Code Vein II

Right from the first month of the year, as far as I’m concerned, Code Vein 2 has all the makings of one of the most disappointing experiences of 2026. The story is predictable and monotonous; the combat, while decent, gets tedious due to the repetition of enemies and attack patterns; and the boss battles are unengaging—which is probably the biggest flaw in a Soulslike game.

Like the original game, it occasionally struggles with uneven pacing and technical shortcomings, but those flaws are often overshadowed by its stylish combat and the strong bond that forms between the protagonist and their companions. Code Vein 2 may not fully overcome the limitations of its ambitious design, but it still delivers a compelling anime-inspired soulslike adventure that fans of the series will find hard to resist.

Code Vein II is a game that’s in equal parts frustrating and entertaining. I spent hours on several challenging boss fights and sometimes, admittedly, wanted to cry from fruitless efforts to beat them, but the compelling narrative and characters kept me invested all the way to the end and even prompted me to take on optional fights to see things through to the fullest. It’s not perfect by any means, and it certainly isn’t the best Souls-like game out there, but it does show the heart and potential Shift puts into their games and has me hoping once more to hear about their future endeavors. If nothing else, Code Vein II is worth more than a cursory glance if it happens to catch your eye.

Code Vein II is a solid sequel that understands its identity and refines it without losing its essence. Its strategic combat, deep customization, and narrative create an engaging experience for fans of the Soulslike genre. Although its visuals aren't particularly innovative and its difficulty can be intimidating, it manages to position itself as a coherent evolution that rewards patience and mastery of its systems.

Ultimately, due to this conflicting nature, Code Vein II is never quite sure of what type of game it wants to be, and as such, I was never quite sure if I was having fun with it or not. A lifeless open world filled with mindless combat encounters feels completely detached from the Soulslike nature of its character progression and spectacular boss fights that break up the otherwise mundane nature of the experience. It’s not a complete lost cause as the narrative is worthwhile, and for genre fans, the depth of the character progression and the payoff in the boss fights does prove rewarding when you see all your tinkering coming together, but the highs aren’t enough to make Code Vein II an easy recommendation for all but the die-hards of the genre.

Code Vein introduces several new concepts to the saturated Soulslike genre with a partnersystem that shines, a focus on story, which is actually influenced by timetravelling and player's choices. The game does enough different to make it stand on its own feet, while still being a Soulslike in its core.

Code Vein 2 isn’t a bad game — and that’s exactly its biggest problem. It’s average where it could have been good, and disappointing where it needed to surpass its predecessor. It fails to meaningfully improve its core systems, doesn’t strengthen the series’ identity, and in some areas even takes clear steps backward.

There are several high points of Code Vein II, ranging from graphics, different environments, and the character creator. The major complaints that detract from higher praise are bad pacing issues and a story that often takes a back seat. Combat is faster and more fun than the first game, and the much more open world is a needed change from the endless alleys of before. Despite a lot of positive points, though, there is a sense that the entire thing doesn't mesh together to make a better experience.

A highly uneven experience, Code Vein 2 is ultimately saved by its likable characters, clever use of time travel in the story and some tense but fair boss battles. The open-world design hampers the pacing, with drab environments that discourage exploration and uninspired regular enemies. Yet those who stick with it may find themselves genuinely invested in the fate of its central cast.

Code Vein II picks a little from the best of the Soulslike genre, but doesn’t go the distance to innovate or execute on these ideas well enough. The Blood Codes-fuelled action is where the gameplay shines, but the confusing writing and performance issues on PS5 suck the fun out of this anime vampire sequel.

Code Vein 2 excels at being a more accessible sequel, offering a game that fans of the original will find irresistible. However, it’s technically unpolished on consoles, and it struggles to stand out in a sea of soulslikes. What Code Vein 2 does better than the others, though, is the excellent world-building and exploration and some fun, brazen characters that’ll make you love them.

Despite the odd performance issue, Code Vein II provides a solid Soulslike adventure that packs a stylish anime flair.

Code Vein II once again delivers a distinct anime-style Soulslike experience, but poor optimization and a lack of polish ultimately undermine what makes it unique.

