As revealed in today’s Nintendo Direct, Saber Interactive is thrilled to share that Turok: Origins, the upcoming first-person and third-person sci-fi action shooter, is coming to Nintendo Switch 2! Originally revealed for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, we are also excited to announce that this new evolution of the legendary dino-hunting franchise will be released on all platforms in fall 2026.
In Turok: Origins, players will take on the mantle of the ancient Order of the Turok, heroic guardians of unimaginable power locked in a battle for survival against ferocious creatures and a terrifying alien threat that seeks to destroy all human life in the galaxy. Unleash devastating attacks on enemies with powerful weapons and abilities in both first-person and third-person action, harnessing fallen foes’ DNA to upgrade your arsenal. Embark on a high-stakes adventure across the treacherously beautiful Lost Lands, on your own or together with friends, and unravel the mysteries that hold the key to saving humanity.
Key Game Features
Battle Challenging Enemies: Fight as a team in co-op or solo against a variety of creatures, dinosaurs, and bosses that take to the ground, sky, swamps, and caves to push your skills to the limit. Engage in intense combat, using everything at your disposal to survive, including melee attacks, special abilities, and fine-tuned weapons.
Unleash Your Arsenal: Unlock and upgrade advanced weaponry to dominate your enemies in battle. Plasma rifles, ray guns, snipers, bows, shotguns, and more are all yours to wield.
Unlock DNA Powers: Extract DNA from fallen foes and the environment to upgrade your arsenal, evolve your mantle, and unlock even more abilities called EchoSyncs to gain a greater edge in combat.
Experience an Epic Story Across the Lost Lands: Journey across breathtaking and deadly worlds on a range of planets. From ancient temples and wasteland canyons to dense jungles, each location holds pieces of an unforgettable story packed with twists and turns.
Turok: Origins will be released this fall on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. For the latest news and information, visit TurokOrigins.com, and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. Stay tuned for more reveals in the coming months as we gear up for launch later this year.
London (February 5, 2026) During today’s Nintendo Direct presentation, Capcom revealed exciting updates for its lineup of upcoming titles. Demos for both PRAGMATA™ and Monster Hunter Stories 3™: Twisted Reflection are available starting today on a variety of platforms. Also, Resident Evil™ Requiem showcased all-new gameplay footage on Nintendo Switch™ 2, plus the reveal of an amiibo™ figure for Leon S. Kennedy during the show.
PRAGMATA Demo Releases on Consoles Today
The PRAGMATA Sketchbook demo launches today on consoles. This free public demo transports players to a cold lunar research station in the near future. In this sci-fi action-adventure game, space farer Hugh and android Diana join forces to find a way back to Earth after the station’s AI classifies them as threats and dispatches enemy Bots to “neutralize” them.
In the demo, players can experience the highly anticipated title’s unique combat and exploration at home for the first time on consoles. Beyond getting a feel for the game’s exhilarating fusion of hacking and shooting, players are encouraged to replay the Sketchbook demo. This taste of the game has been crafted with fun surprises in store, including hidden features you might only find after repeat playthroughs, so prepare to explore and put their action skills to the test.
The PRAGMATA Sketchbook demo is available on consoles starting today via the Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store and Xbox Store. The demo is also out now on Steam for PC.
PRAGMATA launches on April 24, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. Pre-orders are available now and include the samurai-themed Neo Bushido costume for Hugh and ninja-inspired Neo Kunoichi costume for Diana as a bonus. A Diana amiibo figure will also release on the same date and include compatibility with the Nintendo Switch 2 version.
Note: The PRAGMATA Sketchbook demo only supports English and Japanese voice over. See the official website for the list of all languages supported in the full game. Some in-game features of this demo may also differ from the full game.
Begin Your Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection Journey with a Free Demo
Riders can step into a world on the edge of collapse with a free demo for Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, available now on the Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and PC via Steam. Set centuries after the Rift War, the land of Vermeil faces an unprecedented crisis as monsters near extinction, and the natural order begins to collapse. Players embark on a new journey in Capcom’s beloved turn-based RPG series, forging bonds with Monsties and shaping the legacy they’ll carry through systems like the Rite of Channeling and Habitat Restoration.
