CODE VEIN

I play a lot of dark souls, and i was skeptical about this game. but i finally decided to buy it when it was on sale and it is very fun, and challenging with high customization.

i would recommend this game to anyone who is interested in souls-like games.
It's a good introduction to souls-like experience, not too hard. Gameplay wise it's good and easy to switch class/spec.
Menu is easy to understand, but the map is bit annoying cause can't zoom into specific area or location you are in. There are a lots of builds and many interesting weapon choices. Only problem would be transformation, cause not many good choices.
Story is decent with good amount of twists. Character backstories are interesting. but could have added more in some characters.
DLC isn't really worth having. but if you have a few bucks to toss around get it. it has few decent bonus items.
Overall i give this game a 8.5/10.
P.S. for weebs character customization will be AWESOME. and IT'S A DARKSOULS FOR WEEBS <3

This game is very fun, but it was frustrating sometimes with getting lost in finding where to go or keep on dying to monsters, but I think that is pretty typical for a hack/slash game. I know I spent long hours in this game grinding then hack & slashing.

I realize I don't like the grinding aspect, so probably not for me in future games. But it was still fun. Recommend if you like hack & slash games, and some grinding mechanics since the best loot & upgrades requires minerals you need as you play throughout the game.

I'll leave the whole anime/vampire and styling stuff out of this review, because it's a matter of taste. Scarcely dressed goth models with gravity-defying chests? Why not...

The game itself could be a real gem. The reason for that is the fantastic character customization system, where you can change your build at a moment's notice: change from fighter to mage simply by applying a different character template (called blood code in the game). On top, there are myriads of abilities you can mix and match to further customize your avatar. That's a real evolution of the static builds we know from other soulslike games.

What ruined my experience is of rather technical nature:
- the game feels slow. The avatar moves as if in slow motion. It makes traversal of large maps a real chore
- important actions like healing or switching between weapons are not animation cancelled, meaning you have to wait until their last frame plays out before starting another action, leaving you wide open for attack. Funnily, the many attack combos the player can carry out are interruptible by the "enemies", thus completely useless when fighting mobs. Unaccpetable for such a combat-centered game
- the technical optimization feels poor (at least in the PC version) : target tracking is often lagging way behind, parrying and backstabbing are completely random as the scripts fail to register and proc properly
- I played the game on a very capable PC and got the impression that it screwed with the all the animation timings, especially in some boss battles : the interval between an action hint and the animation playing out is virtually non-existent, resulting in taking damage without being able to block or dodge
- my biggest concern : camera placing and tracking. I guess the game uses a generic algorithm, but this works out well in open spaces only. As soon as things get cramped - like in buildings or on ledges - you end up with a close-up view of the avatar's clothing or the "enemy's" belly with no way to guess what's coming next. Also, as the camera's view is hard-synced with the locked on target, targets moving a lot (e.g. teleporting accross the area) produce a highly disorienting experience, more akin to seasickness.

All in all, a somewhat flawed attempt at topping Dark Souls. Whether one is into anime melodrama and graphic style or not doesn't matter : players expecting soulslike gaming will be at a loss. Maybe playing it on a PS5 would alleviate at least some of the expressed concerns...

if you love dark souls and anime / being able to make your OC or what ever ye want. then this game is for you. / the lore is real good TBH

Fun game. It's got higher difficulty similar to From Software games like Elden Ring. Combat is slightly more like Final Fantasy games thou. Their is also more ways of guiding the player, and the game is more narrative driven aswell. Coming from Elden Ring, the combat will take some adjusting due to different pacing. However, after an hour things will feel more natural.

explain me a god eater game without mentioning god eater

Pretty fun game as my first souls-like I've ever played.
Customization is really good and allows for a lot of creativity.
Gameplay is fun though the Cathedral is a bit confusing to navigate

The game itself is absolutely awesone it just bothers me a little that when giving things to companions and you happen to stay there too long you sometimes cant leave the menu anymore until you restart the game or the thing thats been selected for too long just despawns entierly

Though i am up voting because i really enjoyed the game overall, this game has some of the worst fights i have ever seen in any souls borne or souls like game. I mean double Boreal Brute fight? Really?? Do you have the slightest idea about how not to design a boss fight? This is what happens when you try to copy From Software without having an understanding about game balance.

