Code Vein 2: Is it BETTER Than the Original?! Gamers React!

Okay, so Code Vein 2 is here, and as a fan of the first game (warts and all), I was cautiously optimistic. It's another soulslike, that's no secret, but the anime aesthetic and emphasis on build variety gave the original a unique flavor. Does the sequel manage to build upon that foundation and forge its own identity? Well, that's where things get a little…complicated.

Code Vein 2: Is it BETTER Than the Original?! Game...

The game kicks off with a striking visual. Standing in Magmell Island, watching the world reshape itself after completing the initial quest, it's a genuinely impressive moment. The plot then sends you on a time-traveling adventure to alter the fates of legendary heroes in the past. I have to admit, the idea of influencing the events that led to the present day's ruined world resonated with me. Seeing locations in their prime, bustling with life, and then revisiting them as desolate ruins? That's good environmental storytelling, and it gives the open world some much-needed context.

However, while the macro-level vistas can be breathtaking, the visual fidelity takes a serious nosedive up close. Textures are muddy, and I was constantly distracted by textures popping in and out during cutscenes – even on a PS5 Pro in performance mode. And speaking of performance, the frame rate is all over the place, even when there isn't much happening on screen. It's a shame because when the game looks good, it *really* looks good. But the inconsistency is hard to ignore.

Exploration, while present, lacks that crucial element of surprise. You'll find upgrades for your healing items, weapon upgrade materials, and stat buffs, which are all useful. What's missing is that sense of wonder, that feeling of stumbling upon a hidden dungeon or a bizarre boss encounter. The world feels functional rather than inviting. On the plus side, the game avoids the trap of padding the world with endless, meaningless objectives. Important side quests are clearly marked, which is a welcome change from some open-world games that treat you like you're playing a pixel-hunt simulator.

The Blood Code system is where Code Vein 2 tries to differentiate itself. Initially, it feels overwhelming. But once you grasp the concept, it becomes a surprisingly flexible way to manage your build. Instead of investing in stats, you equip Blood Codes, essentially pre-defined character classes that dictate your combat capabilities. Each Blood Code can be leveled up, which, while it may pigeon-hole you initially, ultimately unlocks abilities and allows you to customize your character to a degree. I was able to quickly identify which Blood Codes meshed best with my preferred weapon types, and the system allows for experimentation without completely restarting your character. It's a solid system, even if it takes some time to wrap your head around it.