All of these issues hinder a game that only occasionally rises above its weaknesses. The story can be compelling when focusing on its ill-fated characters, and the combat is enjoyable in specific circumstances, particularly when experimenting with the varied tools at your disposal. But Code Vein 2's shortcomings are too frequent to look past. Combat and exploration are hampered by dull enemies and wearisome environments, while technical issues only exacerbate its flaws. The soulslike genre has evolved since the original Code Vein launched in 2019, yet the forward-thinking shift to an open world hasn't prevented its sequel from suffering the same familiar blemishes.

Code Vein II reminds me of a PS2 game, and I say that as the highest praise. It doesn’t always get what’s going for, but man is it trying. It’s the kind of game you’d rent for a weekend and think about for years afterward, not because it’s the prettiest or the most polished or the best in its genre, but because it’s unique and trying hard and succeeding in cool, memorable ways.

Code Vein 2 expands on the ideas of the first game with more content, a stronger focus on dual combat, and a narrative built around multiple timelines. The story’s core concept is interesting, though characters and dialogue struggle to create emotional engagement. Combat remains methodical and strategic, working well in cooperative play and offering a good variety of builds, even if few boss fights stand out as truly memorable. Exploration is open and functional, but provides limited incentives beyond basic progression. Confusing interfaces, recurring technical issues, and visuals below expectations for the current generation hurt the overall experience. Overall, it is an above-average game that will please fans of the original Code Vein, but it fails to stand out in a competitive year due to its reliance on safe, unambitious formulas.

This sequel is a clear step backward. While the developers aim for a more emotional story, the empty, lifeless world and one-dimensional characters undermine that ambition. The gameplay is serviceable, but lacks the impact and refinement expected from others in the genre.

An outdated and uninteresting Soulslike that takes an already flawed original and makes it even less compelling, with unengaging storytelling, bland visuals, and repetitive action.

While Code Vein II's narrative leaves a lot to be desired, and the lack of multiplayer is disappointing, the gameplay is incredibly engaging and satisfying. With a few gameplay and performance adjustments, the game stands to be among the best Soulslikes this year.

Code Vein II is a game I could gush over for a few more pages, but I think it’s better experienced for yourselves. It’s an objective improvement over the first game in almost every aspect. The world is more fleshed out. The characters are more memorable. The weapon and Blood Code combinations are more interesting. As someone who adored the original, Code Vein II more than exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it to RPG and Souls-like fans.

On paper, Code Vein 2 takes what made the first game unique and expands upon the formula in an Elden Ring-style open world to tell a brand new, ambitious story about time travel to save the world. However, the reality is far less appealing, from the dated graphics and clunky technical aspects to the frustratingly sluggish combat. If you truly loved its predecessor, you might be able to overlook its significant flaws and play for dozens of hours. Otherwise, we strongly advise you to wait for at least performance patches, or even a price reduction.

At its best, Code Vein 2 provides comfortable, anime-flavored escapism. It’s shallow stuff, but it's combat offers a reliable source of mindless fun if you’re willing to wade through the mediocre world and performance issues.

Despite my disappointment with it, I acknowledge that others may fully embrace Code Vein 2's art style, and really, my biggest issue with the game is its lackluster open world. Everything else is quite good, with Code Vein 2 offering a fun, well-rounded Soulslike experience that should appeal to genre fans. Even though it may not reach the same highs as some of the heavy-hitters that inspired it, Code Vein 2 is still a great time from start to finish and an easy recommendation.

An improvement on its predecessor, in terms of both combat and setting, but the choppy framerate and ridiculous outfits ensure that the Code Vein II experience remains an underwhelming one.

While combat is the driving reason for Code Vein 2, it isn’t the only aspect. The game aims to deliver scale, freedom, and flexibility, but these come with tradeoffs. While the world is visually striking and filled with potential, it does not always feel as lively or narratively driven as it could be. The result is an experience that excels mechanically but sometimes struggles to give those mechanics the emotional weight they deserve. Still, soulslike fans do not want to miss this difficult RPG.

Code Vein II clearly wants to be more than a continuation of the first game. The shift in structure gives the world more room to breathe, and the combat still rewards players who like to adjust, experiment, and find their own rhythm. But that extra space comes at a cost. The open world softens the pressure that once kept everything moving forward, and the technical rough edges tend to show up exactly when clarity matters most. I enjoyed my time with Code Vein II, even when it tested my patience. I just kept thinking how much stronger it could have been with a tighter focus.

