Code Vein II from developer Bandai Namco Studios represents something of a fresh start for the ascending series.
A sequel to the 2019 debut, Code Vein II is a Soulslike RPG in the same, well, vein as games like Elden Ring, but with an anime twist and a more dialed-in focus on characters and story beats.
This effort throws out a clean slate to its narrative, world and gameplay elements alike, leaning into feedback and what worked in the first game.
The result is something that will feel familiar to fans of the first, while refining enough to justify its status as one of the first possible heavy-hitters of 2026.
Code Vein II again goes with an inspired anime art style to great effect.
The visuals pop off the screen, whether it’s emotive interactions between characters or one of the varied locales getting torn up amidst a particle-effect-riddled battle. There are expansive areas, harrowing ones with quality environmental storytelling and some surprising attention to detail, too.
Sound design walks hand in hand with the overall presentation. A punchy soundtrack and solid voice-acting bring it all together in a way that just fits.
World traversal expands in this one, with players able to find and destroy jammers to uncover more of the map. There’s also a motorcycle for getting around. It’s not an amazing-feeling thing or development necessarily, but it’s fun to see the companion ride around, too, while adding a much grander scope to the world in terms of sheer size.
From a combat perspective, this hits the expected Soulslike notes.
There are seven primary weapon types that cover all of the expected ranges, plus equippable gear and types of Blood Codes that impact character, all while working around a stamina system mid-fight.
Combat feels a little impactful, feedback-wise, but the number of weapons and build types is fun, especially when plotting out engagements against a variety of enemies. Formae is the name for spell-like weapon attacks, which are part of a fun feedback loop that asks players to keep draining enemies to keep the Formae flowing.
It’s not all that straightforward, of course. Some things can add a “burden” to players, adding a negative to balance out decision-making. The easiest example is a boost that ups close-range attacks, but the burden is a serious stamina drain if the player misses those close-range attacks.
A fun-feeling twist? Players can summon AI-controlled party members in battle. Or, players can “assimilate” those party members for bonuses.
No matter which route players choose, the partner system is an interesting one to manage atop a standard RPG effort. Partners offer unique effects and benefits to players called link traits, which are passive and only favorable when the bond is strong.
The catch? Having a companion draw the attention of enemies and assist in real-time is a really valuable thing to just up and sacrifice. Assimilation is a nice option to have, especially for players who want to “solo” the game, but two is better than one, as they say.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Soulslike without some big bads. Boss battles are notably more grand and difficult than in the first game. Some are straight-up skill checks, too, scratching a little of that Demon’s Souls itch.
Code Vein II also hits the expected genre notes along the way, such as checkpoints in key spots replenishing health, but also reviving enemies. It’s part of an overarching gameplay loop that is enjoyable and seems to gradually encourage improvement as the narrative unfolds.
Players assume the role of the Revenant Hunter in Code Vein II, a protagonist players make in a rather deep creator system before the tale starts.
Long story short, a failed sealing attempt has turned loose a big bad that turns Revenants into monsters and the player’s character is the one capable of saving the day. By-the-books stuff, at least to start, but it gets the job done as a vehicle to start the fun gameplay loop.
Where Code Vein II really starts to set itself apart is via Lou’s time-traveling power.
There’s some fun narrative weight here. Games like Elden Ring sort of go for the mysterious vibe, which can be engaging. Code Vein II toys with time travel in a way that is fun and creates emotional moments after, say, getting to know a character in the past before fighting what they become in the future.
Progression includes a character level and a gear level and won’t shock most with even a passing familiarity with the genre. Swapping around gear and toying with the options as more open up keeps things interesting.
There’s a fun balancing to spending the Haze resource, too, considering it is spendable on both leveling upgrades and shop items out in the world. Choosing which route to go can prove pivotal, even if the wrong choice means simply more time grinding the resource out in the world.
Lots of side quests to uncover, with some creatively tucked and hidden across the three eras of the experience.
Along the way, players get more customization options than in the first game, which is a nice way to have some more agency over the experience. It strikes a nice balance between a stilted, silent protagonist found in some JRPGs and others and a fully player-insert character.
Overall, Code Vein II runs well and offers up a strong suite of options, accessibility and otherwise, in the menus.
There’s a lot of as expected tucked in here for good reason. But it doesn’t need to be a bad thing. This booming genre comes with expectations and Code Vein II hits on a lot of them well.
To its credit, while doing this, Code Vein II very much leans into the dramatic, character-focused anime trope to good effect. The story isn’t always amazing per se, but it’s engaging enough to get players caring. Combined with the fun gameplay loop, it’s enough to keep players coming back for more.
Even more to its credit, Code Vein II is a solid example of a great sequel. Code Vein II isn’t afraid to take risks as it trims the fat and dials in on what worked. If the trend holds, another installment should be a genre heavyweight, but in the meantime, Code Vein II has plenty to offer for those seeking more from the space.
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