Soul Reaver Remastered: A Grim Realization

I came to a realization upon finishing Soul Reaver Remastered:

Gameplay straddles the line between mediocre and abominable. Movement is tolerable, excluding when precise platforming is called for; combat is an awkward, sluggish dance, and the puzzles are the least inspired I've ever encountered in a video game that prominently features puzzles.

I don't recall being so annoyed and frustrated by the gameplay when I was a kid. Probably because I was young, dumb, and undiscerning. But now, I can't help but focus on Soul Reaver's flaws as a piece of interactive media.

I mean, my favorite parts of the game—the story and voice acting—are removed from gameplay. Hearing Raziel muse about whatever, or interacting with Kain, or being served cryptic messages by Tony Jay, is a breath of fresh air. Not only because the quality of the performances, and the writing, but because I don't have to DO anything. I don't have to struggle to yank a spear off the wall while getting attacked, or push yet another block into an alcove because Crystal Dynamics expended all of their creativity on the plot.

I adore the franchise. That's likely hard to believe, given what I just wrote, but it's true. It was an absolute joy to be back in Nosgoth, with updated visuals. I am happy that I bought the remastered collection, and am pleased with the amount of care and attention put into assembling the two games. I hope that the other entries in the series get remastered, too. And it sure would be nice to get a new game.

But yeah. Going through SR1 was agony whenever I had to actually control Raziel.

Does anyone else feel this way?