Code Vein II is fine, functional and can be fun-especially if you're able to get the A.I to do the dirty work for you. The Formae system is potent and definitely gives combat encounters a zesty sense of empowerment, and if you're invested you'll want to lap up Code Vein 2 with vigor-just go in expecting a largely safe soulslike and you'll be content with this one.

Packed with anime influences and an occasionally thrilling story, Code Vein II is not a bad game, but it is overstuffed and aimless to the point that it feels less than the sum of its parts.

Code Vein has unfortunately shown little to no improvement. Despite the time travel element, the game hasn't kept up with the times; its systems are outdated or poorly implemented. The game world is incredibly empty, and even a cool steampunk motorcycle can't save it. The RPG aspects work well, until the boss fights become far too over-the-top. Technically, the game is a complete disaster. I would rather play Dark Souls 1 or even the first Code Vein again than ever play Code Vein 2 again.

Despite some minor design flaws and an excess of information and systems thrown at the player, Code Vein II is a respectable entry in the Soulslike genre that will keep fans happy and perhaps even bring some new ones in.

A confident evolution of its predecessor, blending deeper storytelling with familiar but refined combat. Its focused world design and strong character systems make it a more personal overall experience.

There's a lot going on in Code Vein 2, so much that it arguably loses some of the charm of its predecessor, and yet it's still quite a fun experience.

Code Vein 2 is a masterful sequel that drastically elevates the series by refining its unique systems with intuitive accessibility and profound build customization. By blending a compelling narrative with polished combat mechanics, it firmly establishes its own identity and delivers a standout experience within the Soulslike genre.

Code Vein II certainly has its strengths, though many of them are inherited from its predecessor. With interesting, well-developed characters and a wide variety of builds and playstyles, the game can be highly appealing to players who enjoy experimenting with all the combinations it has to offer. Unfortunately, the issues carried over from the past — such as performance problems and weak level design, now further burdened by the puzzling choice of a vast yet lifeless open world — make the title a recommendation only for die-hard souls-like fans or those who already have a special fondness for Bandai’s first game.

Code Vein 2 shines with its highly customizable combat and distinct identity, enhanced by strategic allies and unique time-travel mechanics. We appreciate its less cryptic narrative, although it suffers from common anime tropes. Despite an engaging and flexible gameplay loop, its dungeon design remains inferior to genre leaders, and persistent technical issues detract from the overall experience.

If you loved the first Code Vein, Code Vein 2 is a safe bet. The formula remains true to itself, but is placed in a broader and more refined context, with evident improvements in narrative, combat, and level design, without ever betraying the identity of the original work. However, some known issues remain, most notably a progression system that tends to become unbalanced too quickly, making the experience more forgiving than expected and dampening some of the tension of the battles. Code Vein 2 is therefore a strongly distinctive action RPG that prefers to refine its formula rather than reinvent itself. A solid evolution, stylistically successful and full of possibilities, recommended especially for those looking for an experience with an anime aesthetic and not a revolution of the genre.

Code Vein 2 follows Elden Ring's open-world structure in an overly ambitious sequel. It's a good action game thanks to the combat, but overall the free roam is not as interesting as the classic levels from the first ones.

Code Vein 2 offers a familiar experience for fans of the first game, and it improves the world which is bigger and better this time around. Also, the way the story unfolds is more interesting, especially with the addition of a time travel element. However, it doesn't always succeed in exploiting its new ideas optimally, whether in the integration system or some changes in combat.

Code Vein II, while remaining a more or less traditional souls-like game, improves on its predecessor in every way. Its ambitious Elden Ring-style open world and timelines make this journey particularly fun and addictive in its gameplay loop.

The return of CODE VEIN is neither triumphant nor innovative, but it redeems itself somewhat by correcting the fundamental problems that were evident in the first installment. The exploration of a mirror world 100 years apart is interesting, and although cliché, it works to make the story more entertaining and easier to digest. If this is your first time exploring the genre and you like anime, it's a good place to start.

Code Vein II is a bloody good successor to the original game. While it's not a sequel in the traditional sense, it builds upon the strengths of what Bandai Namco was trying to achieve with combat the first time around.

A handful of moments had me thinking, "Code Vein 2 might be really good, actually," but nearly every one of them was paired with a reminder that it struggles to maintain the momentum it manages to build up. Soulslike combat demands precision and sharpness from its players, but it also requires those things from the game itself, and unfortunately Code Vein 2 betrays those fundamentals a few too many times. The story has some bright spots and the very concept of repairing a broken world by changing its past through time travel drew me in, despite the shortcomings along the path to seeing its full conclusion. The genre has evolved significantly since the original Code Vein, and even after shifting to an open world, it's unfortunate the sequel hasn't quite kept up.

