After years of silence and speculation, Bandai Namco's Code Vein 2 has finally arrived, officially launching on January 30, 2026. For fans who spent 2019 meticulously crafting their ideal anime vampires, the sequel promises a darker, more ambitious return to the post-apocalyptic world of Revenants. But as players dive into this new chapter, the verdict is already polarizing. While the combat remains as flashy and addictive as ever, Code Vein 2 review scores are taking a hit due to a controversial shift to open-world exploration that feels distinctively hollow compared to its contemporaries.

The Return of the Revenant: Story and Setting

Set in a dystopian future where civilization has collapsed under the weight of the "Resurgence," Code Vein 2 introduces a new threat: the Luna Rapacis. This mysterious entity is corrupting Revenants into mindless Horrors at an alarming rate, forcing you—a newly awakened Revenant Hunter—to team up with a mysterious girl named Lou. Lou possesses the unique ability to manipulate time, a narrative device that serves as the game's central hook.

The story splits your time between the crumbling present and a version of the world 100 years in the past. It’s a compelling premise on paper, theoretically allowing you to alter history to save the future. However, the execution leaves much to be desired. Whether you are navigating the ruins of 2026 or the chaos of the past, the storytelling often falls into the trap of heavy-handed exposition, a staple of anime soulslike games 2026. Yet, for those who love the melodrama of the original, the emotional beats between you and your partners still land effectively.

Gameplay: Sharp Combat, Dull Blades

If you are looking for the Code Vein II gameplay loop that made the original a cult classic, you won't be disappointed. The Blood Code system returns with expanded depth, allowing for on-the-fly class switching that remains the series' strongest asset. New additions like the "Twin Fangs of the Lone Wolf" weapon and more fluid Drain Attacks make combat feel faster and more visceral. The partner system is also robust, with allies now offering more distinct combat utility and "Bond" mechanics that unlock powerful team-up attacks.

However, the game stumbles when it tries to step out of its corridor-shooter roots. Bandai Namco Code Vein 2 attempts to modernize the formula by introducing open-world elements, clearly chasing the success of genre giants. Unfortunately, this is where the comparison to Code Vein 2 vs Elden Ring becomes unflattering. The introduction of the "Votorcycle" (a combat-ready motorcycle) suggests a vast world to traverse, but the "open" areas often feel like large, empty pastures connecting standard dungeons. The thrill of discovery found in other best action RPGs 2026 is largely absent here, replaced by repetitive resource gathering and sparse enemy encounters.

Visuals and Customization: The Anime Aesthetic Peak

Where the game undeniably succeeds is in its visuals and customization. The Code Vein 2 character creator is arguably the best in the business, offering an absurd level of detail that puts other RPGs to shame. From adjusting the exact glow of your Revenant's eyes to layering complex accessories, you can easily spend hours before even swinging a weapon. The move to Unreal Engine 5 ensures the anime art style pops with vibrant colors and sharp cel-shading, though this comes at a cost.

Performance on PC and consoles has been a major point of contention during the launch window. Players are reporting stuttering frame rates, particularly during high-speed Votorcycle sequences or when transitioning between the past and present timelines. While a Day 1 patch addressed some stability issues, the technical polish isn't quite where it needs to be for a AAA release in 2026.

Verdict: A Sequel Stuck in Time

Code Vein 2 is a game at odds with itself. It brilliantly refines the combat and style of its predecessor but fumbles its attempt to expand into an open-world format. For die-hard fans of the original, the deep build customization and anime aesthetic will be enough to justify the purchase. However, for those expecting the next evolution of the Soulslike genre, the empty world design and repetitive structure prevent it from stepping out of the shadows of its competitors.

It remains a stylish, competent action RPG, but one that proves bigger isn't always better.