The demo features the opening chapters of the game, with save data transferrable to the full game releasing on March 13, 2026, on the Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. In the Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection – Trial Version, players can edit the appearance of the Protagonist to their liking and as many times as they like! With the Trial Version, have a taste of the new battle systems, such as Wyvernsoul Gauge and Synchro Rush, as well as experiencing the duties of a Ranger, such as Habitat Restoration. Pre-orders are available now with the Skyscale Queen Layered Armor for Eleanor as a pre-order bonus. Amiibo for Ratha, Ratha V, and Rudy are also available, which will unlock additional in-game outfits at launch.
For more information, visit the Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection website or follow Monster Hunter on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
Experience the Horror and Action of Resident Evil Requiem on February 27, 2026
Today’s Nintendo Direct featured all-new gameplay footage of the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth mainline entry in the iconic survival horror Resident Evil™ series, which will launch on Nintendo Switch 2, as well as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Epic Game Store, and GeForce NOW on February 27, 2026. Experience exhilarating, death-defying action with legendary agent Leon S. Kennedy and spine-tingling survival horror with FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft in a whole new way as you freely switch between first and third-person perspectives at any time.
And launching this summer are the first-ever Resident Evil amiibo for both Grace Ashcroft and the legendary Leon S. Kennedy. Pre-orders for the Deluxe and Standard editions of Resident Evil Requiem are available now, with the Deluxe edition featuring the same base game as the Standard edition, plus an exclusive pack of five costumes, four weapon skins, two screen filters, two charms, and more!
About Capcom
Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices. Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including groundbreaking franchises Resident Evil™, Monster Hunter™, Street Fighter™, Mega Man™, Devil May Cry™ andAce Attorney™. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Tokyo, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan. More information about Capcom and its products can be found at www.capcom.com or news.capcomusa.com.
Capcom, and the Capcom logo are registered trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. in the U.S. or other countries. Ace Attorney, Devil May Cry, Mega Man, Monster Hunter, Resident Evil and Street Fighter are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. and/or its subsidiaries, in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
Berlin, Germany – February 5, 2026 | Indie developer Indifferent Penguin is proud to announce that American Football-infused top-down action game Tackle for Loss is out now on PC, just in time for the Super Bowl!
Tackle for Loss sees players take on the role of a former American football pro whose daughter has been kidnapped by the seedy criminal underworld. Inspired by the frenetic action of Hotline Miami and Taken, players will battle their way through thugs and goons using the skills they picked up on the gridiron.
Tackle for Loss uses a fast and brutal combat system influenced by American football’s four-down rule: limited moves, no room for error, keep moving forward at all costs. With only four offensive actions available on each floor of these multi-storey building stages, players will need to study the layout of the rooms ahead of them, plan their route, and then commit to the drive.
Every character in the game, including the main protagonist, will die in one hit, making every floor a high-stakes puzzle of speed and accuracy. Rapid restarts allow players to immediately get back into the action, honing their strategy for the ultimate run.
“I created Tackle for Loss because I love fast, aggressive action games that feel incredible in the hands,” said developer Daniel Wichterich. “I wanted to create a game that captured the raw energy and violence of American football, but from a completely different angle. I’m so excited for people to be able to play it today.”
Tackle for Loss is out now on PC, and can be purchased on Steam.
About Indifferent Penguin
Indifferent Penguin is a German independent game studio based in Berlin and founded by solo game developer Daniel Wichterich. Its debut title, Tackle for Loss, is supported by funding from the Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, a German film and media funding agency, and will launch in February 2026.
We hop right into the many modes in My Hero Academia: All’s Justice has to offer, partaking in the final story arc, some online battles, open team missions, and of course using our favorite heroes to fight it out as well in Bandai Namco’s latest anime fighter.
MY HERO ACADEMIA: All’s Justice – Gameplay
MY HERO ACADEMIA: All’s Justice brings the climactic Final War of the hit anime and manga series to life in a fast-paced 3D arena fighter built around explosive 3v3 battles. Players take control of fan-favorite Heroes and Villains in their most powerful forms, reliving iconic moments from the final story arc with cinematic presentation and over-the-top Quirk-based combat. Every fight is packed with flashy supers, tag-team mechanics, and high-impact clashes that capture the scale and intensity of the series’ ultimate showdown.
Beyond Story Mode, the game offers multiple ways to experience the world of My Hero Academia, including Team Up Missions, Hero’s Diary, and Archive Battles that let you revisit legendary encounters from across the saga. With its refined combat system, massive roster, and faithful recreation of the Final War, All’s Justice delivers the most complete and dramatic My Hero Academia fighting game to date.
