BLOOD OMEN 2 - Legacy Of Kain Series
400 years ago our dark hero was turned into a cursed blood sucker, ruling Nosgoth. After being defeated, Kain awakes 200 years later to find the Serefan destroying vampires and enslaving humans. There on your awakening, Uma (a member of the vampire resistance) gives you the whole back-story. It is in Kain's hands to crush the Serefan (who uses Glyph Magic to destroy his kind), by assisting the resistance. Uma takes you through an opening tutorial to get accustomed to all of Kain's abilities which includes sucking blood from slain enemies, gliding and attacking with your claws or weapon. You stay in contact with Uma via "the whisper". The game is very dark, so play it at night or with drawn drapes. Stealth tactics, mystical powers and Dark Gifts can also be utilized as you drive towards your goal, leaving many corpses in you wake. You start off modestly killing peasants and guards, but progress to more challenging opponents with better weapons and intelligence, with help spots along the way you get to perfect handy tricks like decapitation. Remember, you have to suck the blood of all your victims to keep your health bar steady. Peasants can also be possessed to perform tasks for you like activating switches you cannot reach. Relics allow you to access coffins which boosts your health. Water is deadly, so steer clear. Segments are linked with cut scenes and you'll encounter more than a few bosses to sort out. Kain may have a bit of a mullet-thing going, but he's one mean S.O.B. Blood Omen 2 can get pretty gruesome and bloody, so if you're squeamish, prepare yourself! DVD extras trailers for both Blood Omen 1 & 2, credits accompanied by conceptual art and a Soul Reaver 2 trailer.

5 / B
- PB