Code Vein 2 is being slated online for “PS3-like” graphics, but are graphics really the be-all and end-all?
Bandai Namco’s Code Vein 2 looks interesting to say the least.
While I haven’t played the first game yet, I got a sneak-peek at the sequel at Summer Game Fest 2025 and thought it looked pretty good.
The soulslike combat instantly appealed to me and I do love a good anime aesthetic within reason.
However, after taking a look at some new gameplay I can’t help but agree with the gamers on this one. Code Vein 2 has some pretty weak visuals.
You can see the gameplay for yourself on YouTube, with one video running the game on an RTX 5080 at 4K. At first glance it doesn’t look too bad but, upon closer inspection, you can see a wide variety of problems that have earned it a comparison with PlayStation 3 era games.
How Are Players Already Playing Code Vein 2?
For those wondering how people are already playing the game, you can prepurchase it before its official release date of tomorrow, 29 January.
This is why it’s currently rated as Mixed on Steam before it’s even officially launched.
Gamers have been roasting the overall performance as well as the textures, with some comments claiming a game that “drops below 60 fps with a 5080 at native 1440p is unacceptable.”
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Like I said earlier others believe it looks worse than some last-gen games, hence the comparison with the PlayStation 3.
Even Cyberpunk 2077 caught some strays as some compared Code Vein 2’s performance to CD Projekt Red’s infamous problematic launch.
Performance Is One Thing But Who Really Cares About Graphics?
I completely understand the issues players are having with Code Vein 2 and, while some of the roasts regarding the game’s graphics are funny, I think the performance is a far bigger problem.
The base edition of Code Vein 2 costs around £55 before you start diving into Deluxe Editions, and while I can turn a blind-eye to some mid textures, it’s the performance that would have me refunding the game on Steam.
It makes me wonder just how important graphics are to the wider gaming community.
The Pokemon series, for example, has been releasing game after game with sub-par visuals and yet it still sells like hotcakes, despite players knowing exactly what they’re getting themselves in for.
In Code Vein 2’s case, after the performance issues have been patched and the core gameplay, is still enjoyable will it be better received by new players?
Have we really trained ourselves to notice when a patch of grass looks a little off? When did it get to this point.
