Code Vein review: between blood, vampires and soulslike fights

Code Vein review; a post-apocalyptic world

The plot behind Code Vein it does not appear clear from the first moments, but tries to push the player to deepen it gradually through his own adventure.

What is certain is the atmosphere of the place: our protagonist wakes up, in fact, without memories, in a small valley surrounded by darkness and certainly inhospitable.

Gradually all the revelations of the case will be made, and we will become aware of a dramatic reality. The vast devastated expanse that characterizes the game world is in fact what remains of the world, destroyed by a cataclysm called The Great Ruin.

The only inhabitants of this dystopian universe are the "revived“, Survivors of the apocalypse who have modified their bodies, through the implantation of parasites, with the intention of surviving in a world made inhospitable.

A similar move, however necessary, has a price: to become such, in fact, every Revenant must give up a piece of his memory and transform himself into a being similar to a vampire, forced to feed on blood.

Avoiding this constant necessity transforms the inhabitants of this setting into monstrous entities known as "Corrupt", with whom the revived live in constant struggle.

In addition to these beings, however, another - and enormous - risk is represented by the air, which if breathed transforms into corrupt, and therefore forces us to wear masks equipped with purifiers.

Separate interpenetrations

From the point of view of graphics, Code Vein it shows itself with a style capable of remembering anime, especially as regards the characters (and the generous female forms, impossible to miss).

The post-apocalyptic world in which our characters' journey is set is certainly well rendered, thanks above all to the atmosphere generated by the fog, which prevents you from feeling safe and comfortable, bringing the player in front of the screen to maintain continuous attention.

Some small interpenetration, especially between objects or clothing and characters, unfortunately there is, but it is not so annoying to the eye and is soon forgotten once you have seen the bloody combat moves or necessary for the elimination of enemies.

What seems to appear from the first sequences is, in any case, the attention that Bandai Namco has poured into the creation of the main character: before starting your adventure there is in fact a customization phase with attention to the smallest details, and perfect for bringing always your own style within the title!

Between splatter fights and soulslike mechanics

Code Vein it soon reveals itself by its own nature soulslike, capable of bringing every player in a world of education and violence bordering on splatter.

To act as a base in this journey are reactive fighting where, just like in one of the From Software titles, everything can be influenced by the characteristics of the character, equipment and skills.

A fundamental point in this sense are i give, real talents deriving directly from their "blood code", which I will explain in detail later on.

Features of this type aside, otherwise the gameplay is characterized by a fairly frenetic pace, where boredom is not even considered as a possible risk, and the player's attention is necessary to achieve victory.

Alongside the normal light, heavy, dodge and defense attacks is the ability to drain. The Revenants can in fact use their weapons to deprive enemies of their blood, so that they can then exploit it to use skills or some types of objects, such as the bayonet.

To bring to mind the titles of the souls series is instead the mistletoe, element capable of remembering bonfires and where the protagonist can rest, obtain new gifts and increase the effectiveness of the latter also through some objects.

The advantages of this type of gameplay are different, but there is also a side by side a - fortunately quite small - flaw: the AI. The latter is lacking on several occasions, especially as regards the enemies, sometimes going to lower the level of challenge a little.

The "Sanguine Code"

One of the most interesting features present within the soulslike title released by Bandai Namco is the "Blood Code".

The latter is a characteristic power of every Revenant which, in addition to influencing all its characteristics and gradually increasing the resistance of the fighter, confers a gift such as, for example, a temporary strengthening of the attack.

The talents directly connected to their blood code, just like in any self-respecting RPG, can be passive, or simply equipable and, consequently, activated, or active, needing a use to actually enter the game.

The gifts will go to represent is a very useful tool, also capable of overturning the fate of a fight, is a further element to keep an eye on: to take advantage of these skills it will be necessary to collect a very special type of blood, obtainable by draining the Ichore of the Taken!

Some talents also have additional requirements, such as the need for a two-handed weapon to exploit them, and this adds a further degree of attention and particularity to the gameplay.

Detail of no small importance and to always keep in mind is also the very nature of the protagonist: while normally every Revenant has his own - and invariable - blood code, our adorable character has the particular ability to modify it!

Code Vein review: buy it or not?

Anime-style graphics, frenetic and souls-style gameplay, certainly new plot and capable of having both high peaks and some falls: apart from a few small tricks, Code Vein has all the credentials to reach the hearts of many players, eventually conquering them.

The latest game of Bandai Namco it is in fact perfect for all players looking for a pinch of challenge, especially given the accompaniment of the extremely variable gameplay and all the upgradeable or modifiable features.

Code Vein

Pro

Cons

• Some interpenetration
• AI not excellent