Despite some questionable balance choices (especially with some of the enemies' diabolical non stopping attack frequencies), the game is really fun an unique in a lot of aspects. Has the best class swap system among all of the souls games. Would love to see a sequel or a game with similar systems with better balanced fights.

Good game. Thanks to the game mechanics it's not monotone, difficulty is appropriate for soulslike game. I had fun playing it.

If i could describe the game in one word it would be bittersweet. In Story and in gameplay. I enjoyed the game a lot hope they make a part 2. The character creator, Emotional story and Combat were all great. The only thing i disliked is a couple areas in the game. Mainly Home base and Cathedral Of The Sacred Blood.

It's the perfect example of 7\10 game.

This is not the greatest of souls-like games. It is not the greatest RPG. And certainly it is not the greatest written game.
But, if you enjoy anime, if you want to try souls-like games, and is not to picky when it comes to writing or story - then, give Code Vein a try. Character creator is wonderful, same with music and art direction (IMO). There are shortfalls when it comes to balance, and difficulty.

So, it depends entirely up to your own experience, but - I'd say this game is well worth the money. And it may find a place in your heart; I certainly see it as a type of the game someone would remember even despite its flaws.

P.S.
Cathedral is one of the most confusing, convoluted, labyrinthian, peaces of map design I've ever seen.
I love it <3

On my first playthrough, I didn’t finish the game, and it felt mediocre at best. But on my second try, I fell in love with it.

At first, I would’ve rated this game a 5/10, but now I’d say it’s a solid 8.5/10.

FYI: In this game, when you’re leveling up, you don’t choose which stats to increase like in most Souls games. You just gain more of everything with each level. So, your build is defined only by your Blood Code and equipment, which you can swap freely.

The only difference between my first and second attempt was that I didn’t use companions at all on my second try. Why? Quite simple, actually. This game is waaaay too easy and boring if you use them, and because of that, you won’t have any reason or motivation to experiment with your setup.

I’d say most of the fun I had in this game came from solving boss fights by correctly choosing which abilities and playstyle worked best for each situation. Some boss fights feel impossible at first, but after tweaking your abilities, they suddenly become trivial—and what a great feeling that is!

For more casual players, I’d recommend using companions only when you get stuck and have already tried at least a couple of builds.

The main premise of this game is that you can change and choose your Blood Code, but playing with companions makes it pointless. Why bother if you already beat every boss on your first or second try with the same build?

Oh and ofcourse anime girls are 10/10.

I 100 percented it on the PS4 & still love replaying it. It's the definition of Dark Souls but Anime.

Anime soul-like, with very helpful NPC companion. Make battle waaay easier than it should have been, but the plot is interesting and the combat is fun.

First, I am aware of folks in the Souls community who refer to Code Vein as "Anime Dark Souls". To be fair, they aren't wrong, yet this game is more than just some clone of the Dark Souls series with anime vibes painted all over... instead there is an overarching theme that helps this game stand out: APPROACH-ABILITY.

In terms of gameplay, it is easier to get into than many other games in the Action-RPG scene- aka "proper" SoulsBorne titles and "souls-like" games. Leveling up your character is simpler and more straightforward, allowing the player to get a better grasp of how their character is getting more powerful, Changing your role or "class" on the fly to match the situation is a blessing not seen in many games in the genre, and caters well to different playstyles instead of simply sticking to the "meta" build relevant to when you play through this game. The base difficulty eases the player into its mechanics instead of throwing them straight into the fire, yet there is enough challenge to keep things interesting. Like many similar games your character can be defeated by an obviously intimidating boss, regular mobs that you didn't see from around a corner, or even just falling off a cliff if you aren't paying attention to the terrain. Each defeat, however, still feels justified when looked at with the perspective of improvement, a key selling point for the genre in the first place. Unlike its competitors, though, having an NPC companion is actually standard fare throughout a majority of the game (which can be a godsend for newer players) but you can also opt to ride solo and/or with friends depending on your preferences.

