The recent announcement ofCode Vein 2has made me concerned about the sequel repeating a critical blunder that was present in the first installment of thisDark 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 themost underrated soulslike gameswill keep its established anime-based visuals while putting players in control of a character in a harsh world.
Originallyannounced during Summer Game Fest 2025and 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 2needs 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, butbosses didn’t leave much of an impression on me, so much so that I can hardly remember the name of a singleboss inCode Vein.
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. Thebosses fromDark Soulsserve as a great example. Artorias, Gwyn, Quelaag, and so many others leave a mark in your memory, whereas the bosses inCode Veindon’t do that. There are several reasons I believe are the cause of this, and all of them could be fixed withCode 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, andCode Vein 2could take a lesson from titles likeElden RingandLies of P, for example. The issue with the bosses in the originalCode Veindoesn’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 2should make their introductory cutscenes a lot more meaningful, like those seen in severalbosses fromElden Ring, for example. Making them calmly speak with the player should also make them feel more menacing.
Another thing that needs some tweaks is the moveset for bosses.Surely, the bosses in the firstCode Veindo 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 inCode Veincompared to other soulslike titles, the bosses inCode Vein 2should 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 firstDark 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, andCode Vein 2needs 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 thebeautiful Malenia theme inElden Ring, which is also heard in theShadow of the ErdtreeDLC.
Other Design Issues Should Be Fixed With Code Vein 2
Map Design & Exploration Need Tweaks
I consider the design issues with bosses inCode Veinto 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 byElden Ringin 2022.
Another issue to address inCode Vein 2is 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 Veinis 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 ofCode Vein 2, but the trailers so far have already hyped me up a bit.
