Metascore
80 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 22
  2. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. It's just this close (fingers a couple of inches apart) to being one of the deepest and best-designed single-player adventure games of all time.
  2. With its amazing sound work, stunning musical score and easy to use control scheme, about the only thing you can complain about in this release is the length.
  3. 89
    It's well rounded, it's improved in marked areas over its predecessor ("The Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver"), and the graphics, sound, and production levels are all high.
  4. The game also sustains virtually no loading times, despite its faithful recreation of a ambient gothic world. Even with the impressive graphics, the game still runs smooth as silk.
  5. Burns bright, but not as long as you'd like. It's an excellent sequel in that its puzzles and combat have evolved to the next level, and it provides a compelling, if not wholly satisfying, storyline.
  6. Quite engrossing. [Dec 2001, p.91]
  7. With a few changes, an interesting story, and a great presentation, Soul Reaver 2 carries on much of the same greatness of the original.
  8. A remarkable game. It features a rich background that's used fully in the involved and intricate plot and has fantastic graphics, voice acting and music that combine to deliver Raziel's and Kain's story to the player.
  9. A textbook example to other console developers on how to write videogame prose.
  10. More appealing than the original.
  11. Soul Reaver 2 has some excellent moments, carried through with superb narrative, an excellent story and some stunning visuals, however it's just not enough for me anymore…
  12. Soul Reaver's story is much deeper, more dramatic and lavishly developed in this edition.
  13. 80
    Fans of unbridled reaving, adventuring, and general vampiring through time and dimensions will love the game, despite its technical shortcomings.
  14. It looks good and plays well, but is missing elements of action and suspense that make a game like this story-heavy vampire hunter easier to digest.
  15. It'll take as much brains as brawn: The block-moving puzzles of the previous game have been burned at the stake in favor of some logically sound mindbenders.
  16. It will charm the pants off you and spectators if you're fan of the series.
  17. Yes, at times it can be frustrating with its meandering, endless execution, but few titles can match its eerie atmosphere. [Jan 2002, p.81]
  18. Like a soap, it's a little hard to start right in the middle and know what's going on. The Legacy of Kain series is one of those rare games where it's actually worth paying attention to the story. Too bad you have to go back to the PS1 to get caught up.
  19. 70
    Takes as many steps back as it does forward, and ends up teetering precariously over the brink of being a disappointment.
  20. As an aesthetic showcase, SR2 triumphs, but the mediocre gameplay will only appeal to fans of the first game. [Jan 2002, p.218]
  21. 60
    Every cut scene makes reference to events or characters from previous titles, and newcomers will likely be lost as to their significance. Since the gameplay itself is subpar to the point of being at times unforgivably dull, those not here for the story will find little to hold their attention.
  22. The problem is that there just isn't much gameplay there. [Jan 2002, p.138]
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 2 out of 9
  1. As much as i love the LOK series, Soul Reaver 2 made me a bit sad. The lighting was REALLY bad, Puzzles were way to easy. But there were comebacks. The graphics Amazing for a early 2000s game, Although the game runs a little shorter then the first game it is more linear driven (I wanted to see more of the world) the areas were just beautiful and it really feels like your in the game. The music, you can only hear it if you pay close attention, because it blends itself SO well with the game. If you are fans of the series will love it, COD fans won't understand it, and Artists will try to draw Raziel and his Soul Reaver. Full Review »
  2. 2
    It's like watching a boring British soap opera. 3 hours it took me to get out of the tutorial area. Some characters never shut up , and there's no way to skip scenes. The graphics are muddy, and you'll strain your eyes trying to see in poorly lit areas, no matter the brightness setting on your T.V. I expected more from a Kain series game. Full Review »
  3. ZiftK.
    8
    If you liked the first game, you'll love this. The puzzles, the gameplay, the sound, they're all really good in this game. Although a little on the short side, soul reaver 2 will deliver in so many ways, give it a try, it'll be worth your time. Full Review »