The delivery of the story is also something that stands out in Code Vein compared to similar titles. Dark Souls is infamous for making players dig through random item descriptions just for the slimmest chance to understand the lore, and many games tend to follow suit. Meanwhile, the only realistic way players would get confused by Code Vein's story is to skip the cut-scenes during their first run. By simply experiencing the scenes, players get a rundown of the plot that's solid enough to connect with the characters on the screen. There are, in fact, nice little snippets of extra lore hidden among item descriptions for those hungry enough to learn everything there is to know about the game's universe. Thankfully these are not so crucial that you tear your hair out in frustration if you miss out on the tidbits...

I want to avoid giving tons of spoilers even on a game that has been out for years, but I do appreciate that there are quite a lot of connections between the various people you will meet on your journey through the Gaol of the Mist. Almost every boss has some kind of relationship with the companions who fight along your side. I can only really think of two bosses who are kind of random, yet those two are very early in the game. As for the others, you practically feel the pain as a companion realizes the identity of the transformed beast in front of you and the crew. The voice acting is adequate at worst, with occasional glimmers of absolutely perfect line delivery, which adds to the emotional attachment you have the opportunity to experience.

Although I truly enjoy this game (heck, I've completed three whole base difficulty runs so far!) there are a couple of quirks that keep this game from being a perfect masterpiece. The vanilla iteration of the character creation screen, although decent, does still have major limitations on how much you can make your character truly unique. There also isn't much context in the height adjustment section, possibly leading to making a character much taller or much shorter than intended. Some bosses come off as being too overpowered when considering what part of the game you happen to be (Mido is a boss I still despise) and there is no discernible way to tell what enemies are weak to the Blood element type- effectively a Mulligan in many scenarios. And I will concede that the visuals haven't aged as gracefully as one may like, especially in cut-scenes generated by the engine instead of pre-rendered. You also may be forgiven for regarding the DLC as farming fodder or an extra layer of challenge to those that dare to traverse the levels because the rewards are, especially on first glance, better suited as trophies than useful tools that can make or break your playthrough...

In short, Code Vein is a great experience, The game mechanics and story are easy for newer players to pick up, yet there is still merit for more experienced players looking for more of a challenge, especially in the DLC or just stacking stars on your save file in NG+ runs. Yes it has its flaws, but unless you are purposefully looking to nit-pick there is fun to be had. I'm admittedly taking a break from the world of Code Vein for a short while to focus on other games haunting my backlog, yet I'm looking forward to traversing the Gaol again with fellow revenents in the future!

Overall, I'd rate it around 8/10

Code Vein is an absolutely fantastic game that I thoroughly enjoyed. The blend of its distinctive anime aesthetic with the challenging and rewarding soulslike combat creates a truly captivating experience. What sets it apart for me is the brilliant Blood Code system, offering an incredible level of customization and allowing for diverse and engaging playstyles. Beyond the satisfying combat, the story is surprisingly compelling, drawing you into its dark and intriguing world and making you care about the well-developed characters. The companion system is also a standout feature, making the challenging encounters more manageable and adding a layer of strategic depth. Overall, Code Vein exceeded my expectations, delivering a unique and memorable action RPG experience with a great atmosphere, stunning visuals, and a soundtrack that perfectly complements its world. It's a game I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for a challenging yet rewarding adventure with a compelling narrative and deep customization options.

This was the first soulslike i played that i actually enjoyed, which opened me up to gvining the rest of them a secod chance and now it's most of what i play. Very good story, Very good combat, very cool aesthetic

finished this game twice from a "free" copy already.
only reason i played it for the 2nd time was because i wasn't able to save mia's brother.

