A Soulslike purist who overlooked the original Code Vein has found its sequel unexpectedly engaging after several hours of play. The game introduces a new post-apocalyptic world and anime-inspired elements that set it apart from traditional entries in the genre. Despite initial sluggishness, its combat system offers rewarding depth and flexibility.
In a recent preview, Eurogamer contributor expressed surprise at enjoying Code Vein 2, a sequel to Bandai Namco's 2019 anime-styled Soulslike. Having ignored the first game, the writer dove into the follow-up without prior knowledge and found it accessible for newcomers. The story begins with the protagonist resurrected and sent back in time by an anime character to prevent a calamity from 100 years ago, introducing terms like Revenants, Formae, Haze, and Blood Codes early on.
Combat builds on genre staples: light and heavy attacks, dodges, parries, and rest points called Mistles, which reset enemies. Haze serves as a currency dropped on death, used for leveling and items. What distinguishes Code Vein 2 is its anime tone, filled with cut-scenes, companion dialogue, and upbeat music, including a guitar-heavy battle theme. The open world spans a verdant island with sci-fi structures, ruins, mansions, hot springs for recipe collection, and submerged cities under bright skies reminiscent of Xenoblade Chronicles.
Companions add strategic layers, allowing assimilation for health boosts or joint combat that heals over time. They provide skills based on bonds and can resurrect the player. Weapons like scythes, greatswords, and axes feature unique movesets, enhanced by Formae abilities, a rapid-fire longbow, and an Ichor drain mechanic for skill replenishment. The writer noted the base combat feels deliberately sluggish to encourage using the expanded toolkit, leading to fluid, combo-heavy fights.
Progression relies on quests and compact dungeons with a forgiving difficulty curve, maintaining momentum. Additional features include a strong photo mode, detailed character creator, and motorbikes for traversal. Performance on a standard PS5 is subpar, but the overall experience has softened the reviewer's purist stance. "I'm both surprised and delighted to discover I'm having a lovely time," the contributor wrote, praising its distinctive path in the Soulslike space.
While early impressions, the game shows promise in blending familiar mechanics with vibrant, accessible innovations.
