Description and Tech Sheet
An epic quest through a gothic universe fraught with murder, magic, and vengeance.
Game Overview |
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|---|---|
| Title | Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain |
| Aliases | Kain the Vampire, The Pillars of Nosgoth |
| Developers | Silicon Knights |
| Publishers | Crystal Dynamics |
| Release Dates | PlayStation: 1996-11-01 Windows: 1997-08-18 |
| Platforms | PlayStation, Windows |
| Genre | Action-adventure |
| Perspective | Top-down (third-person) |
Technical Specifications |
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|---|---|
| Graphics |
Type: 2D Resolution: 640×480, 640x480i, 320×240 (pillarboxed) Color: 256 colors |
| Audio |
Format: PCM Voice: Yes Music: Yes |
| Input Devices |
Gamepad (PlayStation Digital, no vibration), Keyboard, Mouse (Windows, limited support) |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Save System |
PlayStation: Memory Card (1 block) Windows: Hard drive (12 MB minimum installation) |
| Media | CD-ROM |
| Minimum System Requirements (Windows) |
CPU: Intel Pentium RAM: 16 MB OS: Windows 95 DirectX: 3.0 Video Mode: 640×480, 256 colors CD-ROM: 2X Storage: 12 MB |
| Video Modes Supported | 640×480, 256 colors |
Gameplay and Features |
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|---|---|
| Special Features |
Full motion video cutscenes, Voice-acted dialogue, Day and night cycle, Nonlinear exploration with 100 secrets, Shapeshifting (bat, wolf, mist, human forms), Magic and items for combat and puzzle-solving, Prestige titles based on player stats |
| Notable Weapons and Items |
Soul Reaver, Iron Sword, Fire Sword, Spiked Mace, Twin Axes, Various armors (iron, bone, chaos, flesh, wraith), Magical tarot card spells, Artifacts |
| API | Direct3D (GOG.com version uses custom DirectX wrapper) |
| Executable Architecture | 32-bit |
| Frame Rate |
Max: 40 FPS FMV: 15-18 FPS Notes: Gameplay tied to frame rate; running above 60 FPS causes issues |
| Controller Support |
PlayStation: Digital only, PC: Partial (GL wrapper required for full support), Haptic Feedback: GL wrapper (PC, partial), Button Prompts: GL wrapper patch required for Xbox/DualShock button prompts |
| Ratings |
ESRB: Animated Blood and Gore, Animated Violence ACB: Medium Level Animated Violence |
Story and Compatibility |
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|---|---|
| Plot Summary | Set in the dark fantasy world of Nosgoth, the story follows the antihero vampire, Kain, resurrected by the necromancer Mortanius. Driven by revenge and the quest to cure his vampirism, Kain must defeat the Circle of Nine, guardians whose corruption has plunged Nosgoth into chaos. Players explore dungeons and towns, gain new powers, and ultimately face a moral choice that determines the fate of the world and the vampire race. |
| Gameplay Overview | Action-adventure gameplay combining hack-and-slash combat, exploration, puzzle-solving, magic, and unique vampire mechanics such as blood consumption for health. The player acquires shapeshifting abilities, weapons, armor, spells, and artifacts to overcome obstacles and access new areas. The game features a day/night cycle affecting combat and exploration dynamics. |
| Compatibility |
Modern OS: Various community patches available for Windows 7/10/11 compatibility (e.g., CubanRaul’s Community Patch, Verok’s GL wrapper) Issues: Game speed tied to CPU; may require patches or slowdown utilities on modern hardware. |
| Additional Notes |
Single-player only, 100 secrets can be discovered for additional rewards, Prestige titles awarded for milestones in kills, secrets, etc., Legacy of Kain series debut, Distinct Elizabethan-style narrative and high-quality voice acting |
Information sources
