Beast of Reincarnation review: Game Freak’s action shines, but its ideas blur
Reviews praise Beast of Reincarnation’s flexible combat and Emma-Koo partnership while faulting its familiar design and opaque story.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
Game Freak’s Beast of Reincarnation arrives with a combat system reviewers say is its clearest success, but its broader identity has drawn criticism for feeling overly familiar and hard to follow. In this Beast of Reincarnation review, the central divide is between a strong action toolkit and a story and collection of systems that, critics say, do not form a distinctive whole.
The Verge’s Andrew Webster describes the game as an action RPG set 2,000 years ahead in a ruined Japan where science-fiction elements sit alongside magic. Its world has been damaged by a blight that mutates wildlife, and some surviving humans have transferred their consciousness into robotic bodies, according to the review.
Players control Emma, who can take powers from defeated mutants as she prepares to confront the titular creature. She travels with Koo, a large magical dog that aids in fights and loot collection, The Verge says. The game moves through a series of sizable areas rather than one open world.
Why do reviewers say Beast of Reincarnation mixes too many ideas?
The Verge’s main criticism is that the game has limited novelty outside its action. Webster found that its world, progression and other systems drew on concepts players have encountered elsewhere, while Polygon’s review headline similarly said the game combines too many ideas for its own good.
That is a critical assessment rather than a statement about Game Freak’s intentions. The evidence points to a game with several recognizable action-RPG elements, but one whose best mechanics do not, in those reviews, give the full experience a clear personality.
The Verge also faulted the narrative’s use of mystery. The review says questions pile up around the setting, Emma, her companions and other characters, leaving its reviewer uncertain of the player’s larger purpose until well into the game. Some key explanations are placed in tutorial menus, and the eventual answers to major questions were found underwhelming.
What works in Beast of Reincarnation combat?
Combat gives Emma a sword, bows, dodges and parries. The Verge says it may initially resemble games such as Dark Souls or Elden Ring, but grows more flexible as Emma gains abilities. Her plant-like hair can build bridges, pull her to higher ground, close space on enemies and create cover while she crouches.
Koo is more than a cosmetic companion. Green Man Gaming’s guide says players can issue commands to the dog during battle, with the menu slowing time while a technique is selected. Kotaku also reports that Koo can fight enemies independently in some situations.
Players should expect a demanding opening. Kotaku describes heavy-hitting enemies and says the initial sidestep demands precise timing; it recommends unlocking a dodge-roll upgrade early. The guide says Story difficulty reduces damage received, though players still need to dodge, parry and direct Koo against enemy weaknesses.
Kotaku also notes that English voice acting is available but must be enabled from the main menu, not the in-game pause menu. For players willing to work through its early difficulty and unclear storytelling, the reviews suggest Emma and Koo’s expanding combat options are the reason to keep going.
This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.