Code Vein 2: A Promising Souls-like Experience Set for 2026 Release

Would you believe me if I told you Code Vein 2 is one of the most enjoyable Souls-like games I've played in years? That it not only improves upon systems and quirks present in the original game, but also offers something truly fresh in a genre packed with fierce competition? It's all true! After playing Bandai Namco's upcoming sequel for a few hours I can confidently say it's a bloody good time, and with enough depth that even the most hardened action game fans can sink their teeth into.

Code Vein 2, like its predecessor, throws you as the player into a gothic horror setting filled with gorgeous anime flair. This time around, you find yourself on the precipice of disaster, having to dive back through time to track down a variety of heroes tragically destined to play a part in a great catastrophe. As such, it’s your job to learn more about these figures, battling through hordes of horrific foes and daunting bosses as you go.

Like the original game, Code Vein 2 is a visual delight. A trip through a human settlement, underground urban sprawl, and the guts of buried machinery showcased the anime stylings, the world design flicking from dark and sketchy to wickedly vivid. When it comes to combat, ribbons of gold jettison off your powerful Jail attacks and combos erupt in brain-buzzing VFX. It's hard to take your eyes off Code Vein 2 when combat starts.

The character creator too is a fantastic first impression, offering much more than many of Code Vein 2's peers have managed. I was surprised by the sheer amount of alterations I could make to my character, the minute differences in colour and shape I could make to the smallest of features. For those unswayed by the joys of an hour-long design process, a rich spread of appealing defaults are provided. Regardless of what group of Code Vein 2 players you're in, from minute one to minute 500, it’s a gorgeous treat.

But what about the action itself? Well, there is more to Code Vein 2 than extravagant presentation. Code Vein 2 is one of those special action games that allow you to revel in the cathartic feel of a solid blow. Each strike from a heavy weapon is a cocktail of visual/audio kickback that resonates deeply. The rapid combos of more dexterous arms trade larger hits for a flurry of smaller strikes, with the sum total being satisfying.

Ranged weapons too manage to retain this exciting feel. During my playtime, I landed on the hammer weapon type, charging massive attacks to unleash on foes. Sometimes, this resulted in quick takedowns, other times, stunning enemies for cinematic finishers. Great stuff, and the most apparent improvement over the original Code Vein, which felt a tad sluggish in comparison.

It’s got crazy depth too, an all-around step-forward from its predecessor. The base combat system remains typical of Souls-likes with stamina and various stats that influence weapon types. Yet, Code Vein 2 takes it up a notch with an abundance of customisation. Ichor returns, a resource that allows special attacks (called formae), paired with Blood Codes that define gameplay styles and offer unique traits beyond a simple modifier.

One Blood Code showcased in the preview was tied to the companion Josée Anjou. Unlike typical Ichor acquisition, it allowed regular attacks to generate Ichor, offering access to special moves without always relying on Jail attacks. The twist? Going over the Ichor cap incurs damage. This example suggests a wealth of innovative designs geared toward accommodating various play styles, keeping Code Vein 2 refreshing.

The narrative hints provided during the preview show significant potential. Players travel through time, bonding with diverse characters and then clashing against their monstrous versions. For those who invest in the story, there’s a chance to connect with multiple individual tragedies, though the depth of these heroes' stories can only be fully appreciated in the final release.

If there’s one compliment I can offer Code Vein 2 to intrigue Souls-like fans, it’s this: Code Vein 2 appears to diverge from the well-trodden paths of the genre, forging its own unique identity while enhancing the elements that gained attention for the original title.

For those new to the Souls-like genre, you can create a stylish character and venture into a world that sets itself apart from its peers. For that alone, Code Vein 2 should be worth a look from anyone even mildly interested in action games.