Beast of Reincarnation Review: Game Freak’s Boldest Pivot Yet

Nobody expected the studio behind Pokémon to deliver a soulslike. But here we are — Beast of Reincarnation is real, it’s ambitious, and it’s one of the most surprising genre pivots in recent memory. After spending time with Emma and her wolf companion Koo, I’m genuinely impressed by what Game Freak has attempted, even if the execution isn’t flawless.

What makes it stand out

Beast of Reincarnation is a one-person, one-dog action RPG — a concept that immediately sets it apart. You and Koo fight as a team, and the bond between the two characters isn’t just narrative dressing. It’s woven into the combat itself:

• Koo handles crowd control and distraction, giving you breathing room during tough encounters.
• Emma’s parry-centric combat rewards timing and precision, echoing Sekiro’s satisfying rhythm.
• Three difficulty options make it accessible whether you’re a soulslike veteran or a curious newcomer.
• A stunning world that feels genuinely distinct from Game Freak’s usual bright, cheerful palette.

The combat that hooks you

According to multiple reviews, the combat is where Beast of Reincarnation shines brightest. The parry system feels responsive and satisfying, and when you nail the timing on a difficult encounter, it delivers that same adrenaline rush as the genre’s best. The projectile-focused builds are apparently a blast too — if parrying isn’t your thing, you can lean into ranged attacks and still feel powerful.

I love that Game Freak offers genuine difficulty flexibility. The three modes mean you don’t have to be a masochist to enjoy the story, and the harder settings still provide plenty of challenge for the hardcore crowd.

Where it stumbles

Let’s be honest: this is Game Freak’s first real swing at this genre, and it shows in places. The cinematic mode — which locks cutscenes to 24fps — is an interesting artistic choice that some players will appreciate and others will find jarring. The skill tree is dense, and early on, choosing where to invest your points can feel overwhelming without a guide.

The game also has some rough edges in its pacing and storytelling. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth setting expectations: this is a promising first effort, not a genre masterpiece.

Who should play it

• Soulslike fans looking for a fresh setting and a unique companion mechanic will find plenty to enjoy.
• Pokémon fans curious about harder games — the difficulty options make this a perfect entry point.
• Anyone who loves a good dog companion — Koo isn’t just a pet; he’s a real gameplay partner.

Who should wait

• Players who need a flawless experience — the rough edges are real.
• Those sensitive to performance issues — check the PC graphics settings guides before diving in.

Our verdict

Beast of Reincarnation is exactly the kind of creative risk I want to see from established studios. It’s not perfect, but it’s bold, heartfelt, and genuinely fun to play. Game Freak proving they can step outside their comfort zone is exciting for everyone — and I can’t wait to see what they do next.

Source: IGN