2026's first PS5 exclusive launches to terrible reviews

Code violet is now available at PlayStation 5but its early reviews are underwhelming at best and suggest deep, systemic problems at worst. As such, the first PS5 exclusive from 2026 launches with a whimper.

Code violet is a dinosaur action horror game positioned as a spiritual successor to Dino crisis. It was originally targeted for a November 14th launch but ended up being delayed to December 12th to avoid being released on the same day as Call of Duty: Black Ops 7according to developer-publisher TeamKill Media. The Wyoming-based studio later delayed the game by another month, citing the need to work on some last-minute technical issues as the main reason for the decision.

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2026 Video Game Release Date Calendar

Video game release dates for 2026 are still mostly a mystery, but we'll keep this page updated with new information on the biggest titles.

Code Violet launched to underwhelming reviews

Code violet has finally launched this Saturday, January 10, priced at $49.99 / €49.99. However, its early reviews are decidedly underwhelming, as underscored by the game's “Weak” rating on OpenCritic, based on an average score of 44. For reference, on January 11, Code Violent is ranked in the bottom 3% of all titles scored on OpenCritic. Looking at the actual content of the early reviews, the critics have panned Code violet for buggy enemy AI, chaotic action, poor animation quality, and weak weapon play, among other issues. The first PlayStation exclusive from 2026 is therefore strongly suggested to be an experience to forget.

Code Violet Early Reviews Overview

OpenCritic Avg. Score: 44/100
- Marked as “Weak” rating
- In the 3rd percentile of all OC grades
PlayStation Store Avg. User rating: 2.96/5

Technical issues such as glitches, crashes and various animation bugs are among the most cited complaints in the current crop of Code violet reviews. The shooting mechanics were described by some as weightless, leading to unsatisfying melee combat and an overall awkward feel. In addition to weapons lacking impact, several reviewers have also criticized the enemy AI, citing erratic and unthreatening behavior. Examples were dinosaurs gathering aimlessly, standing still or running into corners and getting stuck. All these questions are said to undermine Dino crisis-similar horror template that Code violet is looking to emulate.

Reviewers were also critical of Code violets story, citing a lack of focus and inconsistent tone. Push Square highlighted a particularly stark example, noting that the narrative set-up clashes with overt attempts to sexualize the main character – who starts the game in her underwear and embarks on a comically long pilgrimage to get her clothes, a premise the review describes as complete nonsense. The criticism is particularly noteworthy given that TeamKill Media has recently said Code violet will not be ported to PC due to its concerns about potential “vulgar” mods such a move could create.

Code Violet may have already surpassed 100,000 sales

Early reviews of Code violet has delivered an almost unanimous indictment of the game's camera, which has been widely described as ill-suited to navigating tight spaces. This is a significant shortcoming for a game that primarily takes place in narrow corridors. Praise was limited, although some reviewers noted it Code violet sometimes features compelling lore and visually striking environments. The dinosaur horror game's user reviews seem slightly better than its critical reception, with the title currently holding 2.96 stars on the PlayStation Store, based on nearly 2,000 user submissions. Reading between the lines, such a count of user reviews also suggests that Code violet may have already surpassed six-figure sales.

While the first exclusive PS5 from 2026 may have launched with a whimper, Sony's current generation console has many more titles on the horizon. The next exclusive high-profile PS5 to hit the market is Sarosa sci-fi action roguelite that is scheduled to arrive on April 30.