Code Vein II Reviews
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.
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.
Code Vein II is a fantastic game and a clear improvement on much of what made the first one great. That said, it also brings back a few lingering frustrations from its predecessor, issues that really should have been addressed and are hard to ignore. Even so, it's a strong addition to this year's lineup of action titles, and one that can keep you entertained for a long time.
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.
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 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 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 II once again delivers a distinct anime-style Soulslike experience, but poor optimization and a lack of polish ultimately undermine what makes it unique.
Review in Chinese | Read full review
Overall, 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 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.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Although it constantly makes you feel that it has the potential to be much better than the first game, it can only sustain that promise up to a point. Some parts are excellent, some are very unbalanced, and some are just “meh.” Still, it would be unfair to overlook the fact that it carves out a unique place for itself within the Soulslike genre and offers genuinely original ideas.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
A good game with an interesting story, a somewhat unnecessary open world, and fantastic character customization, Code Vein 2 can be hard to put down. But it's best to get iton sale.
Review in Russian | Read full review
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.
Despite the odd performance issue, Code Vein II provides a solid Soulslike adventure that packs a stylish anime flair.
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.
Kentum is a blend of different genres, and it shines in most areas. The base building and crafting aspects are excellent, and then we also have the beautiful world that we explore and gather resources from. I wish combat was better, but even so, it’s competent and not that frequent to be a major drag.
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 that Ocarina of Time has for that reason, but Code Vein II has a lot going for it.
Code Vein 2 is almost exactly the sequel this franchise needed, yet I struggle to understand the decision to adopt such a generic art style, especially when compared to the dark, distinct anime aesthetics that defined the first game.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
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.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
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.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review