THIS is the third instalment of the blood sucking, soul-taking saga from the Legacy of Kain series and it's better than ever.

This time Kain and Raziel must team up to take on what threatens to destroy them and their world. And for the first time you get to control both these "fangastic" evil characters as they take on hordes un-dead humans, monsters and demons.

The graphics are good, clean and sharp with nice textures and atmospheric feeling, all of which help's you feel part of the Nosgoth world.

As both Kain and Raziel you are armed with the Reaver and combat revolves round using the Reaver in one of its many forms depending on the monster or puzzle in question. Another nice touch is that both characters have telekinetic powers that enable you to pick up and throw your opponents to an untimely death or blast away at surrounding scenery to reveal hidden paths and levels.

There is only one gripe I have with Legacy of Kain - Defiance and that is some dodgy camera angles. Sometimes in the middle of a battle scene the camera turns and freezes leaving you fighting blind and only able to hear the tell tale thud of a successful kill. Otherwise the controls are fluid and easy to learn but a little harder to master.

Overall LoK Defiance features more action, more enemies and more blood guts and gore. An improved combat system and some brain twisting puzzles.

This is a great game to start 2004 with and definitely a must for all Kain fans. Go buy it today and unleash your inner evil

Sound 4/5
Graphics 4/5
Gameplay 5/5
Overall 4/5

Bev Mytom