Story is really dumb. level design is terrible, and the combat feels stiff. Not really a ton of enemy variety either, you tend to see the same like 3 or 4 models over and over with basically zero difference in how they attack or anything. Some of the bosses are pretty cool though I guess. Game felt insanely easy also, pretty sure I only died like 4 times total. Game also has the best anime style character creator in any game I've played so that's something I can praise it for I guess.

If you will like or dislike this game depends on what you expect. It is both a narrative driven JRPG and a souls-like in one. [h1]Positives:[/h1] The narrative and story is quite good but somewhat generic and every plot twist is very predictable. The character customization is excellent, it is by far the best aspect of the game. You have a lot of options, but there are a lot, and I really mean a lot, of clipping issues with many haircuts, collars and hats. Being able to freely change Blood Codes (class) at any time is quite good for encouraging people to try out new skills and playstyles. The combat is ok, I would say it is somewhat more positive than in the negative, even if it's very close. The art style is ok, it's your average mid budget JRPG. [h1]Negatives:[/h1] The difference between small and large weapons is so incredibly negligible, they all feel like they play in a very similar way. There is almost no difference in playstyle between a strength and a dexterity build....

Short review after completing the game with Dweller in the Dark ending: a fun and robust anime soulslike with just the right amount of playtime and complexity. Pros: - A futuristic setting and locations that are nice moveaway from the traditional medieval style - Great music and voice acting makes the character and story come alive - Insane character creation kit on par with many mmo out there, probably the best character creator of any soulslike - Robust class system, you are not limited to one class, when you unlock a class (blood code) you can freely switch anytime and when you master its skills and abilities you can mix and match those with other classes if they meet the stats requirements - Decent main story with a lot of npc backstory for you to find out - Good weapon, armor and item system with a solid upgrade path - Good boss battles - Great companion system with your main npcs who can fight alongside with you and comment on the situation - Depth system with maps yo...

This game is a utter garbage. It features bland lackluster story, cliche characters and mid gameplay that was cloned straight up from dark souls (yes it even features it's own skinny and fatso duo) all while having terrible level design that makes little sense, worthless dlcs and deranged platinum achievement badge

I rage quit for 7 years after getting to a certain mid-boss in the cathedral that we shall not name. The story still makes it worth it. honestly.

6/10 - Code Vein is a competent game and is worth playing through if the anime aesthetic or build diversity appeals to you. However, it struggles a lot in execution and has a lot of minor issues that take you out of the experience. Starting with the good: Code Vein’s build progression and customization is fantastic. I love how each vestige hints at different ways to play the game, and how it encourages trying new ones to unlock abilities for existing builds. There is very little “losing progress” when switching builds so you get back to full power level quickly. The art style nails the stylized 3D anime look in a way that scales well across time and graphics settings, and the environments are visually unique from one another and interesting to explore. Also, a shout out to the ridiculously detailed character creator! Now for the issues. Across the board, combat feels floaty - I think this is a result of using anime-style animations for attacks that lack a sense of momentum and ...

Very dated gfx and gameplay, clunky movement and story but the title screen was beautiful. Game did run super smooth. I dont recommend playing with an ultra wide monitor. the Stretch ruined this for me.

Anime dress-up simulator with surprisingly competent, albeit easy, rollslop gameplay. Looks and runs great on the Deck. Seems designed for co-op.

Good fun game with exploration similar to Dark Souls 1/3, AI companion makes it more relaxed than conventional soul-likes. Bosses have too many AOEs though, but manageable.

Code Vein’s combat feels like trying to sword fight underwater while wearing oven mitts. Clunky, slow, and built entirely around memorizing enemy patterns instead of reacting to them. Every move has a delay - before, during, and after - so even if you see danger coming, you’re stuck watching your character finish their interpretive dance routine before you can dodge. Attacks have all the impact of waving a pool noodle, and backstabs are so overpowered and easy to land, you’ll spend most fights awkwardly circling enemies like you’re trying to ask them to prom. A good Souls-like rewards timing and adaptability - this one punishes you for trying to play it like a game. Honestly, it feels like someone described Dark Souls to the dev team using interpretive charades. The worst Souls-like wannabe I’ve ever played.