realms. Traverse these planes to solve puzzles, reveal new paths, and vanquish your foes.

NEW! Remastered Visuals: Toggle instantly between original graphics and new remastered visuals featuring enhanced textures, models and VFX whenever you choose.

NEW! Modern Controls: Play with classic controls or a new modern control scheme.

NEW! Updates & Features: Navigate Nosgoth with a brand-new map and compass, capture your favorite shots with the new photo mode, and hunt for new achievements and trophies.

NEW! Bonus Materials: Explore an interactive lore map, view never-before-seen concept art, and delve into environments from the fabled “Lost Levels.”

[Sigxy]

While it would be fun to have some of the cut content, it depends if they have original voice lines for them or not. Because otherwise I'm fine if it's just improved graphics; the games are good enough and all I could ask for in regards of a remaster, not a remake where they usually botch stuff. I do hope they also include the other games, though I think they still can't agree who the real owner is of the first Blood Omen game...

[Narcissistic Cannibal]

What you want is a remake. This is a remaster.

[Arkedor]

Originally posted by Sigxy:

While it would be fun to have some of the cut content, it depends if they have original voice lines for them or not. Because otherwise I'm fine if it's just improved graphics; the games are good enough and all I could ask for in regards of a remaster, not a remake where they usually botch stuff. I do hope they also include the other games, though I think they still can't agree who the real owner is of the first Blood Omen game...

I think if fans managed to get cut voice lines for SR1 and dig into original plot than the studio has even more resources. However, because of SR2 it makes no sence to fully recreate cut story. They still can implement cut levels as optional secrets. Even add the Priestess as an extra boss fight. Her and Turel's models can be found in PS1 prototypes.

[Mora]

The textures has been upgrades and the 3d models has been fully remade with high details textures and specular and normal maps

[Mesarthim]

A map with achievements is definitely not "content", it's a little to no interest.
Achievements? Well, I think most if not all SR 1 and 2 players 100% the game, so what's the use? having the little icon with "you got that achievement"? I don't see any interest in achievements but I know many players care for some reason.

A photo mode isn't either particulary interesting, I mean, for people who are old enough to have played SR 1 and 2, video games never had photo modes to begin with and I don't think it's going to be of interest to many.
Well, maybe... I don't know, I never found any interest in a photo mode, are there so many players who beg for photo mode?

Textures, 3d models, specular maps, ... That's the least they could do.

Control scheme does not change anything, it's just a control mapping thing (along with keyboard / gamepad) It's minimal work.

I just wanted more since fans have been trying to revive SR 1 for ages with huge dungeons cut and whatnot. Taking a look at all the content they could add is just making me drool.
It's okay, it's still going to be amazing to dive back but eh, a bit disappointing they didn't aim higher. (where is that "go big or go home" ?)

[lazarusblack]

It's a remaster and not a remake.

Subtle but distinct difference. I'm happy for them to re-release a stable and fresh looking original. Hell, if we can switch back to the original textures and graphics, I probably will in many places, pure for nostalgia.

[Mesarthim]

I know the difference and I still think they should have done more.
It can be a remaster and still improve things.

The switch between both style, I dunno... It would be easier for them to provide the original SR 1 and 2 along with the remaster. (usually when you can switch between 2 style, they make sure to put this feature forward on the store page)

[lazarusblack]

If they start changing things, the likelihood of them changing things you don't want them to, increases. Much of the cut content from SR1, was then incorporated into SR2 and later Defiance. Sure the smoke stack and Forge city were never visited, but the reason for doing so, was to slay Turel and as we know, Turel isn't there. He is under Avernus.

I think there is too much risk, that any additional content they add in themselves, runs the risk of being too dissimilar to the original content. The graphics are already super colourful. imagine how they might re-interpret the missing content that they don't have a base to go off of.

[Mesarthim]

They do have a base though, the cut was found with textures and everything as far as I saw.

For SR 2 they could improve slightly combat, wouldn't change much, the combat would feel better, improve the range of the soul reaver to make it more like a 2 handed sword which it is (it was a pretty big sword in Blood Omen 1)

And just small details like that to make the game feel more up to date.

[Hiphoptimus Rhyme]

Originally posted by Mesarthim:

So graphics are the only things that were changed?

