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A longtime Souls aficionado who had low expectations reports being pleasantly surprised after several hours with Code Vein 2. The Bandai Namco sequel keeps the challenging core many fans appreciate while introducing stylistic and mechanical choices that give it its own identity.

  • Combat keeps the deliberate, high-stakes feel of Soulslikes but layers in new systems that change encounter pacing and reward different approaches rather than strict imitation.
  • Presentation leans into a vivid, anime-influenced aesthetic and character focus, offering a tonal contrast to darker, bleaker entries in the genre without losing atmosphere.
  • Level design and progression still encourage exploration and piecing together world details, though the game prioritises accessibility for players who might find traditional Souls entries unforgiving.
  • Early impressions suggest Code Vein 2 manages a rare balance: it respects the expectations of series veterans while carving out enough uniqueness to justify a second look from sceptics.
Source: Eurogamer