The first fact that needs to be established when discussing Code Vein 2 is that ‘soulslike’ is not an apt classification following my playthrough. If really wanting to find the ideal comparison, this game is an ‘Elden Ring-like’ through its use of an open world, AI battle assistance and many of the functions used in progressing through the large game. For those wondering if Code Vein 2 will kick their hides across the map, this still may happen – but the game provides enough tools and stat options to be more accessible than others in the field. You’ll get a skill check about 2-3 hours in that may test your resolve, but sticking through will see a power fantasy develop.
With that out of the way, let’s get into it. Code Vein 2 is an anime-style action RPG that provides in-depth build systems and a more traditional, narrative-focused story stacked with time travel and foul beasts to slay. Riding a motorcycle through its expansive locations and spelunking its dungeons provide rewards through exploration and combat. While technically it doesn’t match the Nioh series in fluidity and presentation, Code Vein 2 has a bucket of strong ideas and tactics that do ensure it has its own identity in the market. While some players may be disappointed by the lack of co-op play (this was a feature in the first instalment) the AI companions provide more than enough support in tackling foe. If you prefer to not have AI fighters with you, simply absorb them for a stat boost. Code Vein 2 is full options. Within the first few hours, this is somewhat daunting as every few minutes a tutorial screen will pop up explaining what a Blood Code is, or what a certain function does, or how an in-game menu works. Taking it slow, figuring out the button layout and spending time navigating the world is key. With its January release, Code Vein 2 is a great opportunity to kickstart your year if both anime and action RPGs are gaming preferences. I would call this your classic ‘seven out of ten’ experience.
The gameplay here is the biggest draw and ultimately will decide if this game is something you stick with to the end (it took me approximately 25 hours for completion of the story). If you’ve played Elden Ring, the gameplay is quite obvious: choose a weapon, swing or shoot said weapon, use items and slots for stat boosts, dodge and parry to stay alive. This sounds very simplistic, and it really shouldn’t because Code Vein 2 has so many stat categories to manage. Lean too much into a category, and you’ll be overburdened. The stat figures aren’t whole numbers, with many using two decimal points. My early hours ignored much of this through wanting to explore and master the controls, but there will come a point in the game where the difficulty increases and your set build will matter for success. To be frank, a boss destroyed me for a good half hour before I squeezed through. There are many weapons to choose from, and I gravitated between rune swords and one-handed swords. The two-handed weapons were powerful but slow, the bayonet needed some separation and many of the others (while cool) just didn’t work for me. Movement can be hard to master, especially dodging and parrying. Having fast weapons allows for more hits, and jacking this up with bleed benefits you in the long run. Much like Elden Ring, you’ll have a certain number of items to regenerate (topped back up when finding a statue) and the saves/upgrades work in a very similar way. While overall less punishing, knowing the world and understanding your items is essential. Magmell is your first open location, and this will introduce all the gameplay features. I haven’t even discussed Blood Codes, jails and the choice between defensive options.
Blood Codes are a core feature that the game is built around. They are acquired through new allies and can be upgraded by using them frequently. Blood Codes have stats, buffs and traits to assist in battle, such as +2 dexterity or a stronger attack. Even though I had read about this before playing the game, I didn’t understand the concept fully until engaging with it all myself. The early game doesn’t provide much choice and will basically decide on what you’re using, but progression will see opportunities to swap out your Blood Code to best suit your build and play style. Jails are basically special moves that can turn a battle. Early examples are a giant claw, flying bats and a giant scythe to shield enemy attacks. When the enemy is stunned, you can tap a button and enter a finisher-type move to really drain HP. These, alongside all other functions, can be found in the world and upgraded by merchants. There is also a slot for bows, axes and more. Defensive options have one slot, meaning you can add a shield type to block or a parry type for a more aggressive approach. I switched to the parry at first opportunity, but the parry windows can be very hard to master. When getting slaughtered by a boss a few times, I switched back to the shield and found that its defensive capabilities kept me in the fight longer. All of this will differ from player to player, providing countless options for success. The camera can be the most frustrating enemy of all, though I found a way to make it work for my play style.
The story is presented in flashbacks, cut-scenes and narration to describe the war that changed the world. There is plenty going on here, and I won’t spoil the early beats, but this is essentially a time-travelling story that is focused on a catastrophe that destroyed civilisation and turned the population into beasts. The revenants fought back to seal the beasts away, but that seal is losing power and time travel becomes essential. It is worth noting that this story won’t require players to spend hours combing through YouTube videos. Its presentation is very much narrative-focused and has a clearer structure than Elden Ring. While I didn’t connect strongly with the story, I did find the characters to be immersive and well fleshed out. Learning about companions and then making decisions around their use is a highlight. One of the early characters in the older time zone will have you choosing whether to stay and fight with him, or travel back to the present to continue your journey. Code Vein 2 tries to use emotion as a propellor – this works very well if you like the characters involved.
Performance is a constant focus point in games requiring precise moves. Code Vein 2 on the base PS5 has two options (graphics vs performance) and I always make sure to use performance for those extra frames in a tough fight. In the tighter areas, especially indoors, the game regularly hit 60 FPS. Outdoors, and mob fights, saw this drop to around 40 FPS. Minor bugs such as floating boxes were there, but this is common with 99% of games that feature open areas. There is an uplifting soundtrack during story beats and epic boss battles, but the exploration sections could use more atmospheric tones to really immerse players. Overall, I imagine patches will fix some of those inconsistencies in frames. There is nothing about performance that should deter you from the enjoyable experience.
Code Vein 2 is my first new release review in 2026 and provides an Elden Ring-like experience full of grotesque beasts and open areas to explore. With Nioh 3 only a week from this release date, its biggest challenge may be finding its audience alongside a more established IP. Still, lovers of brutal action games will find a solid title worth their time. The build systems and range of items alone are a joy to play with, ensuring both the present and past will fear your wrath.
Pros
- Very in-depth build system with countless mechanics for success
- Exploration and narrative are highlights
- Fantastic character creator
Cons
- Frames can struggle in certain fights and areas
- Anime style is inconsistent
3.5/5
