Beast of Reincarnation: Game Freak’s new action game mixes familiar ideas
The Verge reviewed Beast of Reincarnation, the new action game from the studio behind Pokémon, and found that while its combat is engaging, the title largely recycles ideas from other games.
Game Freak, the developer known for the Pokémon series, is set to release Beast of Reincarnation, an action game that departs from its usual franchise. The title arrives on August 4th for PS5, Xbox, and PC.
Set in a postapocalyptic version of Japan 2,000 years in the future, the game combines science fiction and magic. Many humans have transferred their consciousness into robotic golems to survive a world-ending calamity. A mysterious blight has turned wildlife into aggressive mutants, and the return of an immortal creature known as the Beast seems imminent. Players control Emma, a mercenary who can absorb the powers of defeated monsters, and she is accompanied by a large magical dog.
The combat is the highlight, according to The Verge. Emma fights as a speedy samurai with a sword and bows, and the game starts similar to Dark Souls or Elden Ring. However, as players unlock abilities, Emma can use vines growing from her hair to cross gaps, grapple to high places, and perform agile attacks. Her hair also enables stealth moves by sprouting plants for cover. The dog companion helps in battle and with collecting items.
Outside of battle, the experience is less impressive. The story keeps almost everything mysterious, including Emma, her companions, and the world itself. The review notes that explanations are hidden in tutorial menus, and when answers arrive, they are mostly underwhelming. Some systems, like food-growing and weapon upgrades, are so shallow that they are easy to forget. Level design is straightforward, making exploration boring, and the skill tree is literally a tree.
The review also points out many influences. The story resembles Nier: Automata, boss fights feel like Monster Hunter, the mobile home base works like Death Stranding and looks like an AT-ST from Star Wars. While the game creates a melancholic atmosphere through sound and visuals, it never delivers on its potential. For those looking forward to the next Pokémon title, Game Freak has that on the way as well.
