Code Vein Reviews

Code Vein is ranked in the 60th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
8 / 10.0
Sep 26, 2019

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.

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PCGamesN
Top Critic
7 / 10
Sep 26, 2019

An unholy union of anime, Dark Souls, and My Chemical Romance, Code Vein is as much about style as substance. If that sounds good to you, then you're in for a treat, even if it lacks some of the polish of the genre's best.Jason Coles

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Liked-a-lot
Oct 15, 2019

...a game that combined the unforgivable gameplay of Dark Souls with the heart of a JRPG saga...

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7.7 / 10.0
Feb 10, 2019

Code Vein is a pretty strong entry into the genre and it’s always refreshing to see new IP. While it has a few (mostly patchable) drawbacks, Code Vein is one I would recommend with just a little bit of hesitation.

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70%
Oct 1, 2019

'Anime Dark Souls' was its billing, but it's not until Code Vein breaks free of the tried-and-tested formula that it shines brightly. With a difficulty balance that stretches from a leisurely stroll to hair-tearing madness, it's hard to know who this game is for. Code Vein is fun, though. Really, really fun, and a great place to start for anyone keen to dip their toe into a more chilled and relaxed Souls-like title.

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3.8 / 5.0
Oct 1, 2019

Code Vein is an interesting game that falls short of what it is trying to be. The intriguing storyline can't overcome the bland combat and lack of challenge. To buy into the idea of Code Vein, you really need a love of anime and an understanding it just isn't as challenging or fascinating as those games. But, if you can come to that understanding, it manages to shine in its own ways.

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5 / 10
Sep 26, 2019

Despite its attempts, Code Vein ends up being nothing more than just another Dark Souls clone.

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7 / 10
Sep 26, 2019

The Souls games are some of my fondest gaming experiences ever, and while I never expected Code Vein to surpass them, it's hard not to be disappointed by its middling results. It's far from a bad game, it has systems and ideas that push the genre forward in exciting and innovative ways, but fumbles on the execution on some of the others that are core to the experience. If you have an interest in Code Vein's world or characters, or can't get enough Souls, you might find that the positives outweigh the negatives, but I can't recommend it to someone looking for the next transformative Souls-like experience.

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Unscored
Nov 3, 2019

If you’ve never played a Soulsborne and you’ve been wanting to jump in but felt intimidated to do so, Code Vein’s NPC partner system and easy co-op play make it the perfect introduction to build up your confidence.

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9.5 / 10.0
Oct 18, 2019

Code Vein isn't the anime Dark Souls that many people were expecting, and I'm all the more happy for it. Instead, we get something that borrows from the Souls-like genre but still ends up being its own unique beast. There's nothing quite like Code Vein on the market, and few games are as satisfying from beginning to end.

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4.1 / 5.0
Oct 15, 2019

Code Vein surprised me with how quickly it sucked me in and refused to let go. The game is probably a bit more accessible to newcomers with its streamlined levelling system and slightly lower difficulty when compared to the Souls games, but that doesn't mean that it's an overall easier game, although you never really feel as stuck in terms of progression as you could in the aforementioned games due to the versatility of the Blood Code and Gift systems offering up multiple ways to approach a situation.

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4.1 / 5.0
Oct 8, 2019

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

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7 / 10.0
Oct 1, 2019

Code Vein is a pretty solid attempt at a formula that is tried and true and manages to bring some cool ideas to the table

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6.5 / 10.0
Oct 2, 2019

Code Vein provides a very casual Souls-like experience which will be perfect for the right sort of person. Minor bugs, and clunky JRPG-style exposition aside the game is a breeze to play through.

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Gamersky
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Oct 2, 2019

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

Review in Chinese | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Sep 30, 2019

Code Vein invents as much as it mimics, and while it doesn't pull everything together perfectly, it manages to be an exceptionally fun Souls-like romp through a post-apocalyptic anime world. It's just a shame the developers didn't spend a little more time polishing the game's balance and less time on its unstimulating story.

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8.5 / 10.0
Sep 26, 2019

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

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GameSpace
Top Critic
9.5 / 10.0
Sep 26, 2019

Code Vein is a Dark Souls-like game with an anime art style. There are many ways you can customize your character from looks to weapons, even up to the skills you carry in battle. You can literally customize your way of playing and it's worth every single second.

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7.2 / 10.0
Sep 26, 2019

Code Vein is an interesting mix between a soulslike and an anime, but fails to stay close to the top of the genre.

Review in Italian | Read full review

3.5 / 5.0
Sep 26, 2019

I'm of two minds when it comes to Code Vein. On one hand, it's a serviceable and surprisingly delightful Souls-like game that comes with its own flair.

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