Review: ‘Beast of Reincarnation’ is fun but it won’t outgrow ‘Pokémon’ anytime soon

Game Freak, the developer behind the Pokémon franchise, has released its latest action-adventure game, Beast of Reincarnation. While the studio has a track record of creating engaging titles such as Giga Wrecker Alt, Little Town Hero, and Tembo the Badass Elephant, Beast of Reincarnation stands out as their most ambitious project yet. However, despite its impressive visuals, engaging combat, and intriguing open-world zones, the game falls short of fully escaping the shadow of its predecessor, Pokémon.

Set in a post-apocalyptic Japan, Beast of Reincarnation follows the story of Emma, a young girl tasked with stopping a monstrous corruption called Blight from rising again. Drawing inspiration from the themes found in Yoko Taro's Nier: Automata, the game attempts to delve into existentialism, artificial intelligence, sentience, and humanity.

However, it struggles to deliver on these themes due to flawed character development and confusing pacing. The protagonist, Emma, remains relatively one-dimensional throughout the game, with her emotional investment heavily reliant on an abrupt exposition dump near the end of the story. Additionally, the voice acting is subpar, further dampening the immersive experience.

While the game's story fails to shine, its visuals and combat mechanics are undeniably impressive. The game boasts breathtaking art direction and a unique emphasis on plant life, which creates a hopeful atmosphere despite the apocalyptic setting. The verticality of the world allows players to explore various zones, ranging from rusted forests to flooded, dilapidated city ruins.

The inclusion of Emma's canine companion, Koo, proves to be a convenient feature as it assists in locating collectibles and Dragon Shrines scattered throughout the maps. The combat system, initially feeling like a Soulslike, gradually transforms into a more straightforward action game, with an emphasis on parrying and utilizing the various katana abilities.

Despite the game's strengths, Beast of Reincarnation falls short of being a groundbreaking title. The jarring pacing, underwhelming character development, and repetitive boss battles prevent it from fully escaping the Pokémon shadow. Nevertheless, the game offers a visually stunning and enjoyable experience for those seeking a post-apocalyptic adventure with an engaging combat system.