Blood Omen 2
| Blood Omen 2 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Developer(s) |
Crystal Dynamics Nixxes Software BV (PC, GC, Xbox) |
| Publisher(s) | Eidos Interactive |
| Director(s) | Glen Schofield |
| Producer(s) | Sam Newman |
| Designer(s) | Mike Ellis |
| Programmer(s) | Tom Desmarais |
| Artist(s) | Steve Ross |
| Writer(s) |
Bret Robbins Steve Ross Carol Wolf |
| Composer(s) | Jim Hedges |
| Series | Legacy of Kain |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 2, Xbox, Microsoft Windows, GameCube |
| Release |
PlayStation 2 & Xbox Microsoft Windows GameCube |
| Genre(s) | Action-adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
| Aggregate score | |
|---|---|
| Aggregator | Score |
| Metacritic | (Xbox) 76/100 (GC) 71/100 (PS2) 67/100 (PC) 66/100 |
| Review scores | |
| Publication | Score |
| GameSpot | (PC) 7.6/10 (Xbox) 7.6/10 (PS2) 7.4/10 (GC) 7.1/10 |
| IGN | (Xbox) 7.7/10 (PS2) 7.4/10 (PC) 7.1/10 (GC) 7/10 |
Blood Omen 2 is an action-adventure game developed by Crystal Dynamics and published by Eidos Interactive, and the fourth title in the Legacy of Kain series. It was released for the PlayStation 2, alongside Xbox, Microsoft Windows and GameCube ports developed by Nixxes Software BV, in 2002. It is the sequel to the first game in the series, Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain, with Blood Omen's protagonist, the vampire Kain, returning as the central character.
Blood Omen 2 chronologically bridges the stories of the original Blood Omen and Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, but it takes place in an alternate timeline created by the events of Soul Reaver 2. Centuries after Blood Omen, Kain is opposed by traitorous vampires and the minions of The Sarafan Lord, and sets out to continue his ascent to power.
While Crystal Dynamics' Soul Reaver team began to produce Soul Reaver 2, a secondary crew started work on Blood Omen 2 in 1999. They sought to create a more action-focused entry in contrast to the Soul Reaver games' emphasis on puzzle-solving. The final product was a commercial success, becoming a Sony's "Greatest Hits" title, but received average reception, with critics citing its lower production values and lack of innovation relative to the Soul Reaver games as flaws.
Gameplay is presented in 3D and is a combination of combat and puzzle solving. Health is represented by two vials - a red vial symbolizing total hit points, and a blue vial which is an indicator as to how long it will take to increase overall health. Lost health can be regained by draining the blood of a downed enemy or civilian. As progression is made throughout the game, several weapons can be attained, such as a broadsword or staff. Weapons have limited durability and will eventually break if used for excessive blocking. If no weapons are selected, claws can be used to attack, as well as abilities, which are gained by killing bosses. These skills help in advancing through sections of the game, as well as puzzles. Most of the abilities - named Dark Gifts in the game - can only be used once the "Rage Meter" has been filled by defeating opponents.
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