Code Vein

Presentation

Code Vein is an exploration-focused Action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world where survivors known as Revenants possess supernatural abilities at the cost of an overwhelming thirst for blood. When they permanently lose their humanity, they become hostile creatures known as the Lost.

The player creates their own Revenant and explores the different regions of Vein, a territory made up of urban ruins, underground complexes and labyrinthine environments. Progression alternates between exploration, shortcuts, combat encounters and battles against particularly resilient bosses.

Combat is built around stamina, dodging, parrying and choosing the right moment to attack. Several weapon categories offer different approaches, ranging from fast weapons to heavier equipment or bayonets that can also attack from a distance.

Blood Codes are one of the main features of the progression system. They determine the character's general attributes and provide access to different Gifts, active or passive abilities that can improve attacks, strengthen defense or unleash supernatural powers.

These Blood Codes can be changed freely, allowing the player to quickly alter the character's role and combat style without restarting progression. Certain Gifts can also be mastered and then used with other compatible configurations.

Blood Veils complement this equipment. They allow drain attacks that recover Ichor, the resource required to use many Gifts. Their type also influences different defensive and offensive attributes.

Exploration revolves around Mistle, rest points that notably allow resources to be restored and progression to be managed, but also cause many previously defeated enemies to return.

The hero can explore the world with an AI-controlled companion. Each partner has their own combat style and can support the player, draw enemy attention or intervene when the player is in difficulty.

Vestiges found throughout the adventure also allow lost memories to be reconstructed. They expand on the past of several characters and directly connect exploration with the broader story of Vein.

The game also features online co-op, allowing another Revenant to join certain parts of the adventure to fight and explore alongside the player.

Key points

• A post-apocalyptic exploration-focused Action RPG.
• A fully customizable Revenant protagonist.
• A world where blood thirst can transform Revenants into the Lost.
• Combat based on stamina, dodging, parrying and positioning.
• Several weapon categories suited to different playstyles.
• Blood Codes allowing rapid changes in character build.
• Numerous active and passive Gifts to combine.
• Blood Veils used to drain enemies and recover Ichor.
• Mistle serving as rest and progression points.
• AI-controlled companions with their own abilities.
• Vestiges used to reconstruct Revenants' memories.
• Online co-op allowing certain areas to be tackled with two players.

Conclusion

Code Vein builds its identity around a challenging Action RPG structure where customization remains far more flexible than a traditional class system.

Blood Codes and Gifts allow the player to regularly change the way they fight, while Blood Veils directly connect drain attacks with the use of supernatural powers.

Exploration alongside companions and the reconstruction of memories also give characters and narrative an important role in a world where survival means constantly fighting against the loss of humanity.

Good to know

Code Vein was developed by Bandai Namco Studios and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment.

The game was released on September 27, 2019 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC via Steam.

Its campaign can be played solo with an AI-controlled partner or with the help of another player through online co-op.

Character creation allows extensive customization of the Revenant's appearance, while combat style can be changed during the game through Blood Codes, weapons, Blood Veils and Gifts.

A Season Pass added three main pieces of post-launch content featuring, among other things, new bosses, equipment and customization elements.

These additional contents remain separate from the main campaign.

This entry focuses on the main story, exploration, Blood Codes, Gifts and the core systems of Code Vein, without detailing every weapon, build or downloadable content individually.