MY HERO ACADEMIA: All’s Justice Developer: Byking Inc. Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC (Steam) Release Date: 6 February 2026 Price: $59.99 USD
Not Recommended – “A huge roster and solid modes can’t hide how many steps back My Hero Academia: All’s Justice takes, making this finale fun but disappointing for longtime fans of the series.”
The acclaimed clicker base building game will arrive February 19 on Switch, PS5 & Xbox.
Macclesfield, UK – 05 February 2026
GrabTheGames &Silver Lining Interactive are delighted to announce that Outpath, the beloved experimental clicker-base-building adventure, is finally coming to consoles! The cozy modern-classic will arrive on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5& Xbox Series X/S on 19 February, 2026. This release joins the existing PC version, giving players even more freedom to explore, build, and unwind on their favourite platforms!
Venture Far – Build, Expand, Unwind
Outpath invites players to explore unknown, pixel-stylised islands at their own pace. Gather. Craft. Build. Explore. Relax. No time limits, no pressure, just you and the big world! The game already stole the hearts of PC players with its 94% positive reviews on Steam, and with its arrival on consoles, console players will be able to enjoy this adventure both on the big screen, and on the go!
Coming 19 February 2026!
Outpath for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X/S launches globally on 19 February 2026. Players can add the game to their wishlist now ahead of the digital release.
Outpath Key Features
Craft, gather, and manage resources to build your base and unlock new tools and items
Expand your domain by buying additional islands – explore, exploit, and grow your land
Automate production and build systems, or play manually, the choice is yours
Optional idler/clicker mechanics: ideal for players who prefer laid-back progression without pressure.
About Silver Lining Interactive
Silver Lining Interactive is an independent games publisher based in the North of England. Founded by a team of seasoned professionals for two decades, this studio has been a cornerstone of the indie game scene. With a passion for fostering creative talent and great games, Silver Lining Interactive is committed to bringing innovative, high-quality games to players worldwide, physically and digitally.
About Grab The Games GrabTheGames is a publisher based in Olsztyn Poland with almost 100 titles published on multiple platforms, well-known from titles like: Ale & Tale Tavern, Gladiator Guild Manager, Outpath or Rungore.
Launching this Summer Exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2
LONDON & TOKYO (Feb. 5, 2026) – Grab a partner and prepare for an intergalactic experience like no other – the retro anime-inspired two-player co-operative adventure Orbitals launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch™ 2 this summer.
Orbitals invites co-op buddies to take on the roles of Maki and Omura as they take to the stars in a last-ditch effort to save their home from a dangerous cosmic storm. Together, they will leap through dangerous caverns, pilot their spaceship through perilous asteroid fields, go head-to-head in unique minigames and use their wits to overcome every obstacle in their path – and have fun along the way.
Challenge your friend to a quick arcade game and enjoy a brief respite from your travels.
During their space-faring adventures, Maki and Omura will use a variety of tools to solve puzzles and unlock the route ahead, including:
The Scrap Hook – grapple and move platforms with ease, creating new routes for your partner to leap to
The Liquid Launcher – blast a stream of pressured water to activate far-off mechanisms and cool down hot surfaces
The Beam Cannon – unleash a highly-concentrated stream of intense heat to destroy obstacles and even melt metal obstacles
While one player melts the girder with the Beam Cannon, the other can move it with the Scrap Hook. Put your minds together to use your tools in a variety of ways.
In Orbitals, there’s a whole galaxy of adventures waiting for you – are you ready to overcome the odds together?
Players can connect in various ways using their Nintendo Switch 2 console. Either by teaming up with two pairs of Joy-Con™ 2 controllers on a single Nintendo Switch 2 device for split-screen local co-op, or using the system’s GameShare feature to share Orbitals with another player on a compatible Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch device and taking advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in microphone and GameChat, players around the world can team up and save the day together as one inseparable team.
Orbitals will launch exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 this summer and is available to Wishlist now. For more information, follow the game’s official social channels or sign up for the official newsletter on the official website at www.orbitalsgame.com.
About Shapefarm
Shapefarm is a Tokyo-based studio comprised of an international team of creative talent turning dreams into games.
