Code Vein 2 Seeks To Expand The Souls-like Genre Without Reinventing It

by

Following the 2019 debut of Code Vein, Bandai Namco established its dominance in a genre it significantly influenced by releasing titles such as Dark Souls. By blending the gameplay style of these Souls games with its signature anime visuals, Code Vein brought forth a universe populated by vampires and intense action. Now, several years down the line, the original team is back with an extended sequel that will offer more content to fans of this stylish anime-inspired souls-like game.

Keita Iizuka, the producer of Code Vein and its upcoming sequel, admits that the gaming genre has evolved since the release of Code Vein, but views it as an opportunity for growth. “Indeed, games such as Elden Ring have garnered much acclaim,” he begins, “However, I prefer to view these games as our competitive counterparts.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but feel excited about Code Vein 2, the sequel that seems to be building upon the foundations laid by its predecessor. While the original game was pioneering in many ways, it did lack the depth of choice when it came to exploration. However, it appears that the developers have been paying close attention to the evolution of the souls-like genre.

In Code Vein 2, they’ve expanded the world around us, offering a more open environment where we can freely search for bosses and dungeons. Our customizable character, once again at the heart of the action, even has a stylish motorcycle to aid in our explorations. It seems that this time, we won’t just be getting lost; we’ll be making conscious decisions about where to go and what to see. I can hardly wait!

Regardless if you’ve already played the original, it’s essential that you delve into Code Vein 2. According to Izuka, its storyline is unrelated to the initial game in a narrative sense.

As a die-hard gamer, let me break it down: This upcoming game is all about fresh scenery, unique personalities, and an uncharted narrative – nothing like we’ve seen before in the Code Vein universe! However, for those eagerly waiting for answers regarding the mysterious cliffhanger that hinted at a link to the God Eater series, I regret to say you might not get your closure here. The sequel won’t be diving into that particular plot thread, as far as Iizuka has revealed so far. So, buckle up for an exciting new adventure, but don’t expect any resolution to the intriguing ending tease from Code Vein just yet!

Instead of Code Vein, the game’s storyline portrays a universe inhabited by humans and revenants, which we call vampires, who must collaborate to prevent a catastrophic force from annihilating them both. In your role as a revenant hunter, you journey through time, moving between past and present, in an attempt to save the world. This concept of time travel is also integral to the significant upgrade in Code Vein 2, where events and missions in the past influence the future.

In response to requests for examples, Iizuka explained that rescuing a bridge repairman in the past grants the player access to a dungeon they wouldn’t be able to reach at the current time. Similarly, if an NPC aspires to create a particular tool, they might not have made it to the present if you hadn’t assisted them. However, by helping them fulfill their dream, that tool becomes available for your use in future stages of the game.

In terms of fresh features, Code Vein 2 isn’t aiming to create something entirely new. Iizuka is firm in his vision: combining the visually appealing characters and action of anime with the strategic, contemplative gameplay of Souls-like games. Consequently, players can expect an evolution of Code Vein, such as a novel agile dual-wielding weapon system for both effectively battling enemies and looking stylish in the process.

In Code Vein, partners significantly contribute to the game’s uniqueness, according to Iizuka. This means that as a player, you engage with and recruit Non-Player Characters (NPCs) to traverse dungeons and defeat bosses alongside them. The choice of who to bring along is tactical, but characters who might not seem strategically sound could be preferred by the player or hold significance in the storyline. Iizuka intends for players to ponder deeply about whom they trust for support.

He clarifies that the feeling of conquering challenges and emerging victorious brings about a distinctive pleasure. Since [Code Vein 2] is set in a fresh universe with novel characters, even if you’re familiar with [Code Vein], I believe you’ll develop an affection for these new personalities.

Code Vein 2 is releasing in 2026 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.

Read More

2025-06-11 23:09