Code Vein II review: anime JRPG meets Soulslike with friendlier combat

Kotaku reviews Bandai Namco’s Code Vein II, released January 29, 2026. Played on PS5 (the review notes PC and Xbox Series X|S versions exist), the reviewer spent 45 hours, completed all three endings and calls the sequel a more flexible, open-world follow-up to the original. Set after a century-long Resurgence, Code Vein II sends you and a time‑travel partner, Lou, back to the past to change the fates of five heroes whose seals are weakening.

The story is standalone, leans into classic JRPG themes of bonds and redemption, and the cast — including standout characters like Zenon and the group leader Lavinia Voda — is a major highlight. Combat blends Soulslike weight with JRPG systems: an always‑available NPC companion who is impervious to damage, a Weapon Formae system that uses Ichor (recovered through Drain Attacks with your Jail), and Blood Codes plus Boosters for deep customization.

The result is a more aggressive, cinematic rhythm that the reviewer describes as an approachable entry point to Soulslike mechanics. The review praises the charming cast, robust customization and strong boss design, but calls out problems: performance issues and foliage pop‑in (observed on PS5 Pro), a finicky camera that can hamper boss fights, repetitive dungeons and bland regular enemies.

The reviewer notes NPC allies and a Sekiro‑style second wind make the game noticeably easier than genre peers.

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