Personally enjoyed this game and thought it was pretty good despite negative reviews saying otherwise

Very cool and underrarted Souls-like with an anime style set in a post-vampiric apocalypse. Controls are tight and combat is fun along with a shit ton of new cool unique skills to help you survive. The story is pretty decent so far as it feels more character driven compared to the world driven approach FromSoft takes with their games. The bosses I've played so far were pretty fun as well! Looking forward to see what other cool big monsters I'll be able to fight. My only grip with the game is that while having an AI partner can be fun and badass, it can make the game a bit too easy. This is prob the first Souls-like game where I've died less because many enemies and paths were cleared by in-game partner. Yes there were moments where my partner would die but those were few and far in between, it's clearly apparent that the AI partner is meant for players who are not Souls-like veterans and want an easier time playing the game. Luckily, you have the option of turning off having a partner and try running and surviving on yourself, though be warned that ofc, without your partner it's difficulty can be brutal.

code vein is not my favorite souls game, sure its not lords of the fallen bad

but like the levels all consist of debris and it gets really boring to where the most exciting locations are legit cathedrals and mountains, which don't offer anything new really. and even in the cathedrals case its so needlessly over complicated to the point where its not fun

for example dark souls castles have many ledges and bridges that make sense and exploring those places your constantly asking yourself "how can i get there?" but in code veins cathedral its more like a maze
and that's what i get from every level

there is no thematic build up
gameplay is good tho
my favorite thing is the character creator
i was not very invested in the story but that might just be my personal preferences.

oh yeah also the game has a horrible issue. a terrible game design that loops back to me complaining about the levels
this is my second time playing and i still had to look up a youtube video on where to go after wandering for like 4 hours
the maps have no clear exit or progression, again like a maze where most exists are not obvious
and the lack of overall goals is gone too
most cases you cannot see the boss arena from far away
and when you can its normally not so straight forward

This game is really fun. A good soulslike without overburdening you with min-maxing for a good playthrough

competent soulslike, if a bit easy and stale after playing for a while. i 100%'d it on ps4 and it was great fun then, and every so often i come back and play around on my new game + character here, still trying to get another 100% in this game, as well as do that damn boss rush dungeon dlc; that's actually quite fun.

if you see this review and end up buying the game but don't like the ai while wanting a co-op partner, shoot me a message, i'll hop on and assist.

Sung Jinwoo simulator, just let your partner farm for you and you do the leveling

You get jumped by swarms of mobs every now and then. Yakumo OP, cathedral sucks. The story isn't that straightforward but the gameplay kinda makes up for it. Overall good experience, would recommend someone new to the genre to try it out

Anime Souls. Was a my first souls-like back then and i liked it. Had a lot of fun and 100% it in 69hrs hehe

Great action RPG, nicely built characters.

Great game to play alone or with friends. Heavy character customization and a good game system! Also, big bahongazongahoos

On sale right now 85% off. If you like to dabble in souls games but don't want to pay full price for them this is the time to pick this up if you have been interested in it. There is a demo you can try though you may spend more time customizing your character than playing the game in the demo. You can import your demo character to the main game as well if you get them setup the way you like in appearance.

Pretty to look at, but gameplay as mid as it gets

It is an amazing game! I've completed it and am starting my new game plus now.

The story and characters are good and intriguing. It is anime Dark Souls, not much else needs to be said!

The combat is just like souls game combat for the most part. It's challenging but not to hard, it's smooth and fun.

Personally I really enjoyed this game back on PS4 and also later on PC.
It's supposed to be a "Soulslike" game, which it is, but also is not.
It is a bit "difficult", you can create MANY different builds with hundrets of skills and dozens of weapons, enemies hit hard and mostly don't go down in just one of two hits, BUT it has actual story telling, with dubbed cutscenes and all that. In my opinion the story is pretty solid, nothing very unique but quiet interesting and it has 3 different endings that you can unlock.
I would be SOOOOOO happy if they made a second game of this, to continue the story, because there is a lot of potential for stories AFTER the one in this game, but also like a parallel path of a different individual at the same time that this game takes place.
Creating your own character is fun, but like for base clothing/outfit options it is sadly very limited. You can spice up your appearance with "accessoires" like braids and band that you can add to the basic hair you choose, bracelets, necklaces, tails, wings, glasses, sleeves and gloves and more.

Please start working on Part 2, I promise I'll buy it! D':

Code Vein was my very first souls game and to this day remains my most favourite one. I've invested so many hours in it and plan to invest even more once I start New Game+. One aspect of the game, which leaves a lot to be desired is the co-op. It was especially painful when I decided to grind like a maniac for that one god damn achievement I'm sure only a few Code Vein players are aware of, unless they are just as crazy and/or masochistic as me :D

If you love your souls games, you might want to consider giving this one a try.