I mean, Soul Reaver 1 had plenty of cut content which deserved to be reintroduced and Soul Reaver 2 had a mediocre gameplay compared to the first game.
(spells were removed, sword was shorter, the elemental stuff were not adding anything, the combat felt weird once we got used to the one of the first game)

Pretty sure they could have done more than a simple graphical update.
Still glad the games are remastered and all but these remasters feel a bit lazy, don't they?

A lot of the cut content from Soul Reaver 1 was woven into 2 anyway. Besides, why should this be anything more than a graphic update? I never lost sleep over what the game wasn't, and all I've wanted from the remake was a face lift. Even adding a map is a silly choice to me.

[Mesarthim]

Originally posted by Hiphoptimus Rhyme:

Originally posted by Mesarthim:

So graphics are the only things that were changed?

I mean, Soul Reaver 1 had plenty of cut content which deserved to be reintroduced and Soul Reaver 2 had a mediocre gameplay compared to the first game.
(spells were removed, sword was shorter, the elemental stuff were not adding anything, the combat felt weird once we got used to the one of the first game)

Pretty sure they could have done more than a simple graphical update.
Still glad the games are remastered and all but these remasters feel a bit lazy, don't they?

A lot of the cut content from Soul Reaver 1 was woven into 2 anyway. Besides, why should this be anything more than a graphic update? I never lost sleep over what the game wasn't, and all I've wanted from the remake was a face lift. Even adding a map is a silly choice to me.

A lot wasn't ... SR 2 was lazy compared to SR 1.

It's just a shame that they didn't put more effort into it because it's a business industry and with the anniversary coming, they took advantage of making a quick buck out of an old franchise. And let's be honnest, they didn't put a lot of money into this remaster.

Adding the map, photo mode and achievements is to make it seem like they added new content.

[Hiphoptimus Rhyme]

Originally posted by Mesarthim:

Originally posted by Hiphoptimus Rhyme:

A lot of the cut content from Soul Reaver 1 was woven into 2 anyway. Besides, why should this be anything more than a graphic update? I never lost sleep over what the game wasn't, and all I've wanted from the remake was a face lift. Even adding a map is a silly choice to me.

A lot wasn't ... SR 2 was lazy compared to SR 1.

It's just a shame that they didn't put more effort into it because it's a business industry and with the anniversary coming, they took advantage of making a quick buck out of an old franchise. And let's be honnest, they didn't put a lot of money into this remaster.

Adding the map, photo mode and achievements is to make it seem like they added new content.

You have a fundamental lack of understanding of what it takes to craft a graphic overhaul and rework camera systems for old games like this.

There was an art team and engineers who had to create and realize a vision that stays true to the original. Please don't diminish what we have.

That being said, the project you're suggesting would literally require the original development team, whose developer diaries, story boards, etcetera are likely no longer in existence.

Like I really don't get your complaint- 'they didn't remake the game, they only remastered it!!1' is just silly. Maybe a ground-up rework will come someday, but the fact that we even have this should receive nothing but praise, considering how badly the series has languished since 2003. Two cancelled games, a canceled multiplayer standalone from one of those games...

Dawg, just be happy this project wasn't thrown in the trash like every other part of the IP until now.

[Mesarthim]

Originally posted by Hiphoptimus Rhyme:

Originally posted by Mesarthim:

A lot wasn't ... SR 2 was lazy compared to SR 1.

It's just a shame that they didn't put more effort into it because it's a business industry and with the anniversary coming, they took advantage of making a quick buck out of an old franchise. And let's be honnest, they didn't put a lot of money into this remaster.

Adding the map, photo mode and achievements is to make it seem like they added new content.

You have a fundamental lack of understanding of what it takes to craft a graphic overhaul and rework camera systems for old games like this.

There was an art team and engineers who had to create and realize a vision that stays true to the original. Please don't diminish what we have.

That being said, the project you're suggesting would literally require the original development team, whose developer diaries, story boards, etcetera are likely no longer in existence.

Like I really don't get your complaint- 'they didn't remake the game, they only remastered it!!1' is just silly. Maybe a ground-up rework will come someday, but the fact that we even have this should receive nothing but praise, considering how badly the series has languished since 2003. Two cancelled games, a canceled multiplayer standalone from one of those games...

Dawg, just be happy this project wasn't thrown in the trash like every other part of the IP until now.

Your attitude and the way you assume how I think is really tiring.
I didn't want to mention on the previous post but you just continue.