Fans ofCode Veinhave referred to it as “Anime Souls” for its unique anime aesthetic withSoulsbornemechanics influencing the gameplay. The game has garnered praise from critics and fans of theSoulsfranchise, yet frequent grievances hold the game back from greater heights.Code Vein’sanime aesthetic and action-oriented cutscenes are reminiscent of action RPGs such as theDevil May Cryfranchise with massive weapons and character-driven stories. The game is unique for its mesh of influences, yet it could also learn from each series' growth to carve a greater name for itself.
There is no official word on aCode Veinsequel, but if Bandai Namco decides to make one, it will need to flesh out a few things that held the original back.
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Leaning Into Devil May Cry
TheDevil May Cryfranchise is known for its over-the-top cutscenes, colorful characters, and fast-paced gameplay. For the most part,Code Veinmanages to have a compelling narrative complete with character development. Developing a relationship with the cast ofCode Veinis also presented in the mechanic of trading. Players can gift valuables to every character, and characters will react differently depending on the item. Giving the right character a particular valuable rewards the player with more trading points. However, whereCode Veinsuffers is in balancing itsSoulsborne-inspired combat with itsDMCinspirations. For example, many blood codes allow the player to access new abilities on the fly, similar to Dante’s abilities Sword Master and Royal Guard.
Blood codes are one of the highlighted features inCode Vein,as allowing the player to change gameplay at their convenience is refreshing and keeps the gameplay loop from getting stagnant. They are essentiallyCode Vein’sclass system, and each blood code has different abilities, status boosts, and weaknesses, as well as better attunement with different weapon types.Code Veinneeds to improve upon this mechanic by designating a button for on-the-fly blood code-switching. It is possible to go into a fight not knowing which skills and weapons will be most effective. Therefore, having a UI-integrated weapon and style switching system akin toDMC5would fix the menial task of pausing, choosing a blood code, and re-slotting gifts.
While the cutscenes inCode Veinmay have some action-packed sequences, most are dialogue-driven. While it is good to get to know each character and their personalities, and fun to watch them interact, sometimes the dialogue can become overindulgent. For example, the player character observes Yakumo eating an onigiri, which sparks an unwarranted speech on the value of humanity, his experiences in war, and the value of friendship. WhileCode Veinhas an appealing anime aesthetic, it could have traded these long sequences that lack narrative substance for more flashy, action-based cutscenes.Code Veincould learn a lesson fromDMCin keeping the player engaged by showing characters in action rather than telling the player using cutscenes. Players could argue that the campiness ofDMCcutscenes make the game tonally dissonant, yet theDMCfranchise understands that campiness can be a lot of fun.
Leaning Into Dark Souls
An interconnected world, resting points, character min-maxing, a replenishing health source, and hard-hitting mob enemies are elements that make up mostSoulslikegame.Code Veinclearly adheres to many of these mechanics, along with others. However, the game also suffers from forgetting parts ofDark Souls. One aspect that becomes apparent early on is the lack of weapon variety inCode Vein. There are a couple of weapon types, yet there are very few variations for each model. Even in the originalDark Souls,there is an array of different weapons and weapon types. On top of that, there are boss weapons that players can obtain in theSoulsfranchise. IfCode Veindoes end up with a sequel, it will need to have a much wider array of weapons.
On bosses,Code Veinalso should have taken a page out of theSoulsborneplaybook. Many of the bosses inCode Veinare not too difficult, especially when accompanied by a companion, and lack an iconic status. While some bosses appear big and scary, some with interesting designs, players can defeat each one the same way. All it takes is careful dodging and punishing the boss after its attack pattern, and many can be staggered for even more damage. To reach newer heights, a sequel toCode Veinwould need to lean into theDark Souls 3andBloodborneplaybook of boss design. Mechanics such as bosses growing more dangerous as their health bar depletes are missing fromCode Vein’s boss design, something a potential sequel will need.Code Veinhas partnersthat will fight alongside players, which sometimes trivializes boss fights. Although the partner mechanic is optional, it would be better to go one-on-one with some bosses to test the player’s skill.
On a similar note, the mob enemies inCode Veincould use more variation. While some areas have specific mob enemies, players will spend most of the game fighting the same creature types in different areas. In the originalDark Souls, the late game suffers from a lack of enemy diversity as well. However, there are still specific mob types for each area of everySoulsborneentry. It is unfortunate because the gameplay loop forCode Veinis fun and accessible, but fighting the same enemies can distract the player.
Getting Realistic About a Code Vein Sequel
IfCode Veinis greenlit for a sequel, there will likely be a lot of hype surrounding it. With a successful first entry, it would be risky to make such drastic changes. However, sometimes games do end up being reworked from the ground up, such asDmC: Devil May Cry.So it is possible that a second entry into theCode Veinseries could be mechanically different from the original, though this is unlikely. There is hope that some of the mechanics will be updated, and perhaps because the first entry was a success, the second game will have a budget big enough to improve upon its fun and engaging loop.
Code Veinis already a game with a vast array of mechanical depth, enough to keep players trying out each blood code with weapon combos. It already has a formula that does not need much improvement, and the game is already one of the more accessible and easySoulslikes.Code Veinalso has an online co-op, which can be useful to newcomers. While the game is not as mysterious as other FromSoftSoulsgames, its story is still compelling by having interesting characters. That said, ifCode Veinwants to reach an even higher status, it needs to build upon the foundation created by the original entry.
Code Veinis available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
