New PS5 trailer highlights Code Vein II's darker vision

GAMING NEWS Fyra Frost - 28-Jan-2026, 8:05 pm - 42 comments

Bandai Namco is ramping up promotion for Code Vein II ahead of its imminent release, unveiling a new PS5 launch trailer yesterday that offers the clearest look yet at the sequel's expanded combat systems, narrative scope, and visual direction. The trailer arrives as early reviews paint a picture of a sequel that is darker, more confident, more complex, and far more ambitious than its predecessor.

PS5 launch trailer showcases faster combat and new mechanics

The newly released footage emphasizes the game's evolution into a broader, more open-ended action RPG. Combat remains rooted in the series' soulslike foundations, but the sequel introduces greater fluidity, faster encounters, and a stronger focus on aggressive play. Drain-based abilities, weapon transformations, and Blood Code-style progression systems have been reworked to allow for deeper build customization, giving players more freedom to experiment with hybrid playstyles.

One of the most prominent additions highlighted in the trailer is the expanded Partner System. Companions are no longer passive support characters; they actively shape combat encounters, can be merged with the player for powerful abilities, and even revive fallen allies mid-battle. This mechanic reinforces the game’s emphasis on teamwork while still preserving the challenge expected from the genre.

Code Vein II pushes beyond the confined structure of the original. The story centers on a fractured world threatened by temporal collapse, with players moving between different time periods to alter key events and prevent catastrophe. This time-manipulation theme feeds directly into level design, enemy placement, and storytelling, allowing areas to change dramatically depending on when and how they are visited.

Critics who have already spent time with the game largely agree that Code Vein II feels more modern and self-assured. Many reviews praise the improved combat responsiveness, expanded enemy variety, and ambitious attempt to blend anime-inspired storytelling with systems more reminiscent of Elden Ring. Character creation and progression options are also frequently highlighted as standout features, offering one of the most flexible build systems in the genre.

However, impressions are not universally glowing. Several outlets point to technical shortcomings, particularly on consoles, with inconsistent performance and framerate drops occasionally disrupting exploration and combat. Some reviewers also note that while the game reaches for a more open world structure, not all environments feel equally refined or distinctive, leading to uneven pacing in certain sections.

Despite these issues, the general consensus suggests that Code Vein II represents a meaningful step forward for the franchise. Rather than simply refining what worked before, the sequel takes noticeable risks, rethinking its structure, mechanics, and narrative ambitions in an effort to stand alongside the genre's modern heavyweights.

Code Vein II launches later this month on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The game is one of the most closely watched action RPG releases of the early year, particularly for fans eager to see how far the series has evolved. If you are one of those, visit our comparator to purchase your copy of Code Vein II at the best price.

moskauu

12-Feb-2026, 10:38 pm on dlcompare.es

You can see ambition in every scene of the trailer. The narrative approach with time travel seems fresh and interesting to me. I like the mix of aggressive action RPG with dark aesthetics. Combat is faster and more strategic than ever. Seeing the game expand beyond the original is cool. The visual direction is really striking, it grabbed me.

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LaviBorra

12-Feb-2026, 9:15 pm on dlcompare.es

Code Vein 2 is to Code Vein what Elden Ring is to Dark Souls. Obviously, like its predecessor, the game isn't as polished as the Souls series, but it's interesting nonetheless, especially if you like the anime style. The game retains the essence of the first game, but improves upon it. However, it loses some speed, but what it loses in speed, it gains in responsiveness and accuracy. The only real downside for me right now is the game's performance. It doesn't stop you from enjoying the game, but you do notice some slowdowns at times, which is never pleasant.

PhoenixAdi

12-Feb-2026, 12:35 pm on dlcompare.es

I was delighted to see the more fluid and intense combat promised by this new preview. The way companions influence in battle is one of the best new features. So, it's a good game, but it's marred by poor technical implementation and questionable design decisions. Appreciated if the censorship is removed and the game improves its performance and optimization.

FiskerMann

12-Feb-2026, 8:54 am on dlcompare.es

I don't understand most of the negative comments. However, what I do agree on is the performance issues. The jerks and FPS drops sometimes make it difficult to dodge effectively. But for me, that's no reason to give it a bad review. Those who try to compare this game to Elden Ring make me shake my head. Sure, I may briefly remind you of it, but it's simply not a fair comparison. And it never was. Code Vein has a unique charm, which it already possessed in the first installment and has retained beautifully in the second.

AizenReis

11-Feb-2026, 8:52 pm on dlcompare.es

The truth is that I enjoyed most of the play time. It's far from a perfect game, and not nearly worth its price, but I think if it's on sale at a significant discount, the gameplay is fun enough to merit a full playthrough... maybe you'd better skip all the cinematic cutscenes to save yourself a headache.

Nachos

11-Feb-2026, 6:06 pm on dlcompare.fr

When I compare the launch trailer for Code Vein 2 with that of the original, what immediately strikes me is the evolution in tone and narrative ambition. The original was first and foremost an introduction to a gothic and mysterious post-apo world, where we discovered the universe of the Revenants and their thirst for blood. A universe unseen in 2019, combining RPG action and dark anime aesthetics. Visually, we see a technical evolution and a narrative confidence that weren't as assertive before. Personally, I found that the trailer for the second game gave the impression of a more lively and coherent universe, not just a stylish one. There's a kind of progression, a desire to involve us in a real emotional adventure rather than simply seducing us with style.

bonneinne

11-Feb-2026, 2:06 pm on dlcompare.es

A disappointment to wait 7 years for a sequel to one of my favorite games only to play something that gives the feeling that the team hates fans of a game they created. Great if you like empty maps and grind instead of playing an actual game. I'll probably try to finish what I can and see if my opinion changes, but I don't hold out much hope.

sergipd

11-Feb-2026, 11:13 am on dlcompare.es

Can we go back 10 years, when not everything looked spectacular in 4KHD, but could be played on virtually any device? The trailer looks great but there is no need for the graphics to have to try to simulate the real world.

ManDao

10-Feb-2026, 12:52 pm on dlcompare.es

This game conveys a clear evolution from what came before: darker aesthetics, faster and more challenging encounters, and a deeper narrative approach. The expanded mechanics with more active companions seemed to me particularly well thought out, bringing strategy and dynamism that will surely make each game session exciting and unique.

m3tralla

10-Feb-2026, 8:59 am on dlcompare.es

The idea of traveling between different times in a fractured world adds a unique touch. Coupled with the improvements to the combat and progression system, I feel that Code Vein II offers a set of elements that will keep me coming back to it again and again. I got the feeling that every corner of the game will have something interesting to offer.