Code Violet Gameplay Basics
Code Violet features third-person action horror gameplay that combines exploration, combat, resource management, and puzzle-solving elements. The game emphasizes survival horror mechanics within a sci-fi setting populated by prehistoric dinosaurs.
Core Gameplay Loop
The fundamental gameplay loop consists of:
Exploration and Navigation
- Third-person perspective with over-the-shoulder camera
- Free movement through interconnected facility areas
- Environmental interaction with computer terminals, doors, and machinery
- Vertical exploration including climbing and accessing higher areas
- Stealth sections requiring careful movement and timing
Combat Encounters
- Real-time combat against various dinosaur species
- Weapon-based fighting with firearms and melee options
- Resource management during fights with limited ammunition
- Enemy variety requiring different tactics and approaches
Resource Management
- Limited inventory system with restricted carrying capacity
- Strategic item selection based on current needs
- Health management through medical supplies and rest locations
- Ammunition conservation due to scarcity
Progression
- Area-by-area advancement through the bioengineering complex
- Key collection and puzzle-solving to unlock new areas
- Story revelations through documents and audio logs
- Evacuation protocol serving as time pressure mechanism
Controls and Interface
Basic Controls
- Left stick: Character movement
- Right stick: Camera control
- R2/RT: Aim weapons
- R1/RB: Attack/fire weapons
- L2/LT: Block/dodge
- L1/LB: Switch weapons
- X/A: Interact with environment
- O/B: Reload weapons
- Triangle/Y: Open inventory
User Interface
- Health indicator in upper-left corner
- Ammunition count displayed during combat
- Inventory display showing current items and remaining slots
- Objective marker indicating next story goal
- Map access through pause menu
Difficulty Levels
Standard Difficulty
- Normal enemy health and damage values
- Moderate resource availability
- Standard checkpoint frequency
- Balanced challenge for average players
Hard Difficulty
- Increased enemy health and damage output
- Reduced resource availability
- Fewer checkpoints for added challenge
- Recommended for experienced survival horror players
Survival Difficulty
- Maximum enemy health and damage
- Severe resource scarcity
- Limited checkpoints increasing penalty for death
- Permadeath options available
Key Gameplay Systems
Health System
- Health points displayed numerically and visually
- Damage from dinosaur attacks, environmental hazards, falls
- Healing through medical kits, medical bays, rest locations
- Death results in checkpoint reload
Weapon System
- Multiple weapon types with different characteristics
- Ammunition types specific to each weapon
- Weapon degradation through extended use
- Upgrade system using collected resources
Inventory System
- Limited slots based on carrying capacity
- Item management requiring strategic decisions
- Quick item access through directional buttons
- Storage access at specific locations
Stealth Mechanics
- Noise detection system with visual and audio indicators
- Cover system for hiding from enemy patrols
- Distracting actions using environmental objects
- Silent takedowns with melee weapons
Puzzle Elements
Environmental Puzzles
- Terminal hacking to unlock doors and access information
- Power restoration to activate facility systems
- Keycard collection and sequence matching
- Circuit repairs to restore functionality
Timing Puzzles
- Evacuation countdown creating time pressure
- Dinosaur distraction timing for safe passage
- Security bypass requiring precise timing
- Escape sequence coordination with other survivors
Save System
Checkpoint System
- Automatic saves at designated checkpoints
- Manual saves at specific locations
- Continue points after death with resource penalties
- Chapter selection after clearing areas
Save Restrictions
- Limited save points in combat areas
- Resource consumption when saving in certain locations
- Autosave frequency varies by difficulty setting
Accessibility Features
Code Violet includes multiple accessibility options:
- Subtitle sizing adjustment
- Color blind modes for better visibility
- Audio cues for important game events
- Simplified controls option
- Difficulty modifiers for reduced challenge
The gameplay basics of Code Violet provide foundation for more advanced mechanics and systems that players will encounter throughout their journey through the bioengineering complex.