Code Vein 2 absolutely kicked my arse. ScreenHub was invited to experience three segments of the upcoming vampire action sequel at a recent preview session. It was spectacularly gothic and gorgeous for the most part – and I enjoyed the flow of its heavy weapon-based combat.
But when I finally arrived at the demo’s first boss, I had to accept a hard truth: I don’t think I’ll get through Code Vein 2 without assistance.
Code Vein 2 preview – quick links
Taking your first steps in Code Vein 2
You enter this game’s post-apocalyptic world as a newborn vampire with a strange ability to dive deeply into the memories of others, forming bonds. You can custom-create this hero as you like, and the very robust character creator allows you to add everything from scars to hair streaks, fringes, different eye colours, different nail types and more.
I particularly enjoyed taking my time with this character creator, designing the ideal little goth vampire twink to take on my future journey. I adorned him in full Castlevania-like vampire garb, added in 2009-coded hair streaks, red and black eyes, and I named him Dracula.
Code Vein 2 does well to port your custom character into the game, and while they lack voice lines – which does feel odd – they integrate well as a relatively empty vessel in which to live your vampire fantasy.
Eventually, your character is armed with deadly weapons and paired up with time-travelling hero Lou, who hauls you both on a quest to stop the unravelling of the world.
Code Vein 2 opens on destruction almost immediately. In a far-off future, Revenants (vampires) are beginning to transform into mindless monsters known as Horrors. It becomes your job to defeat these Horrors and push back against the chaos that could destroy the world.
The twist is the present world is already set for destruction, and while you’re tasked with destroying the enormous cocoons of the Horrors, it’s too late. You must travel to the past to discover more about each Horror, forming a bond with them that will allow you to crack open their cocoons and then defeat them for good.
This concept opens the floodgates for Code Vein 2 to tell emotive, genuinely impactful stories. Its goth tones aren’t only in aesthetic, after all.
In one particular past segment, you’ll meet a future Horror known as Josée, who reveals a tale of woe when you look into her heart. You swiftly realise the Horrors aren’t what they appear. The key to saving the future is getting to know them in order to understand how best to connect with them.
It’s a clever twist that adds weight to future battles, providing ample motivation to perfect your sword swings and bring each Horror the solace they deserve.
The only challenge is your skills may not match up with your burning desire to forge onwards.
Watch the Code Vein 2 trailer
Code Vein 2 is staggeringly difficult
Code Vein 2 is Souls-like, which means its boss battles are very tough. The game relies on you persisting against near-impossible odds, learning enemy attack patterns and when to defend, with patience required to see the end.
Wandering enemies gave me the wrong impression at first. I assumed the game would always be as manageable as facing off with small, artfully-designed ghoulies. But entering one of the game’s demo arenas, I came face to face with a Sphinx-like woman of enormous proportions, whose jump-and-slam attack knocked me out dozens of times in a near-instant.
What she required was that all-important (and lacking on my part) patience to analyse and understand her attack pattern, and figure out the openings for counterattack. But I found her movements erratic and I couldn’t work out how best to block. It seemed that every time I dodged, she was there to slap me around, and that every time I sat still, some new, one-shot attack became imminent.
In the end – and I’m ashamed to say this – I had to ask for help to overcome the challenge.
I fared slightly better with a boss from a later stage in the preview. This time, there was a more distinct and recognisable attack pattern that allowed for slow, better-paced skirmishes (accompanied by ultra-sad dialogue, to twist the knife).
Both bosses were incredibly tough, regardless of the help I had, and illuminated the high difficulty of Code Vein 2. This isn’t a title for players who don’t have experience with the Souls genre, or who are looking for an easy ride. Anyone who plays games for the story will need to reckon with this combat system first.
It’s tough and demanding, and fighting bosses can feel like hitting a brick wall. With patience, and trial and error, you can make your way through this game’s world, but a high bar means this adventure won’t be for everyone.
Lush storytelling is certainly encouragement to push on, but a desire to see how the Code Vein 2 story unravels may not be a match for your personal skillset, which is a conflict you’ll need to reckon with on your own.