United by a deep love of classic Japanese visual design and storytelling, the studio’s first original project, Orbitals, embodies the studios’ passion for creating enduring and universally resonant experiences crafted with the highest level of artistry.
About Kepler Interactive
Kepler Interactive is a video game company and creative studio headquartered in London. With games like Pacific Drive, Sifu, Rematch and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Kepler curates its partnerships with developers worldwide to showcase some of the newest and most brilliant ideas in gaming that combine experimental game design with unique art direction.
Alongside its game portfolio, Kepler’s creative studio seeks to bring games to life in areas such as art, fashion, music, architecture and design through development of lifestyle products and collaborations with artists like fashion designer Robyn Lynch. Kepler explores the creative spaces that inspire games and the people who make them – challenging perspectives and elevating the medium to a new level. Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo.
In this 2.5D hand-painted beat em’ up, this nutritious selection of greens bites back
[Poland – February 5, 2026] — Are you ready to beet your greens? Developer Jumble Cat Studios and Publisher Tate Multimedia just released an extended gameplay trailer for their upcoming roguelite beat ’em up, Vegelypse. Announced at IGN’s Post-TGA Showcase, feast your eyes on some more root-ripping combat as the Hard Rock Cacti Band pummel their way through hordes of mutated fruits and veggies to stop the cataclysm.
The Vegelypse has officially begun… time to smash ‘em up! The Hard Rock Cacti band was rocking out when they were rudely interrupted by an onslaught of mutated produce monsters, and only they can punch, smash, and chop your way through this invasion of predatory produce. With vibrant hand-painted visuals and smooth frame-by-frame animation by Jumble Cats Studios, a hard-hitting metal soundtrack that’ll have you jamming out, and multiple game modes that diversify your experience, Vegelypse is a roguelite beat ‘em up with equal parts crunch and carnage.
Key Features:
Beat ‘Em Up with Roguelite Elements: Classic Smash ’em Up action blended with random modifiers, a unique evolution system, and Perks, ensuring unique experiences with every playthrough.
Monster Vegetables: Battle huge, aggressive, mutated fruits and vegetables that form a truly unique rogue’s gallery of enemies.
Hand-Painted 2.5D Visuals: Stunning visual style inspired by classic cartoons and animation, featuring smooth, frame-by-frame animation.
Hard-Rock Soundtrack: The atmosphere of destruction and power is underscored by an energetic Hard-Rock Soundtrack featuring fast riffs and drums.
Multiple Game Modes: Uncover the plot in Story Mode, fight for high scores in Arcade Mode, and take on challenges in Arena Mode.
About Tate Multimedia
Tate Multimedia has been an independent game developer and publisher for over 25 years, specializing in delivering successful IPs to players all over the world. They share their experiences with other development teams to help deliver their dream projects to the players. The team is made up of passionate and highly dedicated folks with years of industry experience.
About Jumble Cats Studios
Jumble Cats Studio is a brand new studio from Poland. The core team has known each other for over 18 years, during this time they gained experience on various projects, including Oxytone and Space Tail. Working with teams from around the world and learning the entire game development process. Now, with new ideas, passion and energy, they are working together to create new IP that will bring fun and challenge to players that love modern and retro games.
Play as a paintbrush-wielding artist in stunning 2D hand-drawn adventure with flow-state gameplay
Cologne/Berlin, Germany – February 5th, 2025 – As revealed today at the Japanese Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase, Blue Backpack and co-publishing partners ByteRockers’ Games and PARCO GAMES are excited to confirm that their critically acclaimed 2D hand-drawn metroidvania, Constance, is coming to Nintendo Switch on May 1st. News on a PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S release date is coming soon!
Constance was hailed as among the best in the genre and won comparisons to the likes of Hollow Knight and Celeste when it hit PC in December 2025. Switch fans now get to experience the metroidvania exploration, flow-state platforming and engaging combat for themselves on May 1st.
In Constance, you can transform into paint to dive into the ground and walls, slice through the air and enemies, and utilize an array of unique brush techniques to experience a constant state of flow. Become stronger by unlocking new brush techniques, defeating threatening foes, overcoming platforming challenges, and solving complex puzzles to advance your progress as you uncover Constance’s past! Help her understand her personal struggles, unlock her creativity, and find her inner purpose.
Explore 6 unique biomes in Constance’s inner-world, with each region featuring its unique set of enemies and characters representing different aspects of her psyche and personal history. Uncover countless secrets, multiple paths, deadly boss battles, characters, side quests and collectibles in this nonlinear interconnected inner-world.
