Following the worldwide unveiling of the Xbox One X, the debut of killer new Assassin's Creed: Origins gameplay footage, and the confirmation that PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds will be an Xbox One console exclusive, Microsoft pulled yet another punch during its E3 2017 press conference. The company announced the release date for Code Vein. Players can expect the game for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in early 2018.

From Bandai Namco, Code Vein blends together the RPG and action genres and throttles it into a post-apocalyptic world dripping in red and black tones and teeming with half-human creatures, tech-altered vampiric beings, and blood-thirsty beasts. The announcement piques players' interest by promising they can "discover a ruined world with a thirst for blood" in Code Vein. Microsoft showed off a sliver more Code Vein gameplay that features ornately costumed characters, larger-than-life monsters, and plenty of weapons perfect for hacking and slashing opponents to the ground.

Microsoft previously provided a synopsis for Code Vein:

"In the not too distant future, a mysterious disaster has brought collapse to the world, as we know it. Towering skyscrapers, once symbols of prosperity, are now lifeless graves of humanity’s past pierced by the Thorns of Judgment. At the center of the destruction lies a hidden society of Revenants called Vein. This final stronghold is where the remaining few fight to survive, blessed with Gifts of power in exchange for their memories and a thirst for blood. Give into the bloodlust fully and risk becoming one of the Lost, fiendish ghouls devoid of any remaining humanity.

Code Vein is a third-person action RPG that finds players assuming the role of a Revenant. After stumbling into Vein, players are tasked to embark into the world with a companion picked from the various residents of Vein to uncover lost memories and an exit out of this new demented reality. The world of Code Vein is dangerous, full of vicious enemies and monstrous bosses to put players’ combat skills to the test."

In addition to the disquieting narrative, Code Vein comes packed with unique key features. Players can create their own characters and choose their partners, using their combined brains and brawn to calculate their approach and prevent any sneak attacks from taking them down. Weapons like the Blood Veil offer protection, as it drains a player's enemies and enhances their own tactical abilities. Code Vein gamers can also make use of "Gifts" that run on opponents' blood; improved strength and speed, overpowered assaults, and new weapons can all be unlocked with these gory add-ons.

The release date confirmation comes a few short months after Code Vein was officially announced. Bandai Namco first asked video game fans to "prepare to dine" in a brief concept trailer, and previously confirmed that development on Code Vein was about 35% complete. Microsoft didn't comment on where that progress sits now, but players finally know when they can sink their teeth into the game. All that's left is to catch wind of a month and a day to join the year of release.

Code Vein is slated for release on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in early 2018.