An Engrossing Sequel That Hits Hard
Every so often, a game appears that gets me in trouble with the erstwhile editor of this website. You see, sometimes a game appears that is so big, so engrossing that it is almost impossible to play anything else until it is finished, and so it is with the subject of today’s review.
Sadly, my backlog of review games has fallen by the wayside as I explored the world of Code Vein II, the latest entry in the Souls-like series from Bandai Namco.
I really enjoyed the original Code Vein, finding it to be a more than solid entry in the genre, and so hopes were high for the second entry in the series. So, come with me to a world of Revenants and heroes, as we attempt to save the world once again. What could possibly go wrong?
Shiny Bosses vs. Jarring Pop-In
Kicking off with the visuals and the news here is very good, for the most part. There are two things that annoy me: one is some dreadful pop-in, where a road that you could have sworn was empty a second ago suddenly has a large enemy in it as you draw closer; and the other is the existence of invisible walls to keep you in the area the game wants you in. Neither of these are game breakers, but they seem to suggest that the engine is maybe not as optimised as it could be. Given the amount of love that has been lavished on the rest of the graphics, the design of the characters and the world and the lore that underpins the game, it is just a little bit jarring.
Other than these, Code Vein II looks great. From the smallest foe to the largest boss, there are real design flourishes to be seen, and everything looks suitably shiny. Not giving too much away in fear of spoilers, as we go through the game, certain actions that are undertaken will change the world; something that is good to see.
Audio Excellence
Sound is of an equally high standard , with fully voiced cutscenes featuring some excellent voice acting. As is normal, our chosen character doesn’t speak, but the people that we meet, both good and bad, have a lot to say for themselves and they sound great while doing it. The battle effects are also very good, from the companions’ oft repeated battle phrases (If I hear Noah say “I’m getting fired up!” one more time, I may just hit him myself!), to the fact that the different weapons have different sounds, all is golden here. With the two caveats I outlined above, Code Vein II is presented really well.
Rewriting Causality
The narrative is also extremely well done, delivered with a surprising amount of emotional sensitivity. We are a Revenant, and we are dead: until, that is, Lou shares half her heart with us, bringing us back to life.
From there we are charged with using Lou’s secret ability, the ability to travel through time, to bring succour to a dying world. You see, a cataclysm occurred a while ago, and five heroes sacrificed themselves in order to avert disaster. Now, the time has come that we need to slay these heroes: don’t ask me why, but we have to. Going back in time to discover the secrets of each of the heroes is the name of the game, as is acquiring an item that can be used in the present to release the heroes from their cocoons.
Forging Connections and Feeling Regret
However, time travel is not that easy, and while we can just follow the path provided, the stories of the heroes are actually really affecting, and soon we find ourselves wondering if there is a way to undo what has happened. Messing with causality itself, how hard can it be?
As a final note on the story, I’ll say this: never before have I killed a boss in a Souls-like game and felt a moment’s regret, but having to put down enemies that we have forged a bond with is actually quite hard to do. Full marks for the story and most importantly, its emotional impact. This even caused my son to comment about how sad it was, and he normally puts bosses down before breakfast…
Blood Codes and Weapon Mastery
With good graphics and – frankly – excellent story, the final element of the game is the gameplay itself. Here Code Vein II comes out on top once more. Souls-like in nature, and while it isn’t as deep in leveling as the source material (when leveling our character, for instance, it just increases the level, with no selection of individual points to allocate) but it makes up for this deficiency with another function: the Blood Codes. Every hero, and quite a few of the NPCs, will give us their blood code, and while these start off weak, by utilising the Codes and fighting, they can be leveled up separately and provide an extra level of benefit. Boosting attack, dexterity and more, these Blood Codes are good fun to use and experiment with.
Another choice is the vast range of weaponry on display. Each of these can not only be levelled up, but are also complete with various attacks cut and pasted onto them. For instance, I’m currently rocking a greatsword, levelled, with attacks for near and far nailed onto it; this covers all the bases as I fight. The systems for equipping our character are very good indeed, and I haven’t even mentioned the jails!
Parrying, Poise, Powerful
So what about the Code Vein II combat? Well, there is more of a Wo Long feel to it than Dark Souls, and that means parrying is very much your friend for the majority of the game, disrupting enemy attacks and breaking their poise, opening them up to powerful attacks from your chosen jail. These look great, from massive claws that impale the foe to hundreds of bats attacking them; everything makes you feel like a bad ass. But don’t get carried away, as getting swarmed by enemies will still lead to a humiliating respawn.
Code Vein II is not perfect though and one thing I’m not a fan of is what happens when you lose all your health. You see, if your partner is up and fighting, they will be absorbed to get you back on your feet and enable you to fight again. Stay alive long enough and they will reappear and carry on the fight. Great idea, no? Well, the issue is the attack chains the enemies, especially bosses, can pull off: you can get hit, die, and then stand up into the middle of their ongoing combo, killing you again for the final time. I know, I know, git gud etc, but this is a cheap feeling way to fail.
An Essential Journey That Transcends Time
Despite some minor issues, Code Vein II is excellent. I can’t give a perfect score, as tempting as it is, because it isn’t perfect: however, it is very, very good. Look past the graphical issues and there is an excellent game found within, one with loads to do, and multiple timelines to visit and fix.
All in all, I have no hesitation in recommending Code Vein II, especially to fans of the original game, or those looking to get into this genre, as even though it may initially seem overwhelming, it actually isn’t too bad to get into.
Important Links
Code Vein II Is Here – And It’s Playing With Time, Blood, And Fate! – https://www.thexboxhub.com/code-vein-ii-is-here-and-its-playing-with-time-blood-and-fate/
CODE VEIN II Story Trailer Reveals a Time-Bending Tale, New Cast of Characters & January 2026 Release – https://www.thexboxhub.com/code-vein-ii-story-trailer-reveals-a-time-bending-tale-new-cast-of-characters-january-2026-release/
Buy from the Xbox Store – https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/code-vein-ii/9N851Q7SDGQW/0010
There’s a Deluxe Edition – https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/code-vein-ii-deluxe-edition-pre-order/9NS3SF4HMWCG/0017
Or grab an Ultimate Edition – https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/code-vein-ii-ultimate-edition-pre-order/9PC9NMQFC149/0017
