Code Vein II Review

    Featuring a story that transcends time, Bandai Namco’s new Soulslike Code Vein II is here with a new post-apocalyptic adventure – and the challenge to match.

    See whether players should take up the mantle of Revenant hunter this winter with our review…

    Code Vein II Review

    After making one’s character, Code Vein II kicks off with players awakening in a coffin.

    Once dead, your life has been restored by a mysterious woman named Lou.

    However, Lou gave up half her heart to bring you back, and the two of you are now connected. As it turns out, she needs help to regain her power – her time-traveling power.

    Your mission? Go back in time and stop the end of the world.

    Code Vein II’s world has to contend with a global threat known as the Resurgence that infects all living creatures.

    Those afflicted, rightfully dubbed “Horrors,” now wish to finish off the rest of humanity.

    With Lou’s help, players will go back in time to stop these events from playing out, helping the people of that time to survive.

    Before that though, it’s time to power up and get some new gear.

    Getting stronger in Code Vein II is easy – just kill enemies.

    Since Code Vein II is a Soulslike, expect to die a few times before everything clicks.

    Basic combat in Code Vein II consists of both quick attacks and strong attacks, which can be comboed together for better damage.

    Code Vein II truly opens up with its weapon skills, Jail Attacks, and Blood Codes.

    Blood Codes in Code Vein II act as a sort of class system, granting a different set of stats and traits for each one. By using a Blood Code, players can level it up and occasionally get its next tier to become even stronger.

    For instance, the D rank Lyle gives you 18 DEX. However, when you get the B Rank of Lyle, you instead get 28 DEX.

    Using Code Vein II’s Blood Codes will allow players to figure out which weapon type to use, allowing one to base a build around that. These can also be swapped out at any time, making the switch for certain enemies a breeze.

    Weapon skills can be equipped at rest points, using something called Ichor each use.

    Think of this akin to an MP bar. When running low on Ichor, players can then use a Jail Attack to drain some from enemies.

    Skills can be found throughout the world, or alternatively bought from vendors. Some work for all weapons, but there are also weapon-specific ones as well – the rifle ranged attacks obviously won’t work on a greatsword.

    With this system in place, it provides a fantastic reason to explore its world.

    Most of Code Vein II’s map is covered in a fog of war when starting out. During exploration, players will come across red tree-type enemies that can be killed to reveal more of the map.

    This, in turn, allows players to find new caves and towns, track down different side quests, and even help discover chests and weapons.

    A motorcycle later one does speed things up, but its handling isn’t the best and is best suited for big roads.

    Code Vein II does feature a fast travel system, helping tremendously with any potential back and forth.

    Do note that you won’t be alone on the road…

    Depending on the timeline, players will have a partner to help in Code Vein II. Past timelines will have players stuck with specific characters, but the present timeline allows one to choose their partner.

    Said partners can fight alongside you in Code Vein II, or can alternatively be absorbed to increase stats.

    However, the real reason to have a partner in Code Vein II is to get an extra life. On the off-chance one’s HP drops to zero, partners can grant some HP and one can make their retreat.

    This mechanic is truly fantastic for a Soulslike, one perfect for other titles.

    The other reason to have a partner is Code Vein II is to become friendly with them.

    All of Code Vein II’s main NPCs have a barter-style system; giving gifts will raise rep, and one can then use the points you earned to buy items, certain gear, and even recipes.

    Some recipes allow for the creation of antidotes or bullets, but Code Vein II’s food recipes are the absolute best. Its world is full of ingredients, and the right dishes let players buff yourself up and make life easier – another reason to explore its world.

    Reviewed on the PlayStation 5 post-launch, Code Vein II does suffer from frame drops. The chugging was noticeable from its first cutscene, but it never led to death or affected any boss fight. That being said, don’t go into this title expecting a flawless experience.

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

    Code Vein II Review

    Reviewed On: PlayStation 5 (A digital code was provided)
    Release Date: January 30, 2026
    Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (via Steam)
    Developer: Bandai Namco
    Publisher: Bandai Namco

    Aggregate Scores: Metacritic / OpenCritic / CriticDB

    Review Policy | Scoring Policy | Meet the Reviewer