Code Vein – Our first impressions of the game

Code Vein by Bandai Namco Entertainment is arriving sometime in 2019 and we are absolutely excited about it. During an event by Bandai Namco Entertainment a few weeks ago, we got the chance to try out a demo of the game. Here are our first impressions.

Code Vein is a hardcore action RPG that is only rather easy than the Dark Soul series (in my opinion). Firstly, you get to customize your character with all sorts of customizing options including on the hair, face, eyes, and costumes. The customize options are a lot more compared to God Eater 3 (previously released by the same developer) and they appear great in the game.

The demo only offers content from the first chapter, so unfortunately we couldn’t know whether you are allowed to free roam around the massive world, or you can only access a certain area while doing a mission. Also, you can only unlock the map after you reached the specific checkpoint. Otherwise, you will only see your character icon and your footprints on the map. You will be able to view the obtainable items and equipment on the map too.

In terms of combat, Code Vein features a combat style similar to Dark Souls’ but with separate Weak and Strong attack. Both your character and enemies are having a Stamina Bar and Focus Bar. You can charge up your Focus Bar by receiving damage from enemies or with perfect dodge (which is obviously a better way). When the bar is full, you can activate a Focused attack by pressing R1+Triangle button. The Focused attack would be extremely useful to turn the tide during a battle, so you have to use it wisely.

One of the biggest differences between Code Vein and Dark Souls is that you can change your combat style (Job). As you progress, you can acquire/inherit the NPC’s or Boss’s Job after defeating them and these Jobs will affect your equipable weapons and usable skills. You can equip up to 8 skills to use in your battle. The skills will have CD (cooldown time), while some limits how many times you can use them per battle.

The game allows you to team up with NPC, and you will be glad that the NPCs are very helpful. For example, they would discover an ambush even earlier than you and aid you in raiding enemies. However, this doesn’t mean that you are unbeatable if you teamed up with NPCs. When come to Boss fight where both you and NPCs used up the Heal skills, the NPCs will try to transfer a part of their remaining HP to you. You will be able to continue the fight with sufficient HP, but you will be at a disadvantage too as your NPC would die anytime and you won’t have them to assist you.

In this demo version, we are of course allowed to experience the first boss fight. Just like in Dark Souls, the boss has 2 HP bar and will change its appearance once its HP got below 50%. For example, the boss is in its human form at the first stage and transforms into monster form when it is in its second stage.

You will return to the base once you completed a mission. At the base, you can purchase various kinds of weapons and costumes as well as changing your character appearance. Other than these, we also tried out the Into the Depths mode. It is a difficult maze with powerful enemies and bosses, but in return, you get better loots. You will enjoy your time in this mode if you seek challenges.

Graphics-wise, Code Vein is featuring a 3D-anime styled graphics. Most of the animation with intense actions came out thrilling, and since the game is made by Unreal Engine 4, the attack effects look all cool as well.

In short, the demo is pretty good and challenging (we died a lot of times trying to defeat the first boss). However, the hit feedback of the weapons during combat could be improved and it will be better if the skills (in skill tree) are explained using animation instead of words. Can’t wait to enjoy the full version of Code Vein! For more updates about the game, you can stay tuned to the official site.

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