Just weeks into 2026, survival horror game Code Violet from TeamKill Media has emerged as a strong contender for the year's worst title, scoring a 40 on Metacritic. The game draws inspiration from Resident Evil 4, Dead Space, and Dino Crisis but falls short in execution according to critics. Reviewers highlight issues with combat, visuals, and tonal inconsistencies.
Code Violet, a survival horror title blending the over-the-shoulder shooting and claustrophobic environments of Resident Evil 4 and Dead Space with the dinosaur-themed setting of Dino Crisis, launched to disappointing reception. Developed by TeamKill Media—the studio behind the similarly criticized 2023 game Quantum Error—it currently holds a Metacritic score of 40 based on a limited number of reviews as of January 12, 2026.
Critics have pointed to underdeveloped combat mechanics as a primary flaw. IGN's Jarrett Jawn described encounters with dinosaur enemies, such as raptors, as predictable yet frustrating due to camera collisions with environmental barriers. "In a straight up skirmish with these scaly foes, a well-timed dash back can really befuddle the raptors, shattering their simple gameplan of running at you, taking a big swing, pausing, and doing it again," Jawn wrote. He noted that fights outside open spaces become "a completely unintelligible mess" until the camera refocuses.
PushSquare's John Cal McCormick called the shooting "limp" with "weightless" guns, emphasizing a lack of satisfying feedback. "Shotguns should boom, but firing one in Code Violet feels like when you bite the end of the paper off a McDonald’s straw and blow through it so the wrapping flies off," he explained, adding that hit boxes are erratic and visual cues are often absent, leaving players unsure if shots connect until enemies collapse.
Additional critiques focus on tonal dissonance, particularly with protagonist Violet's sexualized design and customizable revealing costumes available at save points. COGConnected's Jaz Sagoo observed that the detailed character model is presented in a "sexualised manner," enhanced by these outfits. McCormick highlighted an incongruous scene where Violet mourns a comrade killed by a space dinosaur while dressed in "sexy cowgirl" attire complete with "arse-less chaps."
Online comments reflect little surprise given Quantum Error's poor reputation, with many users expressing desire for Capcom to revive Dino Crisis for an authentic dinosaur horror experience rather than such imitators.
