Beast of Reincarnation review

Beast of Reincarnation is a melancholic action RPG developed by Game Freak, known for their Pokémon games, and published by Fictions. The game was released on August 4, 2026, and can be purchased for $60 on the Steam platform. The story follows a parry-happy protagonist, Emma, who is on a mission to save humanity from an apocalypse caused by the Blight, a mysterious infection that has transformed 41st century Japan into a wasteland.

Emma lacks emotion due to the Blight and is an outcast among survivors, but possesses powerful Blight abilities such as generating tentacle-like flora.

The game's atmosphere is rich and melancholic, providing a stark contrast to the fast-paced and intense gameplay. Emma is equipped with a sword and is adept at parrying, much like in Stellar Blade. However, the combat design can be criticized for its dull encounter design, with enemies often placed thoughtlessly on open maps. Although the game offers a variety of playthroughs through skill trees, the focus tends to be on Emma's combat abilities rather than her canine companion, Koo, whose special attacks are marginally useful but often overlooked.

Despite its flaws, the combat remains enjoyable, with a satisfying freneticism in more challenging encounters. The game also features unique mechanics such as Emma's expandable ponytail, which can be used to gain elevation or create bridges across platforms, as well as using her sylvan locks to deflect attacks. The game's developers, Game Freak, have created a distinct blend of sci-fi elements, reminiscent of Sekiro, Final Fantasy, and Nier, resulting in a unique and distinctive experience.