There is some difference between the Blood Omen and Defiance versions of the spell: In Blood Omen Kain had to identify landmarks and it enabled him quick travel to these at any time, though he could walk there if necessary; In Defiance, Kain could only use Bat Form at special 'vistas' which gave him a view of where he was heading and there was no chance of walking as they effectively divided the levels. It is curious that Kain does not use Bat form in any of his other appearances, presumably in Blood Omen 2 he was too weak and had not yet regained this ability. However in Soul Reaver and Soul Reaver 2 , he prefers to Teleport instead, this is likely for dramatic effect as he was an antagonist in these games.