Initially, Code Vein didn’t spark global phenomenon status, but it did cultivate a dedicated fanbase who passionately endorsed the “anime Soulslike” genre. Many players of Code Vein agreed that while it had its imperfections, it represented a strong debut with significant room for enhancement should a sequel ever materialize. Six years following the launch of the original Code Vein, developers at Bandai Namco Studios and Shift are returning with the highly anticipated follow-up, Code Vein 2.
Bandai Namco gave me an exclusive peek at a secret presentation for Code Vein II, revealing previously undisclosed information. Among the initial details unveiled was that developers focused on enhancing two highly-acclaimed aspects from the original Code Vein – the character customization tool and the AI companion system – based on player responses. They aimed to further develop these elements, which had received significant positive feedback in the forerunner of Code Vein II.
In simpler terms, Code Vein II is being referred to as a “total reinvention” centered around a fresh storyline where players often journey between the past and the present. This temporal exploration is enabled by the protagonist Lou, who holds the unique ability to manipulate time.
In the enigmatic tale of Code Vein II, what’s yet to unfold about the specifics has me on the edge of my seat. However, Bandai Namco has hinted that Revenants will continue to play a significant role in this narrative. For those uninitiated, Revenants are essentially reborn humans who have been transformed into beings wielding vampiric powers. In our immortal existence as a Revenant, the only thing that can take us down is the destruction of our heart. Humans and Revenants have coexisted within the world of Code Vein since time immemorial, and this intricate relationship between us shall be delved deeper into in Code Vein II.
In Code Vein II, players journey through a narrative that straddles the edge of collapse and the lingering effects of an apocalypse that has already transpired. By way of time-travel with Lou, you’re taken back approximately a century prior to the present. This earlier era showcases the Resurgence event, where the emergence of the colossal, enigmatic Luna Rapacis orb triggered humans into mindless aggressors and transformed Revenants into fearsome creatures known as Horrors.
In Code Vein II, the skies of different time periods stand out visually, and the first thing you’ll notice is their distinct backdrops. The past is characterized by a gloomy, ominous sky filled with numerous neon “branches” that illuminate it. Conversely, the present offers an unexpectedly clear, bright blue daytime sky with fewer prominent branches scattered around.
In the game, individuals gain command over a character known as a Human Revenant Hunter, while Lou, who’s a Revenant herself, serves as a key figure. Their bond develops shortly into the game’s commencement; after the player’s character succumbs to death, Lou revives them by bestowing a piece of her heart. Lou’s unusual character appearance is intentional, as her chest area appears as a conspicuous hollow space revealing her heart, and this design element is mirrored at the back of the protagonist as well.
In the sequel, Code Vein II, Blood Codes reappear as they did in the original game. These were the class system in Code Vein, and players could unlock additional classes as they progressed through the game. Players were able to swiftly change between different Blood Codes, each with their own unique combat roles emphasized by Gifts. The Blood Codes influenced a player’s base stats, but with the new Booster system introduced in Code Vein II, players will have more control over these statistics. Although specific details about the Booster system were not extensively discussed, it seems that it will allow players to customize their preferred stats without being limited by the predetermined stat growth of a Blood Code. This should help alleviate any concerns about having to accept significant stat shortcomings when choosing a particular Blood Code.
Even though Code Vein II won’t be launched until 2026, Bandai Namco has already given us a sneak peek of the game. They mentioned that Code Vein II will feature seven types of weapons in total, with two of them being entirely new, although they haven’t disclosed what these are yet. We did get to catch a glimpse of some familiar weapon types, such as one-handed swords, two-handed swords, and the unique bayonet rifle, among others.
In Code Vein II, certain battle strategies are Jails and Formae. Jails appear to be unique devices connected to the protagonist’s back through their Revenant heart. This connection grants them extraordinary abilities, such as the bat wings demonstrated in the trailer. It’s unclear whether these abilities are solely for dramatic finisher moves or serve a broader purpose within the gameplay.
In the original game, attacking Jails would restore ichor, a crucial resource. Picture this as “mana” for using abilities (Gifts) or as bullets for the bayonet rifle, specific to that weapon category. Drain attacks are back in Code Vein II, making Jails another way to replenish ichor, along with draining enemies.
As a gamer, I’ve come to understand that “Formae” refer to different skill sets within the game. These skill sets can be categorized as Combat, Defensive, or Boss-Defeated (Bequeathed). The Defensive Formae enhance abilities like blocking and dodging. On the flip side, the Bequeathed Formae are unique weapons that I can summon, which I unlock after overcoming tough bosses. For instance, a combat bow could be one of the Bequeathed Formae that I get to wield once I’ve defeated a specific boss.
In the upcoming Code Vein, similar to its predecessor, you’ll encounter other playable characters known as Revenants. These allies can join you in battles, providing assistance. Some of these allies have the ability to distract enemies, allowing you to focus on attacking without attracting unwanted attention from all enemy forces.
Additionally, there’ll be an aspect where you’ll get to shape the environment to uncover hidden connections between different timeframes. For instance, breaking down a bridge or clearing away obstacles like boulders can create new paths for players to traverse. Reminds me of the game Onimusha 3: Demon Siege.
During the gameplay demonstration, I pondered whether Code Vein II might offer a more sprawling structure compared to its predecessor. While the original Code Vein featured interconnected regions that players could navigate, much like the Dark Souls series, it was generally linear in design. However, there were some expansive areas in Code Vein II so vast that a motorcycle was summoned for faster travel, leading me to speculate if an open-world element is present or if certain zones will simply be larger and more open than others. The term “dungeon” was still used by the presenter to describe these bigger areas, leaving me uncertain about its true nature.
As a gamer, I was briefly treated to peeks at the revamped character creator in Code Vein II, but it moved so swiftly that it left me yearning for more details. Frankly, my previous experience with its predecessor’s extensive customization features made it challenging to discern any significant updates. However, they did hint that there would be approximately 20 different voice options available for the main character, which definitely piqued my interest!
From initial glimpses, it appears that Code Vein II aims for lofty goals in its sequel, as the original Code Vein seemed like they were just starting to explore a genre that wasn’t fully grasped yet. Consequently, many gamers found the gameplay to feel somewhat rigid, which contrasted with the bursts of intense, spectacular action it offered. However, Code Vein II is poised for improvement as its creators have gained more insight into what they and their fans envision for this game.
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2025-06-14 03:26