Game Freak's Beast of Reincarnation launches to mixed reviews, with praise for Sekiro-like combat and criticism for excessive hand-holding
The action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic Japan draws comparisons to Sekiro and NieR, but critics find its hand-holding mechanics and lack of originality detract from the experience.
A new direction for Game Freak
Game Freak, the studio best known for the Pokémon series, has released Beast of Reincarnation, an action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic Japan. The game launched on 4 August 2026 for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 5. It marks a departure from the developer's usual fare, drawing comparisons to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and NieR: Automata. Director Kota Furushima told Famitsu that the team aimed to make the experience "enjoyable for even those who aren't good at action games".
Combat and companion
Players control Emma, a wandering mercenary with the ability to absorb powers from fallen mutants. She is accompanied by Koo, a wolf-dog companion who sniffs out enemies, items, and secrets. Combat is challenging, with dodging and parrying reminiscent of Soulslike titles, but the game offers multiple difficulty levels and a skill tree that progressively empowers the duo. The Guardian noted that the mechanics "veer into hand-holding territory", with Koo fetching items automatically and revealing points of interest before the player can discover them. The Verge praised the "slick action" and Emma's unique vine-based abilities, which allow her to build bridges and grapple across gaps.
A blighted world
The story unfolds in the year 4026, two millennia after a calamity forced some humans to transfer their consciousness into robotic golems. A parasitic blight now corrupts wildlife and threatens to resurrect the immortal Beast of Reincarnation. Emma, a purifier, must traverse distinct regions, defeat corrupted Nushi monsters, and absorb their powers to stand a chance against the beast. TechRadar described the narrative as an "emotional rollercoaster" that explores themes of love and what it means to be human, with a rapport system that deepens the bond between Emma and Koo.
Critical reception
Reviews have been mixed. TechRadar called the game "a fantastic and immersive action-adventure RPG" with combat that has an "excellent feel of ebb and flow", though it noted quality-of-life issues, a slightly overlong campaign, and minimal cosmetic customization. The Verge was less enthusiastic, arguing that "new ideas are in short supply" and that aside from its action, "there's little that hasn't been done before". The Guardian found the journey "taxing and often monotonous" but acknowledged that the repetitive structure serves a thematic purpose, reflecting cycles of human-made damage. All three outlets highlighted the hand-holding design, which some felt undercut the sense of discovery.
What's next for Game Freak
Beast of Reincarnation represents Game Freak's ambition to branch out beyond Pokémon, but the critical response suggests the studio is still finding its footing in the action genre. While the combat and emotional story have won praise, the lack of originality and excessive guidance have left some reviewers wanting more. The game is available now on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5.