About Blue Backpack Blue Backpack is an independent developer and publisher for narrative driven games. Based in Berlin and Cologne, Blue Backpack is currently working on two games: Constance and The Berlin Apartment.
About ByteRockers’ Games Berlin-based development studio and publisher of indie games that loves to rock n’ roll. Currently working on the code-based bullet hell Net.Attack() and a space-themed mining simulator named Exovia, the company has a long track record of releasing quality games since 2018. As publishing partner and proud resident of the German games capital, supporting small teams with fresh ideas has become the signature of ByteRockers’ Games, who make a point to show face at local events of all sizes and even take on the role as industry advocate with the politicians and media in town.
About PARCO GAMES PARCO Co., Ltd. has launched a new business venture to apply its unique discernment and creativity cultivated in the fields of fashion, entertainment, and art to the gaming industry. The company has made a full-scale entry into the game publishing business and established a new label, “PARCO GAMES.” ‘PARCO GAMES’ serves as the umbrella brand for PARCO’s game-related businesses, incorporating the newly added publishing division. Through events, collaborations, and in-store promotions at PARCO retail locations, the company aims to comprehensively and globally advance its game business.
The interactive survival experience where every decision could be your last launches on PC today
London, UK – February 5, 2026. PRM Games, in collaboration with Benacus Entertainment and RNF Productions, today announces that The Run, the gripping Full-Motion Video (FMV) horror-thriller from acclaimed interactive filmmakerPaul Raschid (The Complex, Five Dates, Ten Dates, The Gallery, Hello Stranger), is out now on PC via Steam for £9.99/$9.99/€9.99 with a limited time 10% launch discount.
Following its success on iOS and Android and a groundbreaking interactive cinema residency in London, The Run arrives on PC as a bold evolution of cinematic gaming, an immersive experience where players don’t just watch the story… they live it.
Set along a remote running trail on the breathtaking shores of Lake Garda in Northern Italy, the story follows a famous fitness influencer whose morning jog spirals into a desperate fight for survival. Hunted by seemingly motiveless killers, players must make split-second decisions that shape the narrative in real time, with every choice leading closer to escape… or a brutal end.
For writer and director Paul Raschid, The Run showcases how interactive cinema is evolving into its own powerful storytelling medium. Blending the language of film with the agency of games, the experience is designed to be intense, emotional, and deeply personal, putting players directly inside the narrative where every moment unfolds around them and every life-or-death decision is theirs to make.
Watch The Run reveal announcement trailer below:
Featuring a stellar cast led by Roxanne McKee (Game of Thrones, Strike Back) and George Blagden (Vikings, Versailles), the experience also includes unforgettable appearances from horror icon Dario Argento and screen legend Franco Nero. With more than three and a half hours of filmed content, multiple branching storylines, twenty unique deaths and five distinct endings, no two playthroughs are ever the same.
Beyond traditional gaming, The Run has captivated audiences worldwide with screenings at Raindance London, MOTELX Lisbon, Dinard and Imagine Amsterdam, before a two-month residency at London’s Genesis Cinema, where audiences voted on critical story decisions in real time, transforming gameplay into a shared cinematic event.
Key Features
Choice-Driven Narrative with five dramatically different endings
Timed & Paused Decisions for solo play or live audience participation
20 Unique Deaths determined entirely by player choices
Dynamic Story Map revealing every branching path
Over 3½ Hours of Filmed Content blending cinema and gameplay seamlessly
A New Era of Interactive Entertainment where storytelling, gaming and film collide
Your choices decide who lives and who doesn’t. Step into the story and experience The Run today, available now on Steam for £9.99 / $9.99 / €9.99.
ABOUT BENACUS ENTERTAINMENT
Founded by Seth Michaels and Sara Sometti Michaels, Benacus Entertainment is a fast-rising independent production company based in Atlanta, Georgia and Rome, Italy. The company creates bold, high-quality feature films, documentaries, and scripted and unscripted television, earning a reputation for delivering projects on time, on budget, and above expectations.
Projects include YOUR HOST, a critically acclaimed horror thriller directed by DW Medoff and starring Academy Award®️ nominee Jackie Earle Haley, as well as THE RUN, directed by Paul Raschid, an interactive “pick-your-own-storyline” feature that pushes the boundaries of the FMV genre and allows audiences to immerse themselves in cinematic storytelling, with choices that shape the outcome in real time.
