After seven long years of silence, the Revenants have risen again. Code Vein II, Bandai Namco’s highly anticipated sequel to their 2019 hit, officially launches today, January 30, 2026, bringing a fresh injection of plasma to the anime Soulslike 2026 roster. While the original game was affectionately dubbed "Anime Dark Souls," this ambitious follow-up attempts to carve out its own distinct identity with a time-bending narrative, a revamped combat system, and what is arguably the most robust character creator in the genre’s history. Our Code Vein II review finds a game that is bloodier, bolder, and more beautiful than its predecessor, though it isn't without a few technical scars.
A Tale of Two Timelines
The most striking departure in Code Vein II is its narrative ambition. The story introduces a new protagonist, the Revenant Hunter, who teams up with the mysterious Lou MagMell—a companion capable of manipulating time. This mechanic isn't just a plot device; it splits the game world into two distinct eras. You’ll traverse the ruined cityscapes of the present and journey 100 years into the past to prevent the "Resurgence," a cataclysmic event threatening humanity's remnants.
This duality adds a fascinating layer to exploration. Seeing the lush, vibrant versions of areas like the Undead Forest before they withered into the frozen wastelands of the present is genuinely haunting. The narrative stakes feel personal, anchored by the corruption of Revenants into horrific "Horrors" by the Luna Rapacis entity. Bandai Namco has doubled down on the melodrama, but in a way that feels earned, delivering emotional beats that land harder than the first game’s sometimes disjointed storytelling.
Evolution of Combat: Jails and Link Points
Fans returning for the Code Vein 2 gameplay will find the familiar rhythm of dodge, parry, and drain, but with significant evolutions. The biggest shake-up is the introduction of "Jails"—specialized equipment that replaces some functions of the traditional Blood Veils. Jails allow for more aggressive playstyles, letting you trap enemies or siphon ichor mid-combo without breaking your flow.
The partner system, a hallmark of the series, has also been refined. The new "Link Points" gauge encourages active cooperation rather than just using your companion as a meat shield. By syncing attacks with partners like Lou or the returning Io, you build up Link Points to unleash devastating joint finishers. It feels seamless and rewards strategic positioning. We found that the best Blood Codes Code Vein 2 has to offer are those that synergize with this system, particularly the new "Chronos" code which buffs your partner's speed and drain rating.
The Motorcycle Forma
A surprising addition is the "Motorcycle Forma," a summonable mount that allows for rapid traversal across the game’s larger, more open zones. While combat on the bike is limited, it solves one of the original game's biggest pacing issues: the long, slow treks through empty corridors. It also looks undeniably cool, fitting perfectly with the game’s edgy, gothic-punk aesthetic.
The Ultimate Anime Character Creator
If you spent hours in the original's character creator, prepare to lose days here. The Code Vein II character creator is a staggering achievement, offering unprecedented control over every minute detail. From independent eye resizing to layering multiple accessories and adjusting the material physics of your outfit, the options are nearly limitless. The community is already flooding social media with recreations of popular anime characters that look uncannily accurate.
Visually, the game is a stunner on high-end PCs and current-gen consoles, utilizing Unreal Engine 5 to deliver lighting and particle effects that make every drain attack look like a fireworks display. However, we must address the optimization. As noted in early Bandai Namco reviews on Steam, the game currently suffers from frame rate stutters in dense areas, particularly during the transition between timelines. While a Day One patch has addressed some stability issues, players on mid-range hardware might need to tweak settings for a smooth 60 FPS.
Verdict: A Worthy Resurrection
despite its technical hiccups, the Code Vein II score lands high in our book. It successfully evolves the formula of the first game while keeping the heart—and the edge—that fans loved. The combat is fluid, the build variety is immense, and the co-op integration is finally seamless, allowing for drop-in, drop-out play without the headache of convoluted summoning rituals.
For fans of the genre, this is an essential play. It may not reinvent the wheel, but it polishes the chrome until it shines. Code Vein II is a bloody good time that proves there's plenty of life left in these undead veins.
