“Code Vein II” Review by Nick Navarro
“Code Vein II” doesn’t waste time trying to tug on nostalgia. Rather than building directly on the first game’s cast or events, Bandai Namco Studios opts for a clean break, delivering a standalone story set in a new world with new characters. That decision immediately reframes expectations. Anyone hoping to reconnect with familiar faces from the original may come away disappointed, but the upside is a narrative that isn’t shackled by continuity or forced retcons. Instead, “Code Vein II” focuses on carving out its own identity while holding onto the series’ core ideas.
The setup places humans and Revenants in a fragile coexistence that collapses with the arrival of the Luna Rapacis. This mysterious phenomenon transforms Revenants into mindless monsters known as Horrors, pushing the world toward inevitable ruin. As a Revenant hunter, I’m tasked with preventing that collapse by traveling into the past alongside Lou, a girl gifted with the ability to manipulate time. It’s a familiar apocalyptic premise on the surface, but the time-travel hook gives the story a different rhythm, one that’s more reflective than urgent. Shifting between present and past becomes central to how the narrative unfolds. In earlier eras, I encounter key Revenant characters whose fates are not yet sealed, and my actions can influence what becomes of them later. While the story never dives especially deep into philosophical territory, it does a solid job of using these moments to flesh out the world’s history and emotional stakes. The sense of uncovering lost truths and piecing together what went wrong gives the journey a steady forward pull, even when the broader plot feels straightforward.
Combat is where “Code Vein II” feels most confident. Battles demand attention and adaptability, rewarding players who read enemy patterns and respond rather than brute-forcing encounters. Draining blood from enemies to fuel powerful skills remains a defining mechanic, and it still feels satisfying to chain abilities together once I settle into a build. The new build system encourages experimentation, letting me freely customize weapons and skills to match my preferred playstyle without feeling locked into early decisions. That flexibility feeds directly into the game’s overall tone. “Code Vein II” clearly aims to be more approachable than many of its Soulslike inspirations. Comparisons to “Elden Ring” are inevitable and not entirely unfair, but the experience here leans more toward empowerment than punishment. Mistakes are still costly, but they rarely feel crushing, especially thanks to the Partner System. Traveling with AI companions who can fight alongside me or enhance my abilities provides a meaningful safety net, making tough encounters more forgiving without draining them of tension.
Each partner brings their own strengths and personality into the mix, and while the writing doesn’t always push them into memorable territory, they do help ground the journey emotionally. The presence of allies also reinforces the game’s more didactic tendencies. At times, “Code Vein II” feels like it’s actively teaching players how to engage with its systems, which can come across as overly guided. Still, that approach makes sense given the game’s desire to welcome newcomers into the genre. Visually and technically, the game is more uneven. The world has an atmosphere, but some environments begin to blur together over time, especially as exploration stretches across larger spaces. The open structure gives the setting more room to breathe, yet it also softens the pressure that once kept momentum tight in the original game. Technical rough edges show up at inconvenient moments, occasionally disrupting combat clarity or immersion when precision matters most.
Despite those issues, “Code Vein II” consistently finds ways to resonate. There’s a sincerity to its characters and themes that cuts through the occasional fan service and familiar genre beats. It may not be the most polished Soulslike out there, nor does it redefine the genre, but it doesn’t need to. Its flexible combat, time-travel narrative, and accessible design choices allow it to stand apart rather than disappear in the crowd. By the time the journey wrapped up, I was left with mixed but mostly positive feelings. I enjoyed my time with “Code Vein II,” even when it tested my patience. The game’s ambition is clear, and many of its ideas are fully realized, but I couldn’t shake the sense that a tighter focus might have elevated the experience further. Still, for players looking for a stylish, approachable Soulslike with room to experiment and a story that plays with cause and effect, there’s plenty here worth sinking your teeth into.
8/10
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Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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