Code Vein

Code Vein is an action role-playing game released on September 27, 2019, using a similar template of the Dark Souls games, also published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Originally intended for a 2018 release, it was delayed to iron out bugs. The game was compared to God Eater in terms of artstyle and aesthetics.

Why It Rocks

 * 1) Awesome graphics with artstyle that could pass as a high budget CGI anime.
 * 2) Like many games similar to it, the game is challenging, yet fair, as the game gives you a permanent AI companion, though that's optional for those wanting it harder.
 * 3) * Each companion has a different personality that sets them apart from each other, on top of character development that helps you get attached to them. It helps that they all travel together in the story to build a bond and companionship
 * 4) * They all have different roles. Louis, for example, is the jack of all trades while Yakumo is the tank.
 * 5) A more streamlined leveling system, as the stats are based on your bloodcodes, which give you predetermined stats as opposed to leveling up a certain one. These can also be swapped right on the go to adjust to the right situation.
 * 6) Quite a bit of customization, both in regards to character creation and build setups. The game is quite generous with "gifts" which act like rings in the Souls games (passive) or spells/skills (active).
 * 7) Compared to other games, the lore, while still ambiguous at times, is a lot more straightforward.
 * 8) Multiple endings based on your actions.
 * 9) Good voice acting in both the original Japanese and English.

Bad Qualities

 * 1) NG+ enhanced is a lot harder than most other games; YouTuber FightinCowboy compares it to jumping right to NG+6 in the Dark Souls games. Fortunately, this difficulty mode is optional, as you are given a chance to do it at normal.
 * 2) Smaller variety of weapons compared to other Soulslike games.
 * 3) It's quite easy to mess up getting the best ending, as not only is it not outright told how to do it, you only have one chance to do it right.
 * 4) A lot of texture loading on the normal PS4. It looks clean enough once completed, but its very noticeable when still loading.
 * 5) The DLC packs were poorly received due to how short they are for its price.