Code Vein – A Thrilling, Soulful Adventure

Code Vein delivers a fresh, yet familiar take on the action RPG genre, drawing inspiration from the beloved Dark Souls series while carving out its own identity with a unique blend of anime-style aesthetics, rich lore, and exhilarating combat mechanics. From the moment you step into the shoes of a Revenant in a post-apocalyptic world, the game hooks you with its captivating atmosphere, engaging storytelling, and satisfying gameplay loops.

Story and World-Building: The world of Code Vein is a beautiful, haunting place, filled with decaying landscapes and atmospheric ruins. You play as a Revenant, a vampire-like being who’s lost their memories, navigating the ruins of civilization alongside your fellow companions. The narrative weaves a tale of survival, sacrifice, and identity, and while it may not be the most groundbreaking story ever told, it certainly draws you in and keeps you invested in the journey. The dialogue between characters is well-written, and each companion you meet has their own distinct personality, making the relationships feel meaningful and impactful.

Combat and Gameplay: One of the standout features of Code Vein is its combat system, which is fast, fluid, and rewarding. The game allows you to customize your character’s abilities through a variety of “Blood Codes,” essentially class-like setups that provide different skills and playstyles. Whether you prefer to wield a massive greatsword or employ the finesse of dual blades, Code Vein gives you plenty of options to craft your ideal combat style. The addition of a companion system is also a welcome feature, as you can partner up with AI-controlled allies or bring in a friend for co-op play, adding an extra layer of strategy to battles.

The boss fights are a highlight, each one feeling like an intense challenge that requires patience and precision. While they may not be as punishing as those found in Dark Souls, they’re still demanding enough to keep you on your toes, and the sense of accomplishment upon defeating them is incredibly rewarding.

Graphics and Art Style: Visually, Code Vein impresses with its striking art style. The anime-inspired character designs, fluid animations, and detailed environments all contribute to creating a world that’s both beautiful and eerie. The character models are especially noteworthy, with a level of detail that brings the Revenants and their allies to life in a way that complements the game’s emotional depth.

Customization and Replayability: The game’s customization options are extensive, allowing you to tweak not only your character’s appearance but also their stats and abilities. This freedom to fine-tune your Revenant makes each playthrough feel personal and encourages experimentation with different playstyles. Additionally, the game offers multiple endings and hidden secrets, making it a title worth revisiting for those who enjoy uncovering every last detail.

Conclusion: Code Vein is a gem of an RPG that strikes a perfect balance between challenging combat, a gripping story, and captivating world-building. While it may not offer the same level of difficulty as some other Souls-like games, it more than makes up for it with its approachable gameplay, gorgeous art direction, and engaging characters. If you’re a fan of action RPGs with a rich narrative and intense battles, Code Vein is definitely worth your time.

Good game, played me for a fool a couple of times but patience always triumphs.
Enjoyed playing it, really well made game but really lacks explanations on what are good stuffs and what are bad stuffs.

Would recommend if you aren't a person who is not easily irritated.

I enjoyed this Souls-like clone game of Code Vein and while it is far from being perfect, it's still an enjoyable game. as i said earlier, this game basically a carbon copy of Fromsoftware's Dark Souls series and its successors with the same mechanics and atmosphere vibes but with the Anime aesthetic look. The gameplay of the combat is good though albeit clunky at times, The music is really good and it was composed by Go Shiina (the same composer that did the music for the God Eater franchise and the Demon Slayer anime!). The game's character creation is great with lots of choices to make your own Anime protagonist! And now, here's some of the bad that i don't like, starting with the story, i mean it was ok but very forgettable. The level designs especially the depths level weren't all that great. The DLC for the game is meh, nuff said...

Overall, despite the flaws from the game, i do enjoy it and hopefully the devs would improve the flaws if they ever make a follow up to this game. I recommend this game on a sale.

