"One of the most unoptimized games": Code Vein 2 launches on Steam to "Mixed" early access reviews as fans say it "feels like wasted money"

A good few years have passed now since Bandai Namco launched its own Dark Souls-esque action RPG, the original Code Vein – but reviews for its sequel, Code Vein 2, are a mixed bag so far so far.

If you've played the first Code Vein, then you likely remember it for its unique anime-aligned aesthetic and action-packed combat – two things its follow-up certainly boasts. The newer game isn't impressing on all ends, however, it seems. Eager fans who pre-purchased it and have 72-hour early access have been posting their thoughts on Steam, where reviews now sit with a "Mixed" rating overall.

"One of the most unoptimized games I have ever played," reads one of the recent reviews, "which is a real shame because it otherwise seems really cool."

Another player writes, "For now, it feels like wasted money for early access. The game performs like shit."

They aren't the only person to think so, either. "This game, for about the one hour that I played, felt like a spit in the face to fans of the first game," as somebody else puts it.

The "Mixed" rating doesn't imply negative reviews across the board, though – and there are plenty of players who appear to be enjoying their time with Code Vein 2.

"Code Vein was one of my favourite Souls titles, and this is already one of the most enjoyable games I've played in the past year," one positive review explains.

Another player adds that they've personally not "had one issue" performance-wise, despite various complaints from other fans.

Current Code Vein 2 reviews undeniably harbor quite an assortment of opinions, unlike the first game, which sits comfortably with a "Very Positive" rating overall on Steam. Amusingly enough, the most recent review for Bandai's OG action RPG takes a little jab at the sequel while hyping up its predecessor: "Better than Code Vein 2." Whether or not that's an objective fact remains to be seen – after all, the official release is on January 29.

Looking for something else to wishlist? Be sure to browse our roundup of the best new games coming this year and beyond for even more to anticipate.