Only a few Soulslikes land for me, exterior of ones developed by FromSoftware themselves. Nonetheless, there’s all the time potential for a success, as was the case with final 12 months’s Black Delusion: Wukong. For 2025 and past, I am really optimistic about the way forward for the style, particularly after seeing a number of potential bangers at Summer time Recreation Fest 2025.
I am speaking about Code Vein II and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. Within the case of the latter, I had an opportunity to play by way of the opening hour, although it did not really feel practically sufficient to totally grasp what it needed to provide. For Code Vein II, we got a presentation that left me optimistic about this thrilling sequel.
Code Vein II – Larger, and With a Motorbike!
Darn, that is one I actually wished to get my fingers on. Sadly, I solely have phrases and hands-off gameplay to go off of right here, however let me let you know why I am so excited for Code Vein II.
The primary Code Vein was in all probability the primary Soulslike — once more, exterior of FromSoftware’s personal video games — to click on with me. The slick anime aesthetic and quicker tempo of fight resonated with me, and once I was speculating what sport this may be based mostly on my SGF appointment’s obscure description, I hoped it was Code Vein II.
And right here we’re, a sequel! Nicely, sort of. It is a sequel in identify, however Bandai Namco additionally describes it as a reimagining. Anticipate some acquainted components, however Code Vein II may be very a lot its personal sport. The lore behind this sequel is definitely fairly thrilling, too.
Primarily, we’ll be touring between previous and current timelines with the assistance of our participant’s companion, Lou MagMell. Hopping between timelines, 100 years to the previous after which again to the current, is a frightening narrative problem however one I’m excited to see the developer deal with.
Gamers can befriend varied legendary Revenants — basically, the vampire-like beings from Code Vein — in each previous and current. You might be, after all, the hero of your individual story. Code Vein was identified for its strong character creator, so you may be glad to know it is expanded to be higher than ever.
We solely acquired a style of precise fight in Code Vein II. Footage is fast-paced and extra akin to a conventional hack-and-slash motion sport than a Souls-like, at the least at first look. I doubt it’s going to deviate a lot from its Soulsy roots, however there’s potential for Code Vein II to develop extra into its personal factor.
One returning mechanic are blood codes, which basically dictate the category of the participant and the burden of its stats. As this can be a sequel, little question we’ll see new Blood Codes on this one. We’ve got some new mechanics referred to as Jails and Formae, each of which basically boil all the way down to offering extra talents and methods to make the most of throughout fight.
There’s additionally a bike. This appears to be a focus in Code Vein II, as a result of the Bandai Namco sales space at SGF had a prop motorbike that was very cool. That is used to traverse the world, which shall be a lot greater this time round. I am not going to say it is on Elden Ring‘s scale, however having to make use of a mount in a Soulslike sport has me considering massive.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers – Wuxia Souls
I additionally had an hour to play Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, however darn all of it, I want I had extra. One, as a result of it is a mechanically wealthy Soulslike sport, but additionally as a result of it was fairly satisfying! Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is, little question, one of many least clunky video games I’ve performed within the style, which is a pitfall far too many fall into.
This demo takes place proper initially of Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. There’s some emphasis on story right here, and basically, you are stricken with an ailment referred to as Feathering. It appears precisely because it sounds, however Wuchang, the eponymous protagonist of this sport, makes use of it to her benefit.
Wuchang is extraordinarily succesful with all type of weapons, and there have been varied types I might check out on this demo. I landed on utilizing the bottom longsword, because it felt prefer it catered to my playstyle of barely heavier, longer weapons wielded with two fingers. There are quicker and slower types gamers can use, after all.
The core mechanic to Wuchang: Fallen Feathers revolves round Skyborn May. As I perceive it, completely dodging assaults and different actions grant you extra energy, so fight places an emphasis on participant ability. Should you wish to cheese your bosses, it is in all probability potential, however I really feel prefer it’s not fairly that straightforward on this one.
Our character, Wuchang, has loads of talents at her disposal. Charging up your heavy assault and hitting the again of sure enemies stuns them and lets you pull off a robust assault. We are able to additionally forged spells, so if an enemy is pressuring you, take a step again, forged a spell, and do some first rate harm on them.
There are many different mechanics which might be at play right here, however I used to be nonetheless within the midst of getting these defined to me by the point my demo ended. Nonetheless, I made it to the primary boss of the demo and defeating them in an exciting battle. Fight left me very glad, so I am desirous to see how far Wuchang: Fallen Feathers can go.
Code Vein II and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers was previewed Summer time Recreation Fest.
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