The Spectral Reaver in Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver
The blade returned in Soul Reaver 2, where it acted in much the same manner initially; being a constant presence in the Spectral Realm and the only weapon (besides Claws) that could be used in combat against Spectral enemies. Shortly into the game however, the Wraith blade grew in strength after meeting its former self in William's chapel. After this incident, attacks using the Reaver would gradually fill the Reaver bar which encircled Raziel's Health spiral, increasing the power of the blade tremendously but devouring the Souls of its victims before Raziel could feed and eventually turning its hunger on Raziel when completely filled. As in Soul Reaver, the blade could also fire Reaver bolts[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2 manual][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)].
In the Soul Reaver alphas the Spectral Reaver is yet to be properly implemented. The blade is present in menus and can be used as a weapon but is invisible.
The colours of the Spectral and Material Realms highlight features of their respective realms - with the green of the Spectral Reaver reflecting the colour of Souls and the Material Reaver usually depicted as being the same shade as Raziel's material body[Soul Reaver][Soul Reaver 2][Defiance].
In all games the Spectral Reaver has been planned to be superseded by a more powerful default Wraith blade at the end; these include the Ariel and Kain Reavers in early versions of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver[1][2][3] and the Spirit Reaver in Soul Reaver 2[4], The Spirit Reaver eventually replaced it in Defiance[Defiance/12][Defiance].
