Code Vein Review (PS4) | Push Square

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Republished on Wednesday, 1st March, 2023: We're bringing this review back from the archives following the announcement of March 2023's PS Plus line up. The original text follows.

For the first few hours of Code Vein, you don’t really play anything at all. No, instead you create your character. With one of the most robust character creators we’ve seen since City of Heroes was a thing, Code Vein lures your inner weeb into a chocolate factory of choice and customisation. Marry this with its anime gothic horror aesthetic and Code Vein positively exudes style. No wonder the developers strategically placed perching spots at Home Base where your character poses for the camera.

The formula for this game has been well covered prior to launch, but, forgive us for saying so, it’s a bit like Dark Souls and Bloodborne. We just needed to get that out of the way. This means you have a similar interlocking level design, resurrection and penalty system, and, to some extent, difficulty. However, Code Vein brings along some unique combat elements and increased focus on narrative and character design, and generally speaking, is a touch more accessible.

The character creator is indicative of intent. Code Vein is all about choice: how you look, how you play, what you wield. With all of these points, you’re not tied down to what you choose at the outset – your character’s body stays the same as it does at “birth”, but you can create as many outfits as you like, or even change their hair and accessories and alter between them at will. You can switch your combat role on a whim, and you’re able to transition between weapon types without the pitfalls of lacking the required experience.

This is a key differentiator to some of Code Vein’s