Two Killer Soulslikes We Saw at Summer Game Fest 2025

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 yr’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 Sport 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 via the opening hour, although it did not really feel practically sufficient to completely 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 – Greater, and With a Bike!

Darn, that is one I actually wished to get my palms 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 most likely 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 after I was speculating what recreation 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! Properly, sort of. It is a sequel in identify, however Bandai Namco additionally describes it as a reimagining. Count on some acquainted components, however Code Vein II may be very a lot its personal recreation. The lore behind this sequel is definitely fairly thrilling, too.

Basically, 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 sort out. 

Gamers can befriend varied legendary Revenants — primarily, the vampire-like beings from Code Vein — in each previous and current. You might be, after all, the hero of your personal story. Code Vein was recognized for its sturdy character creator, so you will be joyful to know it is expanded to be higher than ever. 

We solely bought a style of precise fight in Code Vein II. Footage is fast-paced and extra akin to a standard hack-and-slash motion recreation than a Souls-like, not less than at first look. I doubt it can 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 primarily dictate the category of the participant and the burden of its stats. As it is a sequel, little question we’ll see new Blood Codes on this one. We’ve got some new mechanics known as Jails and Formae, each of which primarily boil right down to offering extra skills and strategies 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 will likely 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 recreation has me pondering 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 recreation, but in addition as a result of it was fairly pleasant! 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 in the beginning of Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. There’s some emphasis on story right here, and primarily, you are stricken with an ailment known as Feathering. It appears to be like precisely because it sounds, however Wuchang, the eponymous protagonist of this recreation, makes use of it to her benefit. 

Wuchang is extraordinarily succesful with all type of weapons, and there have been varied kinds I may 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 palms. There are quicker and slower kinds 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. In case you prefer to cheese your bosses, it is most likely attainable, however I really feel prefer it’s not fairly that easy on this one.

Our character, Wuchang, has loads of skills at her disposal. Charging up your heavy assault and hitting the again of sure enemies stuns them and lets you pull off a strong assault. We will additionally forged spells, so if an enemy is pressuring you, take a step again, forged a spell, and do some first rate injury on them.

There are many different mechanics which can 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 exhilarating battle. Fight left me very happy, so I am wanting to see how far Wuchang: Fallen Feathers can go. 

Code Vein II and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers was previewed Summer time Sport Fest.