Sequels carry certain expectations with them, like the promise of building on the promise of what came before and correcting past mistakes. Bandai Namco’s Code Vein 2 is exceptional in that it manages ...

One of Summer Game Fest’s surprise announcements in 2025, Code Vein 2, is arriving seven years after its predecessor. Maintaining its action-RPG roots and anime aesthetic, the sequel aims to attract ...

Oscar Gonzalez is a Texas native who covered video games, conspiracy theories, misinformation and cryptocurrency. The Soulslike genre -- difficult action games built on the formula established by ...

Code Vein came out back in 2019 and immediately stood apart from other soulslike games for its anime-inspired visual style and more straightforward storytelling. Though it has the demanding combat and ...

Anthony Taormina is an original member of the GameRant team, having been part of the publication for 15 years. He coordinates content for all facets of the site and manages its social media, PR, and ...

GameSpot may get a commission from retail offers. Anime-inspired souls-like Code Vein 2 is set in a grim world, and after a day of slaying Horrors--powerful beings corrupted by a mysterious entity ...

The soulslike genre revolves around challenge and skill mastery, both of which hold true for Code Vein 2. From the opening hours, it is clear that it is designed with mechanical depth in mind. Combat ...

I was unsure about action soulslike Code Vein 2 during my first six hours of play. The game promises a large open world to explore, but it’s hesitant to hand over the reins while your total playtime ...

Ever since the genre gained popularity, soulslike games have been known for their challenging gameplay, punishing difficulty, and steep learning curves. FromSoftware’s Dark Souls made this a defining ...

GameSpot may get a commission from retail offers. The souls-like genre has exploded in popularity since the dawn of From Software's Souls franchise, with multiple companies taking a stab at the format ...

For the first hour or so of Code Vein 2, I was bored out of my mind. The intensity and dance of combat that I had found in other games on our best soulslike list weren't there, and amidst a barrage of ...

The first Code Vein was a moderately well-received soulslike with a lot of anime overtones. I appreciated its willingness to embrace the soulslike subgenre, and the twist on vampires was fun enough.