Code Vein II Delivers an Emotional Time-Travel Adventure
The souls-like genre has surged in popularity since the inception of From Software’s Souls series, inspiring numerous developers to explore this challenging format. Bandai Namco, known for its association with From Software’s titles, introduced an anime-inspired twist to the genre with 2019’s Code Vein, and now it’s back with Code Vein II. After spending some time with the latest installment during The Game Awards week, we were impressed by its refined combat mechanics and a fresh take on the genre’s “summon” feature. However, what truly caught our attention was the original story that carries significant emotional depth. While the first Code Vein was a solid introduction, Code Vein II suggests that the series may have truly found its stride.
Set in a world teetering on the brink of destruction, Code Vein II features humans and Revenants—vampiric beings—coexisting amidst chaos. Our demo begins in the present, where the Resurgence, a catastrophic event transforming Revenants into mindless beasts, wreaks havoc. A century earlier, a group of Revenant warriors attempted to seal the Resurgence to save the world but ultimately failed, leading to further calamity. These fallen heroes are now trapped, and our protagonist, aided by a time-traveling ally, must venture into the past to collaborate with them, unlock their bonds, and ultimately confront them in the present. This narrative is rich and complex, but newcomers need not worry; Code Vein II adopts a standalone storytelling approach, allowing players to dive in without prior knowledge of the original.
Character creation kicks off the experience, offering a robust customization system with a wide array of options, including skin tones, eye colors, hairstyles, and accessories. Players can spend considerable time crafting their ideal character before even starting the adventure. Each character features six attributes—strength, dexterity, mind, willpower, vitality, and fortitude—that can be enhanced by discovering special perks known as Blood Codes throughout the game. Following character creation, a brief tutorial introduces players to the world, including a cutscene that sets the stage for the adventure. We then hop on a motorcycle to access a time-travel point, leading us to the Sunken Pylon dungeon, where we meet the fallen hero Josee Anjou, and the real action begins.
Once in the dungeon, players are greeted with a variety of combat options. Seven main weapon types are available, each with unique abilities. One-handed swords serve as a baseline, while twin blades offer rapid strikes, and greatswords and hammers deliver heavy damage with slower attacks. The bayonet stands out as a long-range option, allowing players to craft ammo on the fly, provided they have the necessary materials. The floating Rune Blades look impressive as they slice through the air, but mastering them requires practice, as enemies can easily disrupt their effectiveness. Each weapon is complemented by two key components: Formae and Jails. Formae are weapon-specific abilities that enhance attacks or apply status effects during combat. For instance, the Rune Blades feature a Whirling Shredder Formae that spins the blades like a buzzsaw, dealing damage to enemies caught in its path. Jails, akin to Blood Veils from the original, are separate attacks used to drain Ichor from foes, which is essential for executing Formae attacks. Our favorite Jail in the demo was Hound, which summoned massive hound heads to bite enemies, while Ogre and Reaper also provided exciting options.
As our character teams up with Josee Anjou, she embodies the new Partner mechanic in Code Vein II. Players can build relationships with fallen champions by bringing them into battle, strengthening their bond over time. This bond is represented by Link Points (LP), which act as additional health, depleting before the main health bar. The stronger the connection with a partner like Josee, the more health players have during fights. This system rewards relationship-building in a genre known for its difficulty. Players can choose between two methods to enhance their partnership: Summon and Assimilation. Summoning Josee brings her into battle to fight alongside the player, providing a distraction during tough moments. Assimilation, on the other hand, enhances the player’s abilities at the cost of having to fight solo. This dual approach caters to different playstyles, allowing players to enjoy the benefits of relationship-building regardless of their preference for assistance.
The demo culminates in two intense boss battles, one in the past and one in the present. The past encounter features the Metagen Remnant, a challenging spider-like creature with a human face. Having Josee as a summoned partner made this fight more manageable, as she drew the Remnant’s attention, allowing us to land crucial hits. After defeating the Remnant, our character bids farewell to Josee and returns to the present, where they must confront the now-monstrous version of her. This battle is significantly tougher, not just due to attack patterns but also because, during the fight, Josee regains her memories and pleads for a merciful end as her second phase begins. This moment highlights Code Vein II’s emotional depth, as players grapple with the consequences of their time-traveling actions. Each time they assist a warrior in the past, they must face that same hero in a more monstrous form upon returning to the present. The emotional weight of these encounters leaves players questioning how each hero will react.
With a standalone narrative, an innovative partner system, and diverse combat options, Code Vein II is shaping up to be a noteworthy addition to the souls-like genre. The Formae and Jail systems keep powerful attacks at the ready, while the variety of weapons allows players to tackle the Resurgence-ravaged world in their own style. Code Vein II is set to launch on January 30 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
