Code Vein II

“Code Vein II is the kind of sequel that tries to embrace the whole world and ends up tripping over its own feet. The ambition to create a vast open world with an anime aesthetic is clear, and the system that lets you switch classes at any time remains brilliant for the freedom it gives the player. The problem is that the game quickly loses its shine: exploration becomes tiring with empty environments and repetitive enemies, the story turns into a bureaucratic routine of “going back in time and saving someone,” and the technical performance leaves a lot to be desired.”

“There are several high points of Code Vein II, ranging from graphics, different environments, and the character creator. The major complaints that detract from higher praise are bad pacing issues and a story that often takes a back seat. Combat is faster and more fun than the first game, and the much more open world is a needed change from the endless alleys of before. Despite a lot of positive points, though, there is a sense that the entire thing doesn't mesh together to make a better experience.”

“Code Vein 2, in short, is an action JRPG with a very distinctive aesthetic and a deep, fun combat system. Ultimately, it's not a game that tries to reinvent the genre; it doesn't aspire to be the new Elden Ring or a Final Fantasy killer. To be honest, and after playing it quite a bit, I don't think the game even aspires to be those things. It's content to be a game that corrects the problems of its predecessor, respects the series' fandom, and, above all, entertains anyone who tries it. And if we judge it by these three factors, the game more than succeeds.”

“Code Vein II remains a big piece of the puzzle in a world littered with puzzling Soulslike at the moment. Usually, a second entry into a series like this one does something that would surprise fans (in a good way), but I fail to see that happening for Code Vein II.”

“Code Vein II is judged, depending on your point of view, as either interesting or a missed opportunity.”

“As far as new soulslike games are concerned, one of the more intriguing ones in recent years was Code Vein, Bandai Namco's anime take on the formul...”

“Code Vein II reminds me of a PS2 game, and I say that as the highest praise. It doesn’t always get what’s going for, but man is it trying. It’s the kind of game you’d rent for a weekend and think about for years afterward, not because it’s the prettiest or the most polished or the best in its genre, but because it’s unique and trying hard and succeeding in cool, memorable ways.”

“Weak characters kill loftier ambitions, but a brisk pace keeps the combat lively.”

“Code Vein II is a fantastic game and a clear improvement on much of what made the first one great. That said, it also brings back a few lingering frustrations from its predecessor, issues that really should have been addressed and are hard to ignore. Even so, it's a strong addition to this year's lineup of action titles, and one that can keep you entertained for a long time.”

“Code Vein II is a game I could gush over for a few more pages, but I think it’s better experienced for yourselves. It’s an objective improvement over the first game in almost every aspect. The world is more fleshed out. The characters are more memorable. The weapon and Blood Code combinations are more interesting. As someone who adored the original, Code Vein II more than exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it to RPG and Souls-like fans.”

“While Code Vein 2 has flashes of greatness, this soulslike action RPG isn't able to maintain a consistent level of quality, and can be sloppy as often as it is compelling.”

“Code Vein 2 is a rock-solid open world Soulslike experience that will keep genre fans busy for dozens of hours.”

“Code Vein II could be described as a more accessible Elden Ring, and you wouldn't be wrong. But it would be a shame to stop at the obvious similarities and simplifications, because the game behind it is undoubtedly a great game. A little didactic in some choices, a little fanservice in others, but also capable of often touching the hearts of those on the other side of the screen.”

“Code Vein II is fine, functional and can be fun-especially if you're able to get the A.I to do the dirty work for you. The Formae system is potent and definitely gives combat encounters a zesty sense of empowerment, and if you're invested you'll want to lap up Code Vein 2 with vigor-just go in expecting a largely safe soulslike and you'll be content with this one.”

“Code Vein II is a haunting, thrilling, and unforgettable action adventure. It's so much more than the sum of its parts or the games that have clearly inspired it. It has a personality of its own that shoots beyond the soulslike genre tag, and never compromises on that unique vision.”

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“Code Vein 2 is not the strongest soulslike we've ever encountered. While there is absolutely some fun to be had slaying the myriad horrors that inhabit this post-apocalyptic world and building a powerful Revenant Hunter, repetition inevitably kicks in. Narratively, it's pretty dull, lacking compelling characters or quests to engage with. While not broken or a bad game per se, it is hard to recommend when so many better entries in this well-worn subgenre already exist.”

“Code Vein II builds meaningfully on the original, with stronger companions, more flexible builds, and a story that feels more involved, even when it leans hard into melodrama.”

“Code Vein 2 isn’t breaking new ground in most of its conventions nor will it become the new face of Soulslikes. But it has its own unique ideas that are fully realised, letting it stand out against its contemporaries in the genre, while surprisingly strong characters help blend the gameplay and narrative together. There’s a banquet of bloody delights to be had here.”

“A set of spikes that I can make shoot out of the floor from afar, or a twin-headed wolf whose ferocious jaws rip blood out of bodies? Decisions, decisions…”