Code Vein 2 Is an Ambitious Sequel Carried by Deep CombatCode Vein 2 (Review)

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The Code Vein 2 game, like others in the ‘soulslike’ genre, focuses on difficult but rewarding gameplay that requires skill. From the start, it’s clear the game is built around complex mechanics. Combat is central to the experience, demanding players pay close attention, time their attacks well, and learn how all the different systems work together. Bandai Namco introduces these systems early on, promising an exciting adventure. If you enjoy tough fights, experimenting with different character builds, and exploring a large world, Code Vein 2 should be right up your alley.

Though challenging combat is central to Code Vein 2, the game offers much more than just fighting. It strives for a large, open world with plenty of player choice, but this comes at a cost. The game’s world is beautiful and full of possibilities, but it doesn’t always feel truly alive or tell a compelling story. This means the gameplay is strong, but sometimes lacks the emotional impact it could have. Despite this, fans of difficult, ‘soulslike’ games will definitely want to check this RPG out.

Rating: 4/5

Pros Cons
Tight, responsive combat feels rewarding. Early information overload can discourage players.
A wide variety of builds support different playstyles. The story is straightforward and simple.
An impressive world. The silent protagonist doesn’t fit with the other characters.
The character creator is robust and addicting. Expansive areas that feel underwhelming.

Code Vein 2 Combat Is Wildly Complex but Worth the Investment

Like other games in the soulslike genre, the combat in Code Vein 2 is the biggest attraction, and it delivers. Even though I’m not usually very good at these kinds of games, the combat was my favorite part! You play as a Revenant Hunter traveling through time with your partner, Lou. Lou lets you jump between the past and present, where you’ll team up with new allies, battle challenging bosses, and improve your skills to try and save the world. Code Vein 2 really shines when it comes to character customization and allows for a huge variety of playstyles.

Combat in Code Vein 2 is highly customizable. You can switch up your playstyle with different weapons, Forma, Blood Codes, and Jails, and upgrade them as you progress. However, what I really love about the game – and what makes the biggest difference – is the ability to fight alongside companions.

You begin with Lou as your first companion, but you’ll unlock more throughout the game. Each companion offers special bonuses that can alter how you fight, and they can even revive you if you’re defeated – though they’ll need a short cooldown period afterward. You can choose to have your companions fight with you in Summoning mode, or combine with them in Assimilation mode to boost your own abilities and stats. Both options are useful, but I often preferred having my companions fight alongside me, both to draw enemy attacks and for the sense of companionship in a rather desolate world.

While Code Vein 2 offers a lot of combat options, it can be overwhelming at first. The game throws a lot of tutorials at you right away, and it takes time to learn all the different terms, resources, and stats. The game starts off easy, but then throws a tough boss fight at you to really make you learn the ropes. Even regular enemies can be dangerous if you aren’t prepared. Overall, Code Vein 2 is a fun and challenging game that allows you to play the way you want.

More Anime Than Interesting

Both Code Vein 2 and the original Code Vein have rightfully earned the nickname “anime Dark Souls” – it’s a perfect description. The game is very clearly inspired by anime, which is a big plus for me. The character designs are fantastic, though some outfits aren’t exactly practical (I’m looking at you, Josee!). While the character style doesn’t quite match the more realistic world, it’s a small issue. The anime influence really shines through in the exciting and visually impressive combat.

Honestly, while I really loved the world they built in this anime, the story and characters didn’t quite grab me. It felt a little too predictable with the whole “chosen one” trope, which kind of broke my immersion. And it was weird how quickly everyone became super close to my character – like, instant best friends! I wasn’t expecting a deep, complex story from a Soulslike game, but I was hoping Code Vein 2 would lean a little more into a serious atmosphere.

Once I let go of my initial expectations and embraced the game’s quirky world, I really started to have fun. I especially enjoyed the smaller things, like giving gifts to my companions, exploring on the motorcycle, and relaxing in the hot springs – all of which felt inspired by anime. I also loved collecting cookbooks and then being able to cook the recipes back at base. These lighthearted moments were a welcome break from the main story, which sometimes felt overly serious and, at other times, didn’t take itself seriously enough.

Code Vein 2 Is an Ambitious Sequel and It Mostly Works

Even though I don’t usually play games like Code Vein 2, I found it surprisingly enjoyable. It’s one of the easier soulslike games to get into, thanks to having a companion and a helpful system for restoring health. The game strikes a good balance between being challenging and knowing when to increase the difficulty. It clearly improves upon the original Code Vein, though players hoping for a direct sequel might be a little disappointed. This game feels more like a fresh start, similar to how each Final Fantasy game tells its own story. However, it’s still set in the same world and explores familiar themes.

The enhancements in this game are definitely noticeable and worthwhile. The graphics are impressive, the fighting is smooth and fun, and the game’s difficulty increases at a perfect pace. Code Vein 2 clearly strives to be an improvement over the original, and for the most part, it achieves that goal. The camera controls felt good, the levels were diverse, and the game ran smoothly. Plus, the new weapons offer a lot more options and flexibility, building on what the first game did well.

While the game looks great, the large open world feels empty and doesn’t offer enough to do, especially compared to the more focused dungeon areas. I would have preferred a more streamlined experience without the open world – even though the motorcycle is fun, it’s not worth the long distances between important story points. Also, some players might be disappointed that there’s no traditional multiplayer; it’s been replaced by a companion system, which I enjoyed, but others may not.

Code Vein 2 might not appeal to everyone who enjoyed the first game, but it’s a solid and challenging soulslike experience that many players will love. While there are a few flaws and some changes that don’t quite land, the game is generally excellent. With tons of different ways to build your character and a story that changes based on your choices – leading to multiple endings – players will likely want to play through it again and again. Even if you don’t usually enjoy soulslike games, Code Vein 2 is worth checking out.

Code Vein 2 is launching on PC, Xbox Series X, and PlayStation 5 on January 30th, priced at $69.99. We received a PlayStation 5 code from the publisher to use for this review.

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2026-01-27 19:14