When the original Code Vein launched back in 2019, it immediately stood out. Here was a souls-like drenched in anime aesthetics, leaning hard into character drama and flashy combat rather than the bleak minimalism the genre is usually known for. It was a bold swing, and while it didn’t land perfectly for everyone, it carved out a passionate fanbase. Now, several years later, Bandai Namco is back with Code Vein 2, a full sequel that aims to refine the original’s ideas, expand its systems, and tell a much more ambitious story. After spending around four hours with a preview build, I can safely say it’s one of the most intriguing souls-likes I’ve played in a long time.
I was immediately interested in Code Vein the first time around because the premise felt so different. An anime-style souls-like, with party members, overt storytelling, and an emphasis on characters, sounded like exactly my kind of thing. I enjoyed what I played of the original game, especially its combat and aesthetic, but for one reason or another, I eventually fell off and never saw it through to the end. It’s one of those games I’ve always meant to go back to. Going into Code Vein 2, I didn’t feel like I needed to rush out and replay the first game, and thankfully, that doesn’t seem necessary at all.
After roughly four hours with Code Vein 2, I came away genuinely excited to experience more when the full game launches later this month. What surprised me most was just how confident this sequel feels in its identity. It’s still very much a souls-like, with tough combat and punishing encounters, but it places a massive emphasis on storytelling and character development. That’s rare for the genre, which usually relies on environmental storytelling and scattered, often obscure lore. Code Vein 2 feels far more direct, and from what I’ve seen so far, that focus could be its biggest strength.
Code Vein II Hands On Preview
If you prefer a solo experience, there’s an interesting risk-reward option. You can assimilate your ally, absorbing their abilities and gaining a power boost. The trade-off is that they won’t be there to revive you if things go wrong. I really liked this system because it lets players adjust the difficulty on their own terms. Whether you want the safety net of a companion or the challenge of going it alone, the choice is yours.
The combat encounters themselves are no joke. Enemies hit hard, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed if you’re careless or get ambushed by multiple foes. Thankfully, the game includes a leveling system similar to Elden Ring. If you find yourself under-leveled for a particular area or boss, you can grind out some levels to boost your stats and even the odds.
Code Vein II Hands On Preview
Finally, I also came away quite impressed by the world design. Code Vein 2 feels bigger, not just in terms of surface area, but also verticality. The areas I explored were dense, highly detailed, and packed with side paths and shortcuts. One feature I loved was the pathfinding mechanic that highlights routes you’ve already taken, color-coded based on how recently you explored them. It’s a simple idea, but incredibly effective, especially in complex dungeon layouts.
After four hours with Code Vein 2, I’m more than ready to dive back in. It feels like a confident evolution of the original, with deeper systems, a stronger narrative focus, and a world that begs to be explored. If the full game delivers on what this preview promises, Code Vein 2 could be something truly memorable. I can’t wait to uncover more of its characters and see where its time-bending story takes me later this month when Code Vein 2 launches.
Code Vein 2 launches on PlayStation 5, PC and Xbox Series X and Series S on January 29, 2026.
And I am just waiting ☺️🤗🤗☺️☺️