I was pleasantly surprised by the announcement of Code Vein 2, not in a negative sense, but rather as a welcome development. The original game emerged during a time when titles inspired by Dark Souls were relatively scarce, skillfully merging elements from FromSoftware’s renowned series with traditional anime RPGs. Fast forward six years, and the landscape of soulslike games has become increasingly competitive. Despite this, my fondness for the Code Vein franchise remains strong. While the sequel does not radically alter the original formula, it effectively enhances its strengths, resulting in an evolution that fans are likely to appreciate. Importantly, the new world and narrative structure ensure that newcomers can enjoy the experience without prior knowledge of the first installment.
Gameplay Mechanics and Customization
The term ‘soulslike’ has broadened significantly over the years, and producer Keita Iizuka shared at the preview event that Bandai Namco now describes Code Vein 2 as a “dramatic exploration action RPG.” Nevertheless, the core mechanics that fans have come to expect remain intact. Mistles act as checkpoints, allowing players to replenish healing supplies while also resurrecting enemies in the vicinity. Character stats are influenced by six key attributes and the equipment players choose to don. As is customary in this genre, dying grants one opportunity to reclaim lost currency, known as Haze, from the spot of your demise.
One of the standout features of Code Vein 2 is its extensive customization options. The character creation screen offers a remarkably detailed editor, allowing players to craft their ideal protagonist. The depth of customization is impressive, particularly in eye design, where players can manipulate the sclera, pupil style, and even the light reflection for that quintessential anime aesthetic.
Your core attributes are directly influenced by the selected Blood Code, which players can switch out at any time to adapt their play style. This flexibility is further enhanced by the addition of up to four ‘boosters’ that amplify preferred approaches. Unlike other RPGs, this system allows for a more fluid character development, especially given the diverse array of weapons and skills available compared to the original game. In addition to the five weapon types from its predecessor, players can now wield twin blades and rune blades, with Bandai Namco promising over 200 Formae to master, which serve as skills.
Combat Dynamics and Exploration
For those familiar with the first game, the combat rhythm in Code Vein 2 will feel instantly recognizable. Engaging enemies builds up bleed, which can be utilized through Jail attacks to restore Ichor. Ichor serves as a resource for using Formae, creating a rewarding dynamic that guides players without imposing excessive restrictions. The pace of combat feels notably quicker, allowing for more efficient handling of enemy groups within the expansive dungeon environments.
While I typically gravitate towards heavier weapons in soulslike games, I found the rune blades particularly captivating. These blades are wielded telekinetically, providing a unique combat experience. My preferred Formae was Stalking Saber, which allows blades to orbit around foes, delivering continuous damage while I fought unarmed. I also employed the Stinger Jail, a long-range chain spear that enables distance attacks while draining Ichor. The return of all four Blood Veil attack styles, alongside new options like a sweeping scythe and a swarm of bats, adds further depth to combat strategies.
On the defensive front, I opted for a bracer instead of a shield, sacrificing blocking capabilities for the ability to parry and break enemy stances. While this choice may not have been ideal for my initial playthrough, the satisfaction of executing a successful parry was rewarding. Players can easily switch out equipment, and a Bloodborne-style quickstep is also available for those who prefer a more agile approach. Additionally, ‘Bequeathed Formae’ provide access to powerful or niche abilities, such as a longbow for ranged attacks or a slow-inducing greataxe for breaking shields.
Narrative and Companionship
Code Vein 2 presents a fresh narrative, though familiar themes persist, including an apocalyptic backdrop and vampiric elements. The story revolves around Blood-drinking Revenants and human hunters who must collaborate in the wake of a phenomenon called the Resurgence, which mutates individuals into monsters. A failed attempt to seal this threat leads to the emergence of the Lunar Rapacis, a moon-like entity that gradually erodes the self-identity of Revenants exposed to it.
Set 100 years later, players awaken from death thanks to a Revenant named Lou, who has fused part of her heart with yours to resurrect you. This intertwining of fates sets the stage for a narrative where players assist Lou in mastering her time-travel ability, allowing exploration of the early days of the Resurgence and the chance to confront the threat before it devastates civilization. While the setup is intriguing, I hope for more direct interaction between timelines as the story progresses.
Companions play a vital role in gameplay, unlocking new Blood Codes and providing assistance in combat. Players can choose to have companions fight alongside them or assimilate their abilities to enhance their own stats. This flexibility allows for solo play or cooperative strategies, depending on player preference. During my session, I frequently brought Josée along, and her presence significantly impacted combat dynamics without overshadowing my contributions.
Companions also possess the ability to revive players upon death, offering a second chance against formidable foes without the frustration of instant defeat. However, this restorative offering comes with a cooldown that increases with each use, preventing it from becoming an overpowered safety net.
Reacquainting myself with the mechanics took some time, given the gap since the original and the multitude of action RPGs I’ve experienced since then. However, once I settled back into the rhythm, I found myself enjoying Code Vein 2 much as I had its predecessor. It feels like a natural evolution rather than a complete overhaul, with enhancements across nearly every aspect. For genre veterans, the distinction between the more methodical pacing of the first Dark Souls and the intense, mechanics-driven precision of Dark Souls III comes to mind.
The exploration aspect has notably improved, with the initial dungeon being linear, while the Sunken Pylon region challenged my navigation skills through a multi-level industrial complex. Although the game does not provide explicit guidance, highlighted footsteps indicate the path taken, a clever solution for players who may question their direction.
While the glimpses of the story I encountered were not enough for definitive conclusions, the character presentations exuded style. The dreamlike sequences that unfold during backstory exploration, though somewhat traditional, surpass mere text or dialogue. They even evoked a fleeting sense of empathy for the hulking Metagen Remnant boss encountered during the demo, though that sentiment quickly faded after a few unfortunate defeats.
Code Vein 2 is set to launch on Thursday, January 29, priced at .99 / £54.99. For those who enjoyed the original, there is much to appreciate in this sequel, which focuses on mechanical improvements rather than narrative shifts. While nothing I experienced during my playthrough broke new ground, it serves as a comforting reminder that there is value in games that execute familiar concepts effectively. This is certainly a title I can envision immersing myself in during quieter gaming months.
