What Happens When Memories Fade: The Consequences of Not Restoring Memories in Code Vein
The immediate consequence of not restoring the memories of a successor in Code Vein is that you are locked out of their “good” ending. Instead, you will witness a different, tragic outcome where the successor becomes corrupted and turns into a Lost, forcing you to fight and ultimately kill them. This action will result in inheriting their Queen’s Relic piece but without fully understanding their past or being able to prevent their corruption. You effectively choose to end their suffering prematurely, forfeiting the chance for a more positive resolution and impacting the overall narrative.
Unveiling the Narrative Importance of Memory Restoration
Code Vein’s gameplay is deeply intertwined with its narrative. Each successor, burdened with the responsibility of maintaining a bloodspring and preventing a complete Revenant extinction, carries a fragmented past. These memories, contained within Vestiges, are not merely optional lore tidbits; they are crucial for understanding the successor’s motivations, fears, and the burden they carry. Restoring these memories through the use of specific blood codes obtained from exploring the game world is essential to reaching the “good” endings.
The Path to Ruin: Ignoring the Past
Choosing to ignore or failing to locate and restore these Vestiges leads down a darker path. Without these restored memories, the successor’s resolve crumbles under the pressure of their immense task. The constant drawing of blood and the weight of their duty become unbearable, and they succumb to the insatiable thirst that plagues all Revenants. This descent culminates in their transformation into a powerful, corrupted Lost, a grotesque reflection of their former selves.
Gameplay Implications of Failure
The gameplay implications of this choice are significant. While you still progress through the game, you miss out on the unique blood codes and skills associated with the restored memories. These blood codes often offer valuable stat bonuses, unique gifts, and combat styles that can significantly enhance your character’s build. Furthermore, the fight against the corrupted successor is often more challenging than the “good” ending version, as they unleash the full power of their distorted state.
Narrative and Moral Choices
The decision to restore memories or not presents a compelling moral choice. It forces players to consider the ethics of intervening in someone’s past and the responsibility that comes with uncovering potentially painful truths. Are you willing to delve into their deepest fears and traumas to help them, or will you choose the seemingly easier path, even if it leads to a tragic end? Your choices profoundly impact the narrative and shape the overall experience.
The Long-Term Impact on the Story
Failing to restore successor memories has ripple effects throughout the remainder of the game. While you are still able to complete the main storyline, the atmosphere is significantly darker and more melancholic. The characters around you react to your choices, and the overall sense of hope diminishes as you witness the consequences of your actions. The final ending you receive will also reflect the decisions you made regarding memory restoration, leading to a less satisfying conclusion.
Loss of Potential Allies and Knowledge
Restoring memories not only grants you access to powerful blood codes but also strengthens your bond with the successor. This can lead to new dialogue options, insights into the game’s lore, and even potential alliances in the future. Failing to restore their memories effectively severs this connection, isolating you further in a world already filled with despair.
The Burden of Unfulfilled Potential
Ultimately, choosing not to restore memories leaves you with the burden of unfulfilled potential. You are left to wonder what could have been if you had taken the time to uncover their past and offer them solace. This lingering regret adds a layer of depth and complexity to the game, prompting players to reflect on the consequences of their choices long after the credits roll.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I know if I’ve restored all the memories for a successor?
The game provides visual cues. After defeating the area boss and interacting with the successor, you’ll see a series of memory vestiges appear. Restore each vestige by finding its corresponding blood code pieces throughout the surrounding areas. Once you’ve restored all vestiges, a final, complete vestige will appear. Interacting with this complete vestige before interacting with the successor at the mistle will trigger the “good” ending.
2. Where can I find the blood code pieces needed to restore memories?
Blood code pieces are typically found in the area surrounding the successor. Explore thoroughly, as they are often hidden in side paths, behind breakable objects, or guarded by tough enemies. Make sure to check every corner! Specific NPCs may also offer hints or directions to these pieces.
3. Can I go back and restore memories if I missed them the first time?
Yes, you can return to previously visited areas to find missed blood code pieces. The game allows you to backtrack and explore at your own pace. Keep an eye out for areas you may have overlooked during your initial playthrough.
4. Does restoring memories affect my character’s alignment or karma?
No, Code Vein does not have an alignment or karma system. The consequences of your choices are purely narrative and gameplay-related. Your character’s moral standing is determined by your actions within the story, not by a numerical value.
5. Are all the successor fights harder if I don’t restore their memories?
Generally, yes. The corrupted successors are significantly more powerful and aggressive than their “good” ending counterparts. They often have new attack patterns and abilities that can make the fight much more challenging.
6. What is the benefit of restoring memories besides the “good” ending?
Restoring memories grants you access to powerful blood codes and gifts, provides valuable insights into the lore, strengthens your bond with the successor, and allows you to experience the full depth of their character arc.
7. Can I restore memories in New Game Plus?
Yes, you can restore memories in New Game Plus. All the blood code pieces and vestiges will be available again, allowing you to make different choices and experience the “good” endings you may have missed in your first playthrough.
8. Is there a “perfect” order in which to restore memories?
There is no strictly “perfect” order, but restoring memories in the order they appear in the game’s progression is generally recommended. This allows you to follow the story’s intended flow and understand the characters’ development in a more cohesive manner.
9. What happens to the blood code pieces I collect if I don’t restore the memories of a successor?
The blood code pieces remain in your inventory. You can still use the incomplete blood code, but it will be significantly weaker than the fully restored version.
10. Can I get all the blood codes in a single playthrough?
It’s impossible to obtain all blood codes in a single playthrough. Obtaining the “good” endings locks you out of the corrupted successor’s Queen’s Relic. Therefore, multiple playthroughs are required to collect everything.
11. Is the “good” ending always the best choice?
Whether the “good” ending is the “best” choice is subjective and depends on your perspective. Some players may find the tragic outcomes more compelling or morally ambiguous, while others may prefer the more hopeful and optimistic resolutions.
12. Are there any missable blood code pieces or vestiges?
Yes, some blood code pieces and vestiges are missable if you progress too far into the story without collecting them. Always explore thoroughly and check online resources if you’re unsure.
13. Does the difficulty level affect my ability to restore memories?
The difficulty level does not affect your ability to find blood code pieces or restore memories. It only impacts the combat difficulty and the amount of damage you take from enemies.
14. What if I accidentally trigger the corrupted successor fight?
If you accidentally trigger the fight against the corrupted successor, you are locked out of the “good” ending for that particular successor in that playthrough. You can, however, restore their memories in a subsequent playthrough.
15. How does restoring memories affect the final ending of the game?
Restoring memories of all the successors and fulfilling certain other conditions unlocks the “true” ending of the game. This ending provides a more complete and satisfying resolution to the story, tying up loose ends and offering a glimmer of hope for the future of the Revenants. Failing to restore memories leads to alternative endings that are generally less optimistic and more bittersweet.