PlayStation 5 Critic Reviews

Code Vein II is very, very close to joining From Software’s games and the Nioh series in the upper echelons of soulslikes. A quality narrative, fluid combat and an excellent, Ocarina of Time-like approach to progression combine in a way that makes it very hard to put the controller down. It does feel like it’s in search of an identity of its own at times, and it's unlikely to develop the reputation Ocarina of Time has for that reason, but Code Vein II has a lot going for it.

Code Vein II is a deeply entertaining adventure that brings hope and life back to a ruined world, tears down massive beasts, and witnesses the most audacious segment in any action RPG.

Code Vein 2 is here, and it carries on much of the goodness from the original, while expanding into an open world design that becomes even more complex with the layering of time travel and eras set on the same map. It doesn’t hit on every level, but Code Vein 2 is still a solid sequel with a story that pulled me in and made me care, just like the first.

Code Vein II is a haunting, thrilling, and unforgettable action adventure. It's so much more than the sum of its parts or the games that have clearly inspired it. It has a personality of its own that shoots beyond the soulslike genre tag, and never compromises on that unique vision.

Code Vein II is a game I could gush over for a few more pages, but I think it’s better experienced for yourselves. It’s an objective improvement over the first game in almost every aspect. The world is more fleshed out. The characters are more memorable. The weapon and Blood Code combinations are more interesting. As someone who adored the original, Code Vein II more than exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it to RPG and Souls-like fans.

Code Vein II could be described as a more accessible Elden Ring, and that wouldn't be entirely wrong. But it would be a shame to stop at the obvious similarities and simplifications, because the game behind it is undoubtedly a great game. It's a little didactic in some choices, a little fan service in others, but it's also capable of frequently resonating with the player on the other side of the screen.

Code Vein 2 is a masterful sequel that drastically elevates the series by refining its unique systems with intuitive accessibility and profound build customization. By blending a compelling narrative with polished combat mechanics, it firmly establishes its own identity and delivers a standout experience within the Soulslike genre.

A confident evolution of its predecessor, blending deeper storytelling with familiar but refined combat. Its focused world design and strong character systems make it a more personal overall experience.

Code Vein II is a game that’s in equal parts frustrating and entertaining. I spent hours on several challenging boss fights and sometimes, admittedly, wanted to cry from fruitless efforts to beat them, but the compelling narrative and characters kept me invested all the way to the end and even prompted me to take on optional fights to see things through to the fullest. It’s not perfect by any means, and it certainly isn’t the best Souls-like game out there, but it does show the heart and potential Shift puts into their games and has me hoping once more to hear about their future endeavors. If nothing else, Code Vein II is worth more than a cursory glance if it happens to catch your eye.

Code Vein II is a bloody good successor to the original game. While it's not a sequel in the traditional sense, it builds upon the strengths of what Bandai Namco was trying to achieve with combat the first time around.