For some time now, vampires have been gaining ground in the video game sector, just as zombies did in their day. In this sense, their evolution has been somewhat slower, but with titles that attempt to offer something totally different from what has been seen so far in the interactive entertainment sector. One of the most representative examples in this regard was Code Vein, which combined this unique world with eye-catching anime aesthetics, but failed to dazzle the public in terms of gameplay, and therefore went largely unnoticed.

However, Bandai Namco did not give up and, at the beginning of 2026, they are launching a more ambitious sequel, packed with new features to try to convince all those who were not satisfied with the result of its predecessor. It is unusual for second chances to be given to titles that do not quite fit in at first, so this is a demonstration of complete confidence in the universe created by the Japanese company. Therefore, they are trying to fix all the mistakes made in the first title to, who knows, turn it into a saga that will stand the test of time in the coming years.

Code Vein II is a bigger and more complete title in terms of combat options. In addition, its story is also deeper and more detailed, seeking to immerse the player in its world at all times. With the emergence of the unknown force Luna Rapacis, the Hunters are on a mission to return to the past to eliminate the original source of the cataclysm and save the world.

A challenging combat experience

To understand the evolution of this sequel, it is essential to focus on how the combat system has been redefined, which now feels much more solid and responsive than in the original game. Bandai Namco has listened to criticism that the impacts lacked weight and has worked on a revamped collision engine that conveys an astonishing forcefulness with every blow. In Code Vein II, the souls-like genre definitively embraces its more technical side, forcing the player to master not only the timing of dodging, but also the strategic use of the different Blood Codes, which on this occasion offer much greater flexibility. The ability to change fighting styles in the middle of a raid allows you to adapt to enemies that now have much more unpredictable and ferocious attack patterns, raising the difficulty bar in a fair but relentless way.

Level design has also taken a qualitative leap forward, abandoning repetitive corridors in favour of environments with surprising verticality and secrets that reward thorough exploration. The final bosses, true bastions of the experience, are no longer simple health sponges; they now feature evolutionary phases that force you to constantly rethink your strategy. The introduction of Luna Rapacis as a narrative element also has a direct impact on gameplay, as this celestial phenomenon randomly alters battlefield conditions, forcing Hunters to be constantly alert to changes in gravity or visibility, making each encounter a unique and extremely tense experience.

The bond with companions, the distinguishing feature of Code Vein II

If there is one thing that really sets this game apart from others in the genre, it is the depth of its companion system, an element that served as secondary support in the first instalment and has now become a central feature. The bonds between characters are no longer limited to mere expository dialogue between missions; rather, the relationship with allies directly influences stats and combined attacks executed in battle. The artificial intelligence has been refined to the extreme so that companions react organically to each play style, proactively covering weaknesses or enhancing strengths, creating a sense of camaraderie that very few action titles manage to convey so successfully.

This emotional connection is vital to facing the mission of travelling back in time and confronting the original cataclysm. As you explore the memories and motivations of your allies, 'Synchronised Gifts' appear, devastating abilities that can only be activated when trust is at its highest. In a world ravaged by Luna Rapacis, isolation equals death, and it is in this cooperative approach, even in single-player mode, that Code Vein II finds its true identity.

With Code Vein II, Bandai Namco has proven that confidence in its own IPs can yield exceptional results when technical polish and mechanical depth are prioritised. Those who overlooked the first instalment will find plenty of reasons to immerse themselves in this universe of vampire blood and time travel, while veteran fans will see their loyalty rewarded with the definitive instalment they always dreamed of.