Game Freak's latest action role-player, Beast Of Reincarnation, delivers the studio's best graphics to date, but its compelling combat is undermined by a forgettable narrative and missing accessibility features. The game, released on August 4, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, earns a 7/10 in our review.
Visuals and Setting
Beast Of Reincarnation presents a detailed, post-apocalyptic Japan where nature has reclaimed human civilization. The environments, while somewhat generic, are visually impressive and should dispel the notion that Pokémon's flat graphics stem from a lack of talent. Instead, it appears to be a matter of time and budget allocation.
The game marks a significant departure from Game Freak's typical non-Pokémon output, trading 2D platformers for a Soulslike-inspired action RPG. Combat requires patience and quick reflexes, with campsites serving as save points where players can upgrade skills and restore health.
Combat and Difficulty
Despite its Soulslike DNA, Beast Of Reincarnation is not overly punishing. Death only sends players back to the last campsite without losing unspent skill points or resources. Difficulty options can be adjusted at any time, making the game challenging but fair.
Players are expected to have some familiarity with action games from the start. Enemies are aggressive, and mastering parrying is essential. Parries fill a stagger bar, enabling instant kills when full, and prevent stamina depletion. There's no visual cue for standard parries, requiring players to learn enemy attack patterns, some of which involve six or seven consecutive swings. A red flash warns of unblockable attacks that must be dodged.
The Canine Companion Koo
Parrying also earns Florescence Points (FP) for Koo, the canine companion and the game's standout character. FP powers Koo's bloom arts, including flammable projectiles and vine attacks that pull enemies together. Koo also auto-attacks and can learn skills like planting landmines or curing status ailments, making him invaluable in tough battles. He can be knocked out but revives after a time and alerts players to resources, such as seedlings for cooking stat-boosting food.
Progression and Customization
The opening hours are rough due to a limited skill set and tough early encounters, but both the protagonist Emma and Koo gain new abilities through a vast skill tree and level-ups. Combat becomes more manageable and fun, though not easier. Players have freedom in building their character and Koo, with options for defensive or offensive strategies. Multiple swords with passive effects can be upgraded, and special attacks require stamina but deal heavy damage and stagger enemies.
Fights with multiple enemies can be chaotic, with off-screen attacks and unfair gang-ups, but players gradually unlock moves like a dive attack to handle them. Stealth and ranged options are also available.
Story and Characters
The story, involving Emma's quest to kill the Beast of Reincarnation, is simple but bogged down by uninteresting lore presented in a dull manner. Attempts to explore themes of emotions and free will fall flat. Emma is emotionless and wooden, and the supporting cast is equally dry. Koo is the only endearing character, purely for being a cute dog. The game's storytelling is less memorable than even Pokémon's.
Length and Replayability
Beast Of Reincarnation shows budgetary constraints: boss fights are recycled halfway through, and exploration becomes more linear after the first zone. The dull story makes the game feel padded, despite a playtime of just under 23 hours. The lack of accessibility options, including adjustable subtitles, is a significant oversight.
Verdict
Beast Of Reincarnation is Game Freak's best non-Pokémon project since 2005's Drill Dozer, proving the studio can create engaging games beyond Pokémon. It bodes well for next year's Pokémon Winds and Waves.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Addictive combat, extensive skill tree, excellent companion, stunning visuals.
- Cons: Weak opening, boring story, unfair group fights, no accessibility options.
Score: 7/10. Formats: PlayStation 5 (reviewed), Xbox Series X/S, PC. Price: £49.99. Publisher: Fictions. Developer: Game Freak. Release Date: August 4, 2026. Age Rating: 16.
