When the original Code Vein launched back in 2019, it was affectionately dubbed "anime Dark Souls"—a solid, if somewhat janky, entry in the burgeoning genre. Seven years later, Bandai Namco has returned with Code Vein II, and the difference is night and day. Releasing officially on January 30, 2026, this sequel doesn't just polish the rough edges of its predecessor; it shatters them with a blistering new combat tempo and a level of verticality that fundamentally changes how you explore its post-apocalyptic world. After spending 40 hours with the PS5 version, it's clear that this is one of the best Soulslike games of 2026 so far.
Combat That Finally Finds Its Own Pulse
The most immediate change veterans will notice is the speed. Gone is the sometimes floaty, deliberate pacing of the first game. In its place is a frantic, razor-sharp combat system that feels closer to Devil May Cry meets Bloodborne. The introduction of "Jails"—offensive, back-mounted mechanical rigs that replace the defensive focus of the old Blood Veils—is a game-changer. These allow for aggressive playstyles, letting you weave drain attacks directly into combos rather than waiting for a parry window.
During my Code Vein II gameplay impressions, I focused on the new Twin Blade weapon class. The fluidity is unmatched, allowing for mid-air cancels and rapid dashes that make the protagonist feel like a true superhuman Revenant. Bandai Namco has clearly taken notes from the genre's evolution over the last few years, delivering hitboxes that feel precise and enemy AI that punishes hesitation without feeling cheap.
A World Worth Getting Lost In
One of the biggest criticisms of the original was its repetitive, corridor-heavy dungeon design (looking at you, Cathedral of the Sacred Blood). Code Vein II answers this with a massive shift in world design. The environments are no longer flat mazes but towering, multi-layered urban jungles. Verticality is key here; you'll be grappling up ruined skyscrapers and dropping down into subway chasms to ambush the new "Luna Rapacis" enemy types.
Traversal and Exploration
The addition of the motorcycle for traversing the open zones between major dungeons adds a sense of scale that was sorely missing previously. While the vehicle handling is a bit arcade-like, it serves its purpose of connecting the fractured world of Vein in a cohesive way. It’s not just about getting from point A to B; these highway sections are visually stunning, showcasing the game's improved Unreal Engine 5 lighting and cel-shaded art direction.
Narrative: Time, Tragedy, and Anime Melodrama
The story picks up with high stakes, introducing Lou, a new companion capable of time manipulation. This isn't just a plot device; it integrates into gameplay, allowing you to briefly "rewind" fatal mistakes in specific story instances or alter the environment to solve puzzles. The narrative remains unapologetically anime, filled with tragic backstories and melodramatic flair, but the writing feels more mature this time around. The threat of the Resurgence and the mystery behind the horrors keep the pacing tight, avoiding the mid-game slump that plagued the original.
Performance on PS5 and Technical Verdict
In terms of Code Vein 2 PS5 performance, the game targets and mostly holds a rock-solid 60 frames per second. The cel-shaded visuals are crisp at 4K, with particle effects that pop during intense boss battles. We did notice minor frame dips during the most chaotic motorcycle sequences, but combat remained buttery smooth—critical for a game demanding frame-perfect dodges.
As we look at the slate of Bandai Namco 2026 releases, Code Vein II sets a high bar. It successfully carves out its own identity separate from the FromSoftware titans, offering a deep character creator, a robust class system, and a combat loop that is addictively fun. For fans of anime action RPG reviews, this is an essential purchase.
Score: 9/10 - A stylish, blood-soaked triumph that surpasses the original in every conceivable way.