Code Vein II could be described as a more accessible Elden Ring, and that wouldn't be entirely wrong. But it would be a shame to stop at the obvious similarities and simplifications, because the game behind it is undoubtedly a great game. It's a little didactic in some choices, a little fan service in others, but it's also capable of frequently resonating with the player on the other side of the screen.

Code Vein II tries to evolve the “anime Souls-like,” but delivers a weak story and an overabundance of cutscenes. The combat offers solid builds and variety, yet suffers from stiff animations, repetitive enemies, and an open world that lacks incentives for exploration. Serious technical issues on PS5 hurt the experience, making it safer to wait for fixes before playing.

Perhaps it's the vampires, or the time travel, or its open-world Souls-like gameplay... Or maybe I shouldn't overthink it, and I simply really enjoyed Code Vein II, and that's all there is to it.

Although the first Code Vein was not a memorable title in the Soulslike landscape, it was still able to hold its own. For this reason, the disappointment is even greater to see how this sequel fails to evolve the original formula and, in some aspects, even ends up worsening it. The combat system remains solid, and the progression system, complex and deep, allows for a good amount of freedom in creating builds, even if it sometimes gets lost in excessive and unnecessary complexity. The narrative, too—less cryptic than the genre's standards and closer to Japanese animation tropes—is pleasant, without leaving a lasting impression. Where the game truly fails, however, is in its world-building and technical department. The result is a Soulslike with good foundations, but today these are no longer enough: in a now rich and competitive landscape, we would have expected a much bolder evolution from this sequel.

Code Vein 2 is the classic example of a sequel that refuses to settle. It doesn’t take shortcuts, nor does it simply refine what already worked; instead, it deliberately tries to expand its scope, even at the risk of overreaching. This choice inevitably creates imbalances, and the game makes no effort to hide them: ambition often exceeds the ability to control it, layering sometimes turns into redundancy, and some solutions struggle to take a fully realized form.

Code Vein II fundamentally fails to understand that true Souls-like difficulty comes from skill testing, not stat gating. There are also minor but noticeable flaws, such as the sometimes poor readability of attacks, which could be remedied with better visual highlighting and reduced effect chaos. Overall, Code Vein II moves further away from its Souls-like roots, which I find bold and independent. This gives the game a new identity of its own, which in its flow and combat rhythm is more reminiscent of dungeon crawlers and action JRPGs than Dark Souls and the like. The only annoying thing is that many aspects seem to have not been thought through to the end. This results in the aforementioned lack of appeal of the open world, the incoherence between story and gameplay, and the unpolished technical execution. Nevertheless, there is a good game in here somewhere. If Bandai Namco makes adjustments with patches, you can still have fun despite these criticisms.

Code Vein 2 is a promising sequel that learns from its mistakes. The combat is tighter, the world more vibrant, and the story surrounding time travel and the Resurgence is reasonably engaging from beginning to end. Although navigation in the open world can sometimes be frustrating and the weapon variety may feel somewhat limited in practice due to the upgrade system, what you get here is a solid and highly entertaining action RPG that will appeal to both fans of the original and newcomers alike.

Code Vein II is a missed opportunity: it expands the universe and streamlines the gameplay, but sacrifices challenge on the altar of accessibility. Between a difficulty flattened by overly powerful teammates and various technical uncertainties, it remains a pleasant title but lacking the spark necessary to excel.

Code Vein II is exactly what you'd expect – yet another Soulslike derivative with a fresh(ish) coat of anime-style paint. While the combat system's flexibility and improved exploration are a huge step forward, the lack of multiplayer and derivative story beats feels like a step back. The result is just okay, though fans of the original will still appreciate it nonetheless.

Taking inspiration from Elden Ring, Code Vein 2 is an ambitious sequel which presents players with a vast open world to explore. It can feel a bit lifeless at times, but it's rewarding to venture into its nooks and crannies nonetheless. And everything you do helps build your character, an endeavour which proves to be a highlight of the game, along with manipulating time to build bonds with your companions.

