- Release Date: September 27th, 2019
- Available on: Xbox One, Steam, PS4
- Where to Buy: Xbox, Steam, PlayStation Store
Code Vein is like Dark Souls, but anime. I know that’s a really simple way of describing it, but it’s also true. The great news is, despite the game’s very obvious inspirations – which includes the game that inspired it – Code Vein manages to stake its own ground and give us something new and different.
Code Vein is a great game that is very similar to Dark Souls, yet offers many unique features. The game is heavily inspired by anime and will appeal to a different kind of audience.
Both Code Vein and Dark Souls share similarities from a gameplay perspective, but the way they tell their stories is totally different.
Code Vein is a narrative-driven RPG that has a deep backstory, which is both its greatest strength and weakness. The game doesn’t skip on any details going through the story, so if you’re interested in seeing all of it, it’s worth your time.
We will be diving into the Code Vein review in this article.
What is Code Vein?
Code Vein is an action RPG game, developed by Bandai Namco. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where vampires rule the earth and humans are on the brink of extinction.
The player takes on the role of a Revenant, who has been turned into one of these undead creatures. The player will have to take down the powerful vampire lord in order to save humanity from extinction.
In Code Vein, players will be able to explore an open world and team up with other players in order to take on missions and quests together. Players will also have access to a variety of weapons and skills that they can use during combat.

Code Vein can be played solo or in co-op with up to three players, and the player will assume the role of one of these revenants who has been given a special power known as a Blood Veil.
The game will take place in locations such as abandoned towns and underground tunnels, and the enemies are both creatures that have been transformed by the disaster and other revenants.
This all sounds complicated because the game is full of strange and detailed customization and progression mechanics that are tied into the interesting story that unfolds as you play.
But in all honesty, the game is pretty simple. You hack and slash your way through interconnected levels, gaining experience points and knowledge each time you kill an enemy.
What are Code Vein features?
In this Code Vein review, we will be going over the main features.
Your character’s features are organized into 3 categories: blood code (fighting style), blood veil (auras/passive skills), and weapon. Blood code includes, for instance, a unique lineup of fighting moves that can range from special attacks to passive stat buffs.
“Blood Veil” armor pieces are living, and when you parry attacks, they’ll rip your enemies to shreds. As cool as that sounds, blood veils can’t be crafted or bought at vendors. (The animation is also really neat with the veil chewing up your opponent before ripping them apart in a spray of blood/gore.)
You can choose from a range of weapons – from blades to rifles with bayonet attachments, to great swords.

Unlocking these blood codes helps you get special abilities for your vampiric character. Equip the abilities before using them!
If you keep practicing a skill enough, even with a different blood code, you’ll become good at things. There are lots of combinations to learn and it can feel like there’s plenty more ahead.
The game also has a co-op option (online or local) that lets you team up with your partner to try out more difficult challenges. I would have liked to test this feature more before launch, but I can tell you that it will be present and seems like a unique addition to the game.
In the game, you can take up to four characters on your journeys and the NPCs do a great job of helping you during battles.
Conclusion
I have to say that I am really impressed. I think it is one of the best games in the genre. The combat is fast and challenging, and there are so many things to do in this game. So far, I have not found any major flaws in this game.
Yes, Code Vein is heavily inspired by Dark Souls. But it also has enough original ideas to differentiate itself and make a name for itself in the genre. It’s got a top-notch presentation, delivers on gameplay, and more narrative depth than you’d expect.
Hopefully, with this Code Vein review, we have inspired you to try out the game, especially if you like the action RPG genre and want a challenge
If you like Code Vein, I suggest you check out our article on the Top 10 Games Like Code Vein.