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I'm Afraid This Upcoming Soulslike Will Repeat A Critical Blunder
The recent announcement of Code Vein 2 has made me concerned about the sequel repeating a critical blunder that was present in the first installment of this Dark Souls-inspired franchise. Developer and publisher Bandai Namco recently revealed that the sequel to the 2019 action RPG will be released soon, though a definitive date has not yet been established. The sequel to one of the most underrated soulslike games will keep its established anime-based visuals while putting players in control of a character in a harsh world.
Originally announced during Summer Game Fest 2025 and then highlighted during Bandai Namco’s Summer Showcase, the title will follow the player’s character, who has to travel back in time with the help of a girl called Lou to impede the world’s collapse at the hands of horrors. You can expect several returning mechanics in the title, such as Drain Attacks, the Partner System, and Blood Code, but in a completely new environment. While it will likely retain several key elements of the previous installment, Code Vein 2 needs to fix one lingering problem present in the original game.
Code Vein 2 Needs Memorable Boss Fights
Bosses In The Original Game Didn’t Leave An Impression
The upcoming game needs to significantly improve the quality of its boss fights compared to the first title. One of the main content-related issues from the original game is how forgettable its bosses are. The soulslike game is genuinely good, with creative maps to explore, a quick and fun combat to engage with, and well-designed common enemies, but bosses didn’t leave much of an impression on me, so much so that I can hardly remember the name of a single boss in Code Vein.
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I remember some boss fights and their designs, but unlike other soulslike games I’ve played, I didn’t become fond of any of these special enemies. In soulslike titles, it’s a common sentiment to cultivate an appreciation for the bosses that are impeding your progress. The bosses from Dark Souls serve as a great example. Artorias, Gwyn, Quelaag, and so many others leave a mark in your memory, whereas the bosses in Code Vein don’t do that. There are several reasons I believe are the cause of this, and all of them could be fixed with Code Vein 2.
Code Vein 2 Can Learn From Other Souls Games Like Elden Ring & Lies Of P
Bosses In The Sequel Need To Leave A Mark
Bosses in soulslike games need to be memorable, and Code Vein 2 could take a lesson from titles like Elden Ring and Lies of P, for example. The issue with the bosses in the original Code Vein doesn’t lie with their design, as they are cool, but their presentation needs improvement. Instead of simply putting players up against the bosses, Code Vein 2 should make their introductory cutscenes a lot more meaningful, like those seen in several bosses from Elden Ring, for example. Making them calmly speak with the player should also make them feel more menacing.
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Another thing that needs some tweaks is the moveset for bosses. Surely, the bosses in the first Code Vein do pose a challenge, but they need better movesets instead of simply hitting hard. If their only aspect is dealing loads of damage with a single hit, they aren’t doing much, and for many, the fights become too easy and forgettable. Given the increased mobility in Code Vein compared to other soulslike titles, the bosses in Code Vein 2 should also have more well-designed movesets that will keep players on their feet.
Bandai Namco doesn’t even have to be inspired by modern soulslike games, but can look back at some bosses from the first Dark Souls, like Artorias, for example, who has a rather simple, yet unforgettable moveset.
Another important aspect for bosses in soulslike games are the musical themes that play during the fights, and Code Vein 2 needs to make memorable scores for the most important enemies that players will face. A lot of the impact that bosses leave on players stems from the power of the soundtrack that plays throughout the fight. Such is the case of the beautiful Malenia theme in Elden Ring, which is also heard in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.
Other Design Issues Should Be Fixed With Code Vein 2
Map Design & Exploration Need Tweaks
I consider the design issues with bosses in Code Vein to be the largest downside in the original game, especially because of how much bosses are the heart and soul of soulslike titles. However, there are more problems that the sequel could address, most of which are related to design choices. I particularly enjoyed the map designs in the first title, but they could be improved, especially after the standard set by Elden Ring in 2022.
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Another issue to address in Code Vein 2 is the Vestige system from the original game. While finding Vestiges throughout maps helped unlock special features, they were an especially boring way of forcing exploration through maps. You would feel compelled to run through maps with the sole intention of finding Vestiges, but not necessarily other secrets, and that’s just poor map design. Maps in soulslike games need to surprise you and leave you with a constant feeling of not knowing what to expect.
While I do have a lot of criticism directed at the first entry in the series, Code Vein is a fun game that I enjoyed playing, even if it didn’t reach the quality of other soulslike titles. The sequel, however, has the perfect opportunity to improve its own formula based on other soulslike titles in the market, while still remaining true to its unique design and gameplay choices that worked previously. I am as hopeful as I am fearful for the release of Code Vein 2, but the trailers so far have already hyped me up a bit.
Code Vein II
- ESRB
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M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
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Bandai Namco Studios
- Publisher(s)
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Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Franchise
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Code Vein
