Code Vein's NPC companions are a key distinguishing feature

Project Vein's action-RPG Code Vein has been compared to Dark Souls ever since it was originally announced, and we recently got the chance to speak with producer Keita Iizuka about the game, during which time we asked what sets Code Vein apart in a genre filled with similar titles.

"So the baseline's quite similar, because this is a dungeon-based action-RPG which is really challenging, so you have to try again and again to clear stages, but then you can enjoy the sense of achievement," he explained via a translator. "But what differentiates Code Vein is the fact that you can accompany your companion, an NPC, and the other characteristic that Code Vein has is the very robust storyline throughout the game that you can experience - not only having a consistent storyline throughout the game but also each companion has [their] own storyline which is revealed as you go to dungeons. So this combination of dungeons and robust storylines is one of the individualities of the game."

We also asked about the AI allies you can get, to which Iizuka responded: "So these buddies are AI-based, they're independent and they have their own personality. So these buddies, they don't just simply attack the enemies for you - that's not the way they act or work - but they accompany, they come with you throughout the journey to provide support. And these weapons that they can use or the Blood Veil that they have, called the Gift of SKills, are different depending on which companion and which buddy that you use."

For more on Code Vein, and in particular the AI companions, be sure to check out our preview, as well as the full interview down below. Do you think Code Vein will strike a chord with fans of Souls-like games?