: This is the only title in the series where players switch between Kain (the vampire lord) and Raziel (the wraith lieutenant).

: The game shifted toward a faster, "character action" style with air juggles, multi-hit combos, and finishers.

: Both characters wield versions of the legendary blade: Kain uses the physical Reaver, while Raziel uses the spectral form with various elemental infusions (Dark, Light, Fire, etc.).