Review: Code Violet (PS5) – Gooner Shooter Struggles to Impress
Code Violet is a newly released action-adventure game for PS5, but it struggles to leave a lasting impression. The game opens with quotes from Leonardo da Vinci, hinting at ambition that ultimately remains unfulfilled.
Game Overview
Set in a futuristic facility in space, the narrative begins abruptly with the main character, Violet, waking up to chaos. She discovers her friend has fallen victim to a velociraptor. Stripped down to her underwear, Violet is forced to navigate the facility in search of clothing and weapons while evading her dinosaur predators. This bizarre premise raises numerous questions about the storyline’s logic, particularly regarding Violet’s earlier choices.
Gameplay Mechanics
Players guide Violet through a series of narrow corridors while avoiding voracious velociraptors. Unfortunately, the gameplay experience is marred by technical glitches and unresponsive controls. Many players report encountering bugs right at the start, which can result in instant deaths.
Combat mechanics are similarly lacking. The third-person shooting system feels ineffectual, with weapons delivering minimal feedback. For instance, shotguns fail to produce any real impact, leading to frustrating encounters where players cannot discern if they are successfully hitting their targets.
Visual and Technical Issues
The camera work is particularly problematic. Close-ups often obscure the action, making it difficult to navigate confined spaces. Add this to a lack of clear mission guidance, and players can find themselves lost and confused.
Enemy Variety and Puzzles
Violet primarily faces velociraptors, with a few additional dinosaur types thrown in. The enemy variety feels stale, as players may find the encounters repetitive. Basic puzzles appear sporadically, with tasks like finding keycards or solving simple challenges to progress through locked doors.
Character and Costumes
Despite Violet’s serious mission, the game also includes various costumes that seem out of place. From 1950s pin-ups to sexy cowgirl outfits, the selectable character skins seem to contradict Violet’s grim situation. This humorous juxtaposition may catch some players off guard, leading to an absurd tonal clash.
Graphics and Length
On a positive note, some visuals in Code Violet are impressive, particularly outdoor scenes. However, the game mostly confines players to dimly-lit corridors. In terms of gameplay duration, Code Violet can be completed in approximately six hours, making it easier to digest, though it still feels drawn out at times.
Conclusion
While Code Violet attempts to deliver an intriguing narrative and gameplay experience, it ultimately falls short. With its disjointed mechanics, inconsistent tone, and technical flaws, players may find this title more amusing than engaging. For those in search of a thrilling dinosaur shooting adventure, it might be best to look elsewhere.