Stepping into Beast of Reincarnation can feel daunting, as the game is designed with Soulslike principles in mind. However, understanding key mechanics and optimizing your approach can significantly ease the early game experience. Focusing on synergistic skills and leveraging your companions can turn challenging encounters into manageable ones.
Prioritize Skill Combinations
While standard attacks are a part of combat, the true power lies in unlockable skill combinations. These should be your first priority when spending skill points, as they offer significantly more damage potential. Some combinations are naturally unlocked as you progress and defeat bosses. For instance, the first boss, the Rangifier, grants the Sakura Storm skill, allowing for a series of slashes culminating in a leap that can be used for evasion and offense.
Strategic Skill Point Allocation
After unlocking initial combination attacks, consider how new skills complement your chosen playstyle. The Helm Splitter, an early-game aerial attack for Emma, allows her to use her hair to gain height before slamming down for area-of-effect damage. This move is beneficial for evading certain boss attacks and contributing to the enemy's stun meter.
Utilize In-Game Tutorials and Menus
Beast of Reincarnation features comprehensive tutorials within its menus that often go overlooked. These menus provide valuable indicators, such as when it is advantageous to return to a cleanse walker, offer character story details, or inform you when equipment upgrades are available. Pay close attention to these prompts to avoid missing crucial information or opportunities.
Leverage Your Companion Koo
Koo, your wolf companion, is more than just a combatant; he can also detect enemies, valuable items, and chests. As you level him up, his capabilities expand, including the ability to collect these discoveries. Pay attention to the dialogue between Emma and Koo, as well as any on-screen notifications, to fully utilize his tracking skills. Petting Koo also increases rapport, leading to further benefits.
Master Mid-Air Actions and Slow Motion
Emma's ability to use her hair for height or distance can provide opportunities for healing in mid-air, offering a brief respite to recover and re-enter the fight. Furthermore, both commanding Koo to attack and shooting a bow in mid-air trigger a slow-motion effect. This mechanic is particularly useful for landing multiple shots with a crossbow by holding the attack button, transforming it into a rapid-fire weapon. However, Koo's attacks are less effective when an enemy is stunned; it is best to wait until they recover before deploying him.
Environmental Interaction and Exploration
Emma's hair can be manipulated not just for direct traversal but also for creating platforms in mid-air, allowing for ascended routes or access to hidden items by steering it around corners. In situations where navigation might be unclear, keep an eye out for subtle environmental cues like etchings on walls or floors that can guide you toward the correct path. While Koo's multi-hit attacks with a +1 Bloom on hit can effectively result in 'free' attacks due to rapid Bloom accumulation, remember to vary the attack used initially in a sequence. If you find yourself consistently struggling, consider adjusting the game's difficulty settings, which can be changed even after you've begun your playthrough.