Game Freak, the Japanese studio behind the Pokémon franchise, released its new game Beast of Reincarnation on Xbox, PC and PS5 on Monday, August 3, 2026. The title has received a mixed reception from both critics and players since launch.
The game is set in a post-apocalyptic Japan roughly 2,000 years in the future, dominated by an evil natural force. Players take on the role of Emma, an outcast corrupted by what the game calls "the scourge," who fights other corrupted creatures alongside a giant dog-wolf companion named Koo, using a katana and magic to survive.
Critics call it a game that falls short of its ambitions
IGN journalist Travis Northup described the game as a mix between Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and the Final Fantasy VII remake. But Northup said the game falls well short of its ambitions, pointing to a repetitive combat system in which enemies are often the same, game zones that are hard to tell apart because they look so similar, and a soundtrack that, while beautiful, loops repeatedly across many levels.
Players note it is not a soulslike
A Steam user going by Le Tartimorphe wrote in a review that the game is not a soulslike, referring to the Dark Souls series, which is known for its especially difficult level of challenge. The user noted that while Beast of Reincarnation draws inspiration from that style, particularly in its combat system, players should not expect to struggle for hours against enemies. According to several Steam comments, the system for parrying enemy attacks is quick to learn. But thanks to numerous upgradable skills and the ability to have the dog join in attacks, the game becomes a fast-paced action title with many combos to master, blending magic and swordplay.
Visuals praised for their scale and detail
That action unfolds in striking scenery, with impressive natural environments and carefully handled lighting. Numerous comments have praised the graphics and compared them to Nier Automata, developed by Platinum Games. Another highlight for many players is the dog-wolf companion Koo, whose wide range of attacks and skills, along with its endearing personality, make it a favorite companion.
Beast of Reincarnation likely will not win Game of the Year at the Game Awards, but it appears to be a solid game for players to pass the summer with.