ABOUT RNF PRODUCTIONS
Founded in 2018, RNF Productions is dedicated to the art of storytelling through feature films. Combining industry expertise with innovative technology, the company produces award-winning films that resonate with audiences worldwide. With a mission to push the boundaries of cinema, RNF Productions develops narratives that inspire, challenge, and entertain.
The company’s slate features YOUR HOST, a chilling horror thriller from director DW Medoff starring Academy Award® nominee Jackie Earle Haley, and THE RUN, an innovative interactive film from director Paul Raschid that reinvents the FMV genre. By placing audiences at the center of the story, THE RUN delivers a groundbreaking cinematic experience where every choice drives the outcome in real time. RNF Productions continues to expand its reputation as a bold voice in global independent cinema, championing stories that leave a lasting impact.
About Paul Raschid
Paul Raschid (33) wrote and directed The Run and is one of the world’s most prolific FMV game-makers.
He has helmed 6 released titles to date (5 full and 1 demo). These are: The Complex, Five Dates, Ten Dates, The Gallery, Hello Stranger and Deathtrap Dungeon: The Golden Room. They were released on Steam, Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile.
Five Dates was nominated for the BAFTA Cymru Best Film award in 2023.
As well as FMV games, Paul is a linear feature filmmaker. His most
notable credit is as writer-director of sci-fi thriller White Chamber for which Shauna Macdonald won Best Actress at BAFTA Scotland 2018. It was released on Netflix following selection for 10 film festivals worldwide including BIFFF Brussels, Edinburgh, BiFan S.Korea, FrightFest London, Sitges and Mumbai.
About PRM Games.
The Run is PRM’s third title as publisher after Hello Stranger and The Gallery.
It can be hard to make a mark in a genre where even back in 2019 Soulslikes were brimming with variations. That is when Bandai Namco tried something a bit different, infusing anime-styled characters and a storyline packed with unique takes on the genre with Code Vein. Offering a different approach to combat, skills, and even the standard approach to playing with allies, Code Vein found itself a certain niche with its style and now seven years later the series has returned and is looking to reinvent itself again. Only this time, it will do so both with some time traveling and an open world to boot. The question is, have these adjustments to Code Vein II retained what made the original unique enough to stand out from the pack?
Story
Set completely apart from the original game, very little background information is provided outside of glossary texts so players will likely want to have a quick refresher if they’ve never touched the original. That being said, Code Vein II takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where most of the land has been destroyed and humans and Revenants, vampire-like undead with incredible powers, strive to survive through an unknown world destroying Resurgence. Players begin with their created Revenant Hunter just as they are being revived from an unknown apparent death. The one that has saved the player’s life is a special Revenant by the name of Lou who has the unique ability to travel through time. Lou has shared half of their heart with the player, tying their fates together.
Shortly after being revived, the player learns that the current world is on the brink of falling apart entirely due to the events that happened in the past. A hundred years ago multiple heroes sacrificed themselves to quell another bout of Resurgence that would have torn apart the land. These heroes cocooned themselves in an effort to hold out as long as possible but now as their life force dwindles away, the cataclysmic aftermath of their unsealing will doom what is left of the world. As such, it is up to the player, with Lou’s ability, to travel back in time to find a way to fix these situations as well as put an end to these heroes’ twisted forms in the present before they can destroy the very land they had tried to protect. Or will players attempt to change history itself even if it means altering the future in unknown ways?
Code Vein II tells a fairly interesting storyline that may not reach the heights that the original game did but does find some solid footing. The post-apocalyptic setting and time travel work as great ways to show off how a land is prior to certain events and their current situation, as well as if any changes have been made through the player’s actions. It is also worth noting that the overarching storyline is quite emotional especially since many of the characters that players interact with have some great personalities behind them and, since many of them are also partner characters that will fight alongside the player, it helps make them feel a bit more attached than if they were simply standing around the hub zone. That being said, it is unfortunate that the player character is entirely silent again and has literally no voice outside of a few dialogue choices that appear superfluous at best.