Also... Please bring Io back in the sequel, i miss her already... :'(

I'm almost halfway through the game. I bought it thinking it was an anime Dark Souls, but unexpectedly, it has a good plot and a companionship system that makes the game feel more lively since someone is always yapping on the side. The cutscenes are good too. (Companions are optional, FYI.)
The game has a friendship system, but one issue is that dialogues with companions don’t change as your friendship level progresses. I feel like if they did, the game would attract a lot more people.
Overall, I'm really enjoying it. If you're into anime and maybe an apocalyptic world is your thing, I definitely recommend giving it a try.

Set in the same universe as God Eater, this game brings an anime-inspired Souls-like experience with its own unique twist. The combat is fast-paced and satisfying, with a deep customization system that lets you tweak your playstyle with different Blood Codes and weapons.

Story is very interesting and have a lot to be desired. Whether or not the game used those interesting plots and details is subjective but for me, it left me wanting for more. The combat is slow for me as you'd expect from a souls like game, play by their rules and you'd do really well in Code Vein's combat.

Io in home base: "I'm not good in combat".
Also Io as companion: Fight like a beast.
In this game, you don't protect waifus, waifus protect you. Io, Mia and Eva - the best girls.

So far, the most annoying thing to me is Exalted Reputation - a dead brain grinding achievement that slow you down for 100% achievement. Other cons are acceptable and you can even skip some challenges if you don't like it.

It's good enough if you want a good storyline, some joy, casual gameplay or hardcore challenges.

A while back I was really addicted to playing God Eater 3 on my Switch, like 300 hours kind of addicted. When I got a Steam Deck, I was about to buy the game again when I realized I would be paying for the same thing again. So I decided to try something new. Something similar. After a long while looking on the Steam store, I found this game, 75% off. So, I decided to give it a try. And holy cow, it did not disappoint. This is a game with a lot of potential and even if I just barely beat the first fight... I will definitely keep playing it. 11/10. One of the best games I've ever bought.

First time i played this game, couldn't even finish it. Gave a 2nd try recently and they had changed the game a bit and removed the unskippable cuteness bless. Being able to change your class at anytime without any real penalty is neat.

Really good game, but compared to the likes of Fromsoft titles, it lacks in the boss department. The story was good and characters were good also, but I just found the combat system a little bit lacking. I really liked that we could change classes, so that's a big plus!

Cautious recommendation.

There was a meme that referred to Code Vein as “anime Dark Souls” up to its’ release back in the day, and for better and worse that seems right on the money after my playthrough. Unfortunately, the combat in this game just feels a little “off” to me in a way that Dark Souls and Monster Hunter don’t. It’s also clear that they wanted to cater more to coop play than Dark Souls does, which is fine but does contribute to some additional unevenness in single player. For the most part the difficulty of the game doesn't get too out of hand, though it is clearly balanced around using an AI companion. The companions differ slightly in terms of fighting style, but differ even more in terms of effectiveness.

This game is definitely not for everyone especially given it’s occasional focus on T&A, but I had fun with the story and world (except the level design of the Anor Londo ripoff). RIP Oliver.

The combat feels good but the story and characters kept me going. I loved finding people's memories and spending time with them that way. When i didn't get the good ending I went back and did the whole game again (on the like easy version of ng+) just so my friends had a happy ending.

My absolute favorite Soulslike. The amount of customization, both cosmetic and practical, is absolutely insane, and it is extremely fun to play around with. Unfortunately, not all of the weapons are that unique or even good, but you can generally beat the game relatively well with any type of build. I do wish bosses had a bit less resistance to the elements so magic worked against them, but that is probably the only gripe I have with the game. Recommend 100%

I like most of this game. It has some good mechanics that are a bit faster and more intuitive than most souls-likes. I also like the extrensive lore and story it brings, together with the wide options for character creation.

Some downsides: restoring the vestiges gets old after a while (I only found out hours into the game that they can be skipped). The white cathedral level: the level design almost made me want to end myself IRL. The items and scaling are not very intuïtive.

Also: Blade bearer and cannoneer have to be one of the most BS fights I've gotten into in any game.

This game is great character custimization. the gameplay feels like another dark souls but with anime which is neat. the graphics is super good for anime... hopefully one day code vein gets a 2nd game!!!!!