Beast of Reincarnation features a complex combat system that, upon closer examination, reveals a sophisticated interplay of mechanics. Central to survival and success is mastering the parry, a move that underpins nearly every other offensive and defensive capability.
Parrying, Guarding, and Dodging
Parrying is the cornerstone of Beast of Reincarnation's combat. A successful parry negates incoming damage, grants Florescence Points (FP) crucial for Koo's Bloom Arts, provides Entanglement Points for defensive maneuvers and special attacks, and activates Emma's weapon effects. To execute a parry, press the designated button just before an attack lands. Mistiming this input results in a standard guard, which can block some damage but depletes the Entanglement Gauge. Holding guard without a successful parry will eventually leave the player vulnerable if the gauge empties entirely, and it does not yield any FP. A successful parry is visually indicated by yellow sparkles emanating from Emma's sword, contrasting with the lack of sparkle during a guard.
Following a successful parry, a well-timed attack input will perform a riposte. However, some enemy attacks, indicated by a red flash, cannot be blocked or parried and require a dodge. A successful dodge allows for a counterattack.
Koo's Bloom Arts
Florescence Points, accumulated through successful parries, are used to access Koo's Bloom Arts menu. This feature introduces a turn-based element, as time slows while players select an attack. Bloom Arts offer a variety of effects, such as ranged attacks or enemy manipulation. These abilities can be customized with mods unlocked at campsites or in Bauera, providing secondary benefits like HP restoration or increased damage. Bloom Art attacks often involve quick-time events; success in these events maximizes damage and can restore HP or Entanglement Gauge, while failure results in a weaker attack. While multiple Bloom Arts can be used sequentially, the same art cannot be performed twice in a row. Koo can also be commanded to attack specific enemies before being detected.
Emma's Blade Arts and Nushi Skills
Emma wields a variety of special attacks known as Blade Arts and Nushi Skills. These are primarily melee combos, with Blade Arts being upgradeable through Emma's skill tree. Combo patterns can be viewed in the equipment menu. Each combo consumes a portion of the Entanglement Gauge upon completion. While FP is not gained from successful parries, Emma automatically recovers the first chunk of her Entanglement Gauge over time.
Healing and Status Effects
Stimpacks are the primary method for healing during combat, with a default carrying capacity of three, which can be increased by finding dragon veil shrines. Emergency medicine offers an additional healing option, usable by opening the Bloom Arts menu before initiating a heal, which can also cure status effects. Resting at a campfire restores HP and stimpacks but respawns all enemies. Both Emma and Koo can slowly recover HP outside of combat if their hunger meters are not empty, which can be checked via the backpack.
Elemental Weaknesses and Damage Types
Beast of Reincarnation incorporates four elemental effects: poison, acid, flame, and lightning, all of which inflict damage over time. Enemies also possess elemental weaknesses, displayed next to their HP bars, and highlighted within the Bloom Arts menu. Focusing elemental damage on a single type can be more effective for applying status effects. Emma's attacks and weapon can be imbued with elemental effects, and coordinating these with Koo's Bloom Art mods can amplify their impact. For instance, combining a flame-imbued attack with a mod that benefits burned enemies increases efficiency.
Entanglement Overdrive and Stagger
When the Entanglement Gauge is full, players can activate Entanglement Overdrive, which temporarily slows time. This ability consumes the Entanglement Gauge and is best used strategically for evading difficult attacks or creating an opening for healing, rather than as a primary offensive tool. Filling an enemy's stagger bar, indicated below their HP, incapacitates them briefly, allowing for an execution-style finisher. For stronger foes, like Nushi, a full stagger bar results in a daze rather than an execution.
Stealth and Ranged Attacks
While not a stealth-focused game, Beast of Reincarnation offers opportunities for stealth assassinations on minor enemies. This can be achieved through jump attacks from above or by sneaking up from behind. Emma is also equipped with a bow and a crossbow for ranged combat. The crossbow fires rapidly, suitable for mid-battle engagement, while the bow requires a charge-up time and is more appropriate for sniping distant targets.