It also works exceptionally well when it comes to pulling at emotional heartstrings since almost every occasion that sees players traveling to the past and growing close with a character over their time interacting with them will eventually result in a terrible loss once they see them again in the present. This impact works for each instance and hits home especially hard with a few of the heroes that players encounter, including the first hero and a certain healer. As mentioned earlier it is worth noting that not all of the characters are handled the best and a few happen to fall quite flat along the lines which is disappointing. Plus, although the game’s open world structure does allow for some environmental storytelling thanks to the time travel changes, the optional “dungeons” and most of the environment lack any noteworthy lore where they easily could have included some.
Gameplay
Code Vein II has done away with the stage-like structure used in the original game and has expanded into a full open world experience where players will now be able to, mostly, travel wherever they see fit. Unfortunately while this sounds good in practice, it doesn’t quite work as well as one may hope. The open world is often quite barren with enemies scattered around here and there in small groups or patrolling roads with the occasional collectible that will serve to boost how many times the player can use their healing “Regeneration” and others that increase how much it heals. It is also worth noting that many locations that may seem interactable are often not or are completely walled off through invisible walls. While this may make sense during the past sections where player exploration is limited slightly due to the time travel zone, it doesn’t make any sense during normal exploration.
This is also something of an issue when it comes to optional locations and dungeons that players actually can explore. Many of these do have useful rewards at the end such as weaponry, boosters, Jails, and even Formae guarded by bosses that tend to be a bit on the easy side, especially since the respawn point is often right outside the fog gate. Some locations can even feature region-wide buffs that players can have active once they are located. The only issue is, once again, trying to find which location is actually a dungeon and which is simply a desolate building or empty cave and this is often simply done through trial and error or unveiling the map through slaying a Horror that otherwise shrouds the map. This often makes exploring the open world feel more trouble than its worth, especially when some falls can instantly kill the player for no reason as they should easily be survivable.
One thing that players can do in most locations is travel via a Formae formed motorcycle to navigate through various locations but not only is the terrain often too much of an issue at times, the ability to “jump” the motorcycle and deploy wings to glide is also often ruined by the aforementioned invisible walls. Players cannot simply jump their way through to the top of a dungeon if they find a way, as it’ll simply be blocked. This means that while the motorcycle is neat, it is often sparsely used and has an oddly small durability meter meaning it can’t even be used to crash into enemies well. That and the fact that players can easily fast-travel to any “Mistle,” that serve as spawn points and level up spots, that they have unlocked at any time as well as bond locations.
Mistle works as a mini-hub of sorts as players not only respawn at the latest one they’ve rested at, a place to talk to Lou, storage management, and also level up at these locations using “haze” obtained from slain enemies. Unlike most games in the genre, leveling up is literally just that, a straight level up that boosts some stats each time. The real factor when it comes to building the player’s character and build happens to revolve around the Blood Code they have equipped. As the player progresses through the game and interacts with various characters they will be bequeathed Blood Codes by these characters and each one has various stats and benefits of all kinds. The longer the player fights using a Blood Code the more they will master it and eventually, if mastered, be given a higher tier version of that same Blood Code.
The types of weapons that players utilize, whether it be the new type of weapons such as twin blades and ruin blade or returning weapons such as swords, halberds, and even a bayonet, they all base their attack value and “equipment load” off of various stats depending on the Blood Code equipped. Similarly, players will have various Defensive Formae such as shields, parrying gauntlets, and even side-stepping Formae to defend themselves alongside dodging as well as offensive formae like a bow and arrow or even a massive axe that triggers an AoE that slows enemies within its range. Equipping items that surpass the player’s stats will “burden” them and reduce their dodging speed and lower the effects of the item they aren’t capable of handling properly. Thankfully players can not only equip boosters, as mentioned before, that boost stats but can change Blood Codes at any time to fit their playstyle.
In combat the aforementioned Offensive Formae will require “Ichor” to activate with different types requiring different amounts. In fact, all types of offensive Formae require Ichor including weapon based ones that focus on attacking and the best way to build up the player’s Ichor gauge is by attacking foes with their Jail. A Jail is a special type of weapon that not only deals damage but also focuses on making enemies bleed to fill the player’s Ichor gauge, allowing for them to continue to use special Formae moves in a fight. Jails also serve as the fancy “execution” style moves players can trigger on staggered enemies to deal massive damage and almost always refill their Ichor gauge. It is worth noting that Jails come in all different kinds of shapes and sizes, be it something akin to a scorpion tail, a swarm of bats, a giant claw hand, and more and they feature all kinds of unique approaches to combat on their own, so finding one that best fits the player’s style and potentially the enemy’s movements can be key to winning some of the tougher battles. Especially since the title’s primary bosses are the real test of a player’s skill.
