Code Vein

I had very few issues with this game, and it was a great experience playing through it. There’s some hype behind it, but I think it’ll end up being one of the sleeper hits of 2019. It blends the right amounts of Souls-like gameplay, anime cheesiness, and excellent design to result in a satisfying package that should please just about anyone.

The story goes some surprisingly emotional places, and the sheer variety of gameplay styles is a huge strength. Code Vein is easily one of the sleeper hits of the year, and it's an experience that's a joy to sink your teeth into.

Code Vein is some fun anime nonsense is a slickly designed package with some minor failings.

Code Vein is an anime soulslike with a huge focus on character build and an endearing story that could relate to the God Eater series.

If you're looking for a different spin on the Soulsborne series, Bandai Namco offers up their take with gameplay that feels inviting rather than punishing.

Code Vein is a good dark anime-style action RPG. There are some flaws like the AI or various technical/graphic imperfections, but the articulated combat system, the versatile gameplay, the co-op and a plot that holds up to the end despite stereotypes and clichés manage to give to novices and experts 40+ hours of brutal souls like fun.

Code Vein fulfills what was promised after several launch delays, offering an RPG with anime aesthetics with remarkable gameplay and history, but ballasting several mistakes that make it difficult to stand out among other games of its kind.

An entertaining story, extensive character customisation and stylish anime presentation elevates Code Vein above just another Souls-like.

Code Vein brings a few interesting additions to the recognizable souls-like formula. It's stylish, anime-like and has some cool moves & classes, and lets you bring an AI friend to keep you from feeling lonely while being really useful in combat. Well, most of the time. If you are itching for some quality souls-like experience, try this - it could be just what you were looking for.

Code Vein is the anime-style Dark Souls we've been waiting for. A game that is not perfect, but that will make the lovers of anime and Souls very happy.

Code Vein is unique between all kinds of souls-like games because of its anime style but fails to stand out.

This combination of clever and original gameplay elements, and heavy storytelling in a genre not overly known for that makes for an excellent experience that stands out from the pack. From Software has been a tough bar to beat, however, with competition like this and Koei Tecmo's Nioh series, From can't rest on its laurels. We're spoiled for choice now, and from top to bottom, Code Vein is worth every moment.

Code Vein mixes the popular Soulsborne formula with an anime look and mostly delivers on the lofty expectations its hype machine created. The AI's a bit wonky though, and co-op could use some improvement.

The AI ​​guides and the minimap have made the game a bit too easy at times, but that's ultimately a matter of taste.

With its unique style and intriguing story, Code Vein adds its touch to the Souls-like genre.

Ultimately, Code Vein can be considered an ambitious and very successful experiment.

Code Vein on PlayStation 4 is a hybrid between an action-RPG and a Soulslike, but a valid one.

Code Vein is a perfect RPG for newcomers. It keeps every element in the "souls like" genre, but combat is easier (thanks to a second character) and narrative seems more traditional. Anime style and vampires perfectly suit this kind of gameplay.

Code Vein manages to become a possible gateway into the difficult world of the Souls-like games. Bandai Namco, thus, gives way to an appealing title that is full of possibilities when it comes to the gameplay, and that it also possesses a well crafted environment that can sometimes become a huge labyrinth. However, those in search of the usual challenge will be forced to forfeit one of its main novelties.

Ultimately, Code Vein is a somewhat campy, but fun, breath of fresh air in a genre that has felt a little stale outside of games like Sekiro. The companions are fun, if a little one-note at times, and the combat is brutal, but exhilarating. If you like what you’ve seen so far of Code Vein, there’s no reason not to try it out.

Despite a number of performance issues and combat that feels just a little too loose and mashy compared to its genre-mates, Code Vein presents a unique take on the Soulslike formula.

Code Vein feels like it wants to take the idea of community and important AIs and marry it with the gameplay and ideas prevalent in Soulslikes. It is a story-heavy affair that wants you to care about its characters, while also helping you find your way in a demanding world with thoughtful combat. There are some technical hitches along the way, such as frame rate drops, but they’re the sort of problems that could very well be eventually fixed with patches. For now, it’s a largely successful experiment into some new ideas.

There was a lot of potential for Code Vein to end up little more than a mediocre Dark Souls clone dressed in anime clothing, and yet, it’s actually kinda, sorta, pretty good. The game mixes some long-established gameplay qualities with a totally engrossing class system and a story that’s more enjoyable than it has any right to be. Code Vein won’t be for everyone, even if you’re a Souls fan, but if the overall idea sounds appealing, the execution might surprise you.

Code Vein is an exciting, rewarding, and tenebrous venture into the Souls-like space with a fantastic class system, explosive combat, and dark narrative - hindered only by its lack of visual prowess and odd UI design.

All in all, CODE VEIN is great for those who enjoy RPGs and want to feel like they’ve earned the win. Even though I died a lot and there were slight quality issues, CODE VEIN is a game I definitely see myself going back to again and again.

Code Vein is an uninspired derivative of everything that made Dark Souls legendary, but at the same time is the perfect example of the ancient cliché that imitation is the best form of flattery and sometimes it’s better to steal something, than to make up something bad.

Bizarre Souls-like with an interesting anime-design, but flaws in terms of visuals and storytelling.

Ironically for a game about undead vampires, there's a strong pulse and beating heart at Code Vein's core.

Though Code Vein starts off slow, nearly every aspect develops over time, gradually becoming more interesting and engaging. The environments and enemy designs leave much to be desired, but it also introduces intriguing ideas with its AI companions and Blood Code system. It’s not breaking any new ground, but there’s a solid game here if you stick with it.

Code Vein is a pretty good clone of Dark Souls, but it's own ideas, dose not work that well.

Code Vein doesn’t make any improvements on the "soulslike" genre but as an alternative and new option to play, consolidates itself as a fun and addictive title not only by its gameplay, but also its characters design and development and the intriguing story.