Unveiling the Bland: When Games Lack Distinctive Flair
The Annual Gaming Spectrum: From Profound to Forgettable
Every year, countless video games vie for our attention. Some, like the emotionally resonant 'Despelote,' leave a lasting impact by prompting introspection about the real world. Others, such as the infamously flawed 'Mindseye,' etch themselves into memory through their sheer notoriety. Then there are those that find a middle ground, excelling in specific aspects that spark thought. However, a small subset of games simply washes over the player, leaving no discernible trace. These are the games that fade from consciousness almost immediately after the credits roll.
"Code Vein 2" and the Birth of the "Swagless Game"
Such was the experience with 'Code Vein 2.' Despite initial anticipation for its take on the popular Soulslike genre, the game, upon release, offered little beyond its numerous boss encounters. The expected depth and insight never materialized. After multiple play sessions, the game left an unsettling void, embodying the very definition of what the author terms a 'Swagless Game.' It represents a missed opportunity for genuine engagement and lasting impact.
Defining the Elusive "Swagless Game" Phenomenon
While the term 'Swagless Game' might seem subjective, its essence can be articulated. These are titles that feel manufactured, plucked from a catalog of current trends. They occupy the middle ground, serving as competent alternatives for players seeking familiar experiences without pushing any creative boundaries. Their narratives often lack substance, their art direction offers no surprises, and their combat, while functional, fails to inspire. They exist as a safe, predictable option in a saturated market.
The Paradox of High Budgets and Creative Caution
Contrary to popular belief, 'Swagless Games' are rarely low-budget affairs. Instead, they frequently represent significant investments, yet they lack a certain 'swagger'—a bold, confident willingness to take risks. These games shy away from innovative concepts or unique artistic expressions, opting for a formulaic approach. They are conceived as safe bets, aiming for broad appeal rather than groundbreaking achievements. This cautious strategy often results in a product that is perfectly adequate but ultimately uninspired.
"Code Vein 2": A Case Study in Competence Without Charisma
The action RPG 'Code Vein 2' exemplifies this dynamic. It competently delivers on the core expectations of a Soulslike: challenging boss battles requiring pattern recognition and precise evasion, along with a varied arsenal of weapons for discovery and exploration. The inclusion of a companion system, offering a built-in assist, adds a unique twist to the genre's typical solo-focused combat. In its mechanics, the game is undeniably proficient, yet it struggles to forge a distinctive identity.
Beyond Mechanics: The Lack of Lasting Impression
Despite its technical proficiency, 'Code Vein 2' struggles to captivate beyond its fundamental gameplay. Its narrative is a convoluted mess of unmemorable proper nouns, utilizing superficial lore in place of genuine storytelling. The characters remain indistinct, lacking personality or memorable traits. What once made the original 'Code Vein's anime-inspired visuals stand out in 2019 now feels less remarkable in 2026. The game's open world, vaguely ruinous, fails to leave any significant mark. Even the combat, while functional, offers nothing new to differentiate it from countless other action games employing a similar 'avoid and attack' rhythm.
The Interchangeability of "Swagless" Titles Across Genres
The vague nature of 'Swagless Games' makes them highly interchangeable with the popular titles they emulate. Many Soulslike-inspired games released recently fit this description, including 'Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty,' 'Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn,' 'Lords of the Fallen,' 'Steelrising,' and 'Mortal Shell,' all of which leave little specific recollection. These competent but forgettable action RPGs stand in stark contrast to genre masterpieces that dared to innovate, such as 'Lies of P' with its unique Pinocchio premise or 'Hollow Knight's valiant two-dimensional take on the format.
A Universal Phenomenon: Beyond the Realm of Video Games
The 'Swagless Game' phenomenon isn't exclusive to the video game industry. It's a universal characteristic found across all art forms. Think of a formulaic disaster movie starring a popular action star, or an Oscar-bait biopic that ultimately fails to garner awards, like 'Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere.' These examples parallel 'Code Vein 2' in their attempt to engineer success based on data rather than creative vision, often resulting in bland imitations. This explains why a game like 'Elden Ring' becomes a generational classic, while its countless imitators fail to capture its magic.
The Subjective Nature of a "Swagless Game"
Ultimately, the label 'Swagless Game' is subjective, defying a precise, scientific definition. It's a feeling—an experience where a game washes over you without eliciting any strong reaction. These are the games you glimpse at a Summer Game Fest showcase and promptly forget before the next reveal. They are the free-to-play multiplayer games you try once with friends and never discuss again. They are the titles you play for a few hours, promising yourself a return that never comes. For the author, 'Code Vein 2' is that game, with its unresolved boss battles likely remaining in limbo.