Earlier it was mentioned that many side-dungeon and even main dungeon bosses are quite easy to defeat the first time through and this is true for the most part. This is thanks to a few things that we’ll mention momentarily but when it comes to the main storyline bosses that include cutscenes and everything else, that is where the challenge lies. These foes will put players through the wringer in more ways than one as they tend to inflict status ailments, have multiple forms, wide-reaching attacks that feel cheap more often than not thanks to exaggerated hit-boxes, and often arrive when players cannot try to upgrade their gear more before fighting them once again. Thankfully, many of these harder bosses can be taken down through sheer will and mastering their attack patterns as well as modifying attack strategies as needed, and a bit of luck sometimes of course.
Now, one thing that makes combat feel a bit easier for the most part in Code Vein II is that players are rarely ever actually alone in a fight unless they choose to be. While Bandai Namco has removed online co-op entirely from the game which is a strange and unfortunate decision, especially with how extensive the character creation is, players will almost always have a Revenant ally at their side. Throughout most of the story a Revenant involved in the plot will accompany players and fight alongside them and use their own Formae and attacks to slay enemies. While the damage they deal to foes is not “permanent” unless they kill them or the player lands a hit too, it does wonders to keep enemies distracted or draw attention away from the player for a quick heal or gain some breathing room to obtain Ichor.
Should the player fall in combat their Revenant partner will temporarily join forms with the player to revive them and put them back into the fight, and should the player stay alive long enough, their partner will also return and this can happen multiple times even in a boss battle. It is worth noting that not all allies will fight alongside players and will only stay inside their fused form to provide strong buffs as a result, and players can always have their ally enter their form as well at any point should they feel like facing a challenge alone. Being able to have a choice of allies at any time feels like something more Soulslke titles could offer, especially with how it works here in Code Vein II. Though considering co-op was removed or even any form of summoning, that is probably how it is balanced as a result.
Audio & Visuals
The best example of how gorgeous Code Vein II can look comes from the character models themselves as not only can players spend hours customizing their own appearance but the various models of their allies are also gorgeously detailed. Censorship is a minor issue as well with some character outfits, including DLC outfits, but it isn’t too much of a problem in the end. The flow of combat and action works extremely well in most battles and never seems to suffer slow-down even when the boss battles grow rather intense. The various Jail attacks on staggered enemies are as flashy as any player can hope for but it is unfortunate that the camera really struggles to keep things in sight, especially if players end up getting boxed in by a large enemy, resulting in a blind battle and dodging situation.
The actual open world itself is a mixed bag unfortunately. Thanks to the post-apocalyptic nature of the game, most locations are destroyed wrecks and a lot of textures are incredibly rough looking up close. It also really doesn’t help that so much of the open world feels empty and bland. On the other hand though, seeing how some locations change drastically between the present and the past is outstanding and really shows what type of challenges the world has gone through over the century. Time skips, especially when locations that were once manned by allies are now nothing more than hollowed out buildings and long forgotten graves.
Code Vein II offers both an English voice track as well as a Japanese voice track for players to choose from. The English voice actors handle their roles quite well and have a lot of emotion in their voices during dramatic sequences and crying out in their twisted forms during certain boss encounters. As for the background music the title features a fairly solid collection of tracks though only a few really stand out in any noticeable way and, once again, they tend to arise either during dramatic moments or action packed boss encounters.
Overall
Bandai Namco took a fairly large swing with Code Vein II by changing their standard formula up so much after only one game but for the most part it turned out alright. The story is engaging when it focuses on the characters that players meet and fight alongside on their journey while the combat is incredibly enjoyable and features both team-work and a wide-range of customization options that give players plenty of ways to tackle nearly every challenge. Unfortunately, dropping co-op entirely and shifting to an open world that barely feels worthwhile to explore at times and clunky to travel through at best isn’t the greatest look, especially when many of the locations are dreary and bland, like an idea stretched a bit too thin. That isn’t to say that Code Vein II doesn’t have plenty to offer, as it really does try its best to retain its identity while experimenting with new elements, but it simply stumbles along the way and falls short of its predecessor as a result.
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