A world in ruins, vampiric beings, and a soulslike that swaps gloom for anime hair.

From what you can read of this still-thin profile, Code Vein holds a solid middle with one clear peak. The feel with a controller comes out on top, ahead of 74% of games on the early votes, which fits its lineage: this is above all about demanding combat. Desert island and attachment follow above the middle. Where it stumbles is the art style, slipped lower, ahead of only a fifth of games. An interesting tension to confirm: a game that's a pleasure to handle, but whose anime look cuts sharply enough to split the room.

Against the heavyweights of the soulslike, Code Vein owns its difference in tone, more flamboyant, more character-driven. It charms as much as it divides.

So who's it for? You, if you love nervy soulslike combat served by a stylish direction and a companion at your side. Much less if anime aesthetics put you off, or if you want the grave austerity of the genre's models.