For fans of the original, Code Vein II delivers more of what you enjoyed with meaningful expansions to the formula. For newcomers, the partner system creates a low barrier to entry. For those hoping Bandai Namco would finally create their own Elden Ring, temper your expectations.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Code Vein II, and fans of the first Code Vein and first-time players of the series will have a lot to look forward to in this fantastic start to Souls-likes in 2026. While the tumultuous woes of its performance and camera deeply hinder the experience, the exquisite charm of the game’s anime art style, its cast of compelling characters, deep character customisation, and a riveting story that sees you traverse the very fabric of time make this a remarkable sequel.

Outdated visuals meet a demanding old-school edge: Code Vein 2 is far more engaging than many of its slick, overpolished contemporaries. Those willing to look past the layer of visual dust will discover a Soulslike action RPG with surprising depth.

Code Vein II is a title that can be considered a continuation of the original, but it also adds elements that make the gameplay more enjoyable, including revamped blood codes, a greater presence of companions, and added weapons. As a result, the combat is improved, feeling more fluid and precise.

Code Vein II vastly surpasses its predecessor with the implementation of interesting new mechanics, an expansive open world, and deep customization. However, it does suffer from some graphical issues typical of the genre—while not severe, they are very noticeable. That aside, it delivers memorable moments and hours of fun.

Code Vein 2 delivers a more accessible take on the Soulslike formula, combining decent anime visuals with a forgiving combat system and a story-driven time-travel twist. While the game offers solid boss fights and deep character customization, technical issues and uneven level design hold it back from greatness. It may not redefine the genre, but it remains an enjoyable experience for Soulslike fans with a taste for anime aesthetics.

Code Vein 2 feels like the first post-Elden Ring Soulslike to try something of a similar scale, but it's made too many compromises to get there. Inspired moments are trapped in a bland, repetitive experience with far too much padding to recommend seeking them out. Time travel back six years and play the first Code Vein instead.

I expected much more from this game, and I'm not referring to the graphics or the story, which nevertheless does an excellent job of drawing the player's attention to the vast semi-open world. The simplistic gameplay and lack of refined level design, combined with a combat system that certainly has a good variety of weapons, don't always deliver the feel every player deserves, and as a result, the developers only partially achieved their goals.

Code Vein II takes a confident step away from its soulslike roots, delivering a more accessible and narrative-rich experience that focuses on character development, unique systems, and an expansive open world. While its combat may lack the depth hardcore fans crave, the emotional storytelling and worldbuilding elevate it beyond a typical action RPG. The game leans into player agency with meaningful choices and multiple endings, though some design and technical issues hold it back from true greatness.

Code Vein 2 establishes itself as a great sequel and a significant evolution of the original formula. The game does not try to be a new Elden Ring; instead, it seeks to solidify its own space and expand its unique identity, reinforcing its own strengths, whether through its setting, gameplay mechanics, or artistic style.

Code Vein II is both an evolution in some aspects and a regression in others. The visual style gets lost amidst a problematic or unrefined engine for the genre. The story relies on good secondary characters, but offers very little beyond that. In the end, the open-world structure doesn't seem to have been the best decision for much of the design, and much of the game's quality lies in the simplified combat, even though there's a tremendous effort to make everything overly complex.

Code Vein 2 is not the strongest soulslike we've ever encountered. While there is absolutely some fun to be had slaying the myriad horrors that inhabit this post-apocalyptic world and building a powerful Revenant Hunter, repetition inevitably kicks in. Narratively, it's pretty dull, lacking compelling characters or quests to engage with. While not broken or a bad game per se, it is hard to recommend when so many better entries in this well-worn subgenre already exist.

Code Vein 2 is almost everything I wanted from a sequel. It sheds the Dark Souls skin of the first game and takes a bold step toward becoming a bigger, more confident Code Vein. Unfortunately, that ambition comes at a cost, as the game sacrifices the distinctive art style that defined the original in favor of a more generic tone.

Code Vein 2 is here, and it carries on much of the goodness from the original, while expanding into an open world design that becomes even more complex with the layering of time travel and eras set on the same map. It doesn’t hit on every level, but Code Vein 2 is still a solid sequel with a story that pulled me in and made me care, just like the first.

While fun from moment to moment, Code Vein 2 has a cookie-cutter plot, matching dialogue, and combat that isn't polished to the level it needs to be.

