Code Vein

Code Vein is an exciting, rewarding, and tenebrous venture into the Souls-like space with a fantastic class system, explosive combat, and dark narrative - hindered only by its lack of visual prowess and odd UI design.

Code Vein is an anime souls-like featuring great customization and a wonderfully bizarre world.

For those who can look past its inappropriately dressed ladies, Code Vein will no doubt prove to be an unexpected pleasure. Its weightlessness takes some of the nuance and impact out of its Dark Souls-inspired combat, and its difficulty is more of a wavy line than a gradual curve at times, but it’s got a lot of heart. An engaging story, engrossing character development and tense action come together to form an adventure that grips you from beginning to end. And it’s one that you are more likely to see though to completion thanks to competent AI partners that actually hold their own in combat. ...

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.

Bandai Namco is no stranger to dark action-RPGs. It’s been sending people off on bite-sized, Monster Hunter sorts of missions in God Eater for years. It’s also been the publisher for FromSoftware’s Dark Souls. With Code Vein, it’s combining elements of the anime flavored, character-centric, post-apocalyptic God Eater and stirring it into a Soulslike adventure. While things aren’t 100% perfect, it’s a pairing that works.

Code Vein is a fun game that sets itself apart from the classic action RPG that inspired it. Our review...

Overall, Code Vein offers an experience that's a bit too similar to the FromSoftware games that established the genre. Its combat doesn't stray far from other Soulslike games but with features such as the Blood Code system, it does offer some variety that could lead to wanting to complete multiple playthroughs. The anime art style and story can be both absurd but also entertaining to watch at the same time. If you love Soulslikes and want an experience that will be very similar to past games, then maybe Code Vein is right for you. However, if you're looking for a new take on the subgenre, you ...

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.

But yes, I'm enjoying myself. Mobile, high-stakes combat tied to interesting, ever-expanding abilities is a recipe that can withstand slightly repetitive enemy design and shoddy environments. I still feel the pull to keep playing, to unearth new classes and experiment with all the ways I can mash them together. The only good part of Code Vein is its combat, but for me, that turns out to be enough.

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. On the other hand, the story, combat, difficulty, visuals and world all suffer from a variety of issues. The mechanics are far from refined in comparison to other action RPGs on the market, but thanks to the Blood Codes, it allows for plenty of experimentation without any sacrifice. The average story is well represented through a plethora of cutscenes and even has alternate scenario outcomes based on your exploration efforts, even though it bri...

Anime Souls.

Code Vein fails to come to life as a true Soulslike experience, held back by a colorless environment and lazy storytelling.