Today Bandai Namco released a batch of new screenshots of its upcomingSouls-like JRPG Code Vein.

The screenshots focus on two characters, Cruz and Karen. Cruz was used as a guinea pig for a series of horrific experiments which attempted to save mankind. Suffering intense pain during the failed research, she became a destructive force able to control the lost, nicknamed "the Queen". 

Karen is Louis' older sister. She used to work as a researcher on the experiment that changed Cruz, and she was killed as a consequence. She was then brought back as a revenant and she supports the other revenants in battle.

We also get a look at cooperative multiplayer that allows players to call for help when they find themselves in a pinch against the lost in a dungeon. By sending a distress signal, another player connected online will be summoned pretty much like in the Souls series, but with the addition of the AI-controlled companion which will still be part of the action.

Communication is done via a combination of animated gestures, stamps, and vocal lines, allowing players to quickly relay tactics and their situation.

Some of the screenshots also show the story, with our hero responding to a call to fight against Cruz. Paired with Jack, he comes in contact with the Queen, but accidentally loses his mask. The Queen's aura can accelerate massively the bloodlust of a revenant, so the hero begins to turn into a Lost, and Jack shots him to end his misery. The scene ends with the hero falling into a chasm, apparently dead.

You can check out all the screenshots below. If you want to see more, you can enjoy some recent screenshots and footage, recent gameplay that we recorded at a press event (where Azario finally killed the boss that kicked my butt in Tokyo back in September), another large batch of screenshots, some more gameplay from Taipei Game Show, another recent gallery of screenshots, more images and information, and the latest trailer. You can also read our interview with Producer Keita Iizuka and Director Hiroshi Yoshimura.

Code Vein will launch in 2018 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.