Code Vein 2 is the very definition of a dream sequel. It improves on almost every aspect of the promising yet flawed original to deliver a surprisingly unique soulslike experience. The shift to an open world is (mostly) successful, experimenting with different builds is a breeze thanks to the revamped Blood Code system, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with this world, its characters, and the tragic stories they tell. If it wasn’t for the game’s shoddy performance on console, I’d say Code Vein 2 is a must-play.

Code Vein II is what you love about the original game, with new additions and a new open world to explore. There are some performance and resolution issues that are present that can take some players out. Everything else, though, is beautiful. Especially the cast and character designs. The Character Customization is one of the best the series has to offer. Combat is engaging, and the memorable cast and story are what will make you continue the adventure. It may not be all gold, but it is an aesthetic work of art.

Code Vein 2 isn’t breaking new ground in most of its conventions nor will it become the new face of Soulslikes. But it has its own unique ideas that are fully realised, letting it stand out against its contemporaries in the genre, while surprisingly strong characters help blend the gameplay and narrative together. If you have the appetite for it, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into.

Code Vein II is a haunting, thrilling, and unforgettable action adventure. It's so much more than the sum of its parts or the games that have clearly inspired it. It has a personality of its own that shoots beyond the soulslike genre tag, and never compromises on that unique vision.

Code Vein II is not the definitive soulslike, but it effectively adopts the genre’s mechanics and difficulty to present players with a challenge that feels worth overcoming. It also falls short of perfection and carries its own flaws; however, in the end, those issues do not prevent it from being an enjoyable video game.

The open world is more of a con than a pro for Code Vein 2, but the soulslike-game still has some unique strong points to its name.

Code Vein II is a clear improvement over the original, with an incredibly ambitious open world and powerful storytelling influenced by Demon Slayer's global success. However, technical limitations and a map that's sometimes more confusing than helpful curb its full impact.

Code Vein II is a deeply entertaining adventure that brings hope and life back to a ruined world, tears down massive beasts, and witnesses the most audacious segment in any action RPG.

Code Vein II builds meaningfully on the original, with stronger companions, more flexible builds, and a story that feels more involved, even when it leans hard into melodrama.

Code Vein II is a deep, stylish, and highly accessible entry into the “Soulslike” genre that prioritizes player empowerment over brutal punishment. While it lacks the technical polish of the titles that inspired it – most notably Elden Ring – it successfully carves out its own identity through an exceptional character creator, a unique time-traveling narrative, and a “Partner System” that provides a significant safety net for newcomers.

Code Vein 2 tries to reinvent the franchise by embracing an open-world Souls-like structure, but the ambition backfires. While the combat system is clearly refined, deeper, and more flexible than its predecessor, the empty world design and severe technical issues undermine the experience. Performance problems on PS5 are constant, affecting both exploration and combat flow. The time-travel narrative is more engaging than before, yet becomes predictable over time. In the end, Code Vein 2 shines in combat but collapses under the weight of its own aspirations.

Code Vein II is competent and checks all the right boxes, but it never quite finds a way to stand out. Things that felt genuinely fresh in 2019—like the idea of an anime Soulslike built around two-person combat—don’t land with the same impact today, and all that flexibility ends up making most playstyles feel too similar. If the aesthetic works for you, you won’t find much to complain about, but if you’ve played a lot of games in the genre, you may come away feeling like it could use a little more bite—more blood in its veins.

Code Vein II is very, very close to joining From Software’s games and the Nioh series in the upper echelons of soulslikes. A quality narrative, fluid combat and an excellent, Ocarina of Time-like approach to progression combine in a way that makes it very hard to put the controller down. It does feel like it’s in search of an identity of its own at times, and it's unlikely to develop the reputation Ocarina of Time has for that reason, but Code Vein II has a lot going for it.

Code Vein II is a sequel that remains firmly anchored to its genre tropes; while it excels through its flashy, high-octane combat systems, it ultimately stumbles when it comes to narrative depth and meaningful character development.

I want to say there’s something enjoyable, interesting even, buried beneath the flawed execution of Code Vein II, but that something is the corpse of other games in the genre this vampiric creation is feeding on for inspiration.

Code Vein II successfully expands and refines the formula of its predecessor, delivering fast-paced, challenging, and highly customizable combat alongside an engaging narrative. The addition of time-travel mechanics and the shift to an open world add variety to exploration, even though the latter does not go much further than what is basically expected from games of this scale. In the end, despite drawing inspiration from acclaimed titles, the game establishes itself as an action RPG with an identity of its own.