Game Freak, a studio primarily known for the Pokémon series, has released its new action RPG, Beast of Reincarnation, to a largely mixed reception. Critics have noted that while the game features excellent combat and some thought-provoking elements, it ultimately struggles with derivative mechanics and a muddled design.
Set in a post-apocalyptic futuristic Japan, Beast of Reincarnation attempts to blend Soulslike elements with traditional JRPG mechanics. The game's combat has been a frequent point of praise, with reviewers highlighting its rewarding nature and the intensity of its boss encounters. However, many critics found the overall experience to be uneven. Metacritic currently shows the game with a score of 74 based on 27 reviews.
IGN's Travis Northup described the game as a potential fusion of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Final Fantasy VII Remake, but noted that this potential is often unrealized. He pointed to repetitive enemy encounters, overly forgiving parry windows, and predictable enemy attack patterns as detractions from the experience. Similarly, Eurogamer's Matt Wales found the game's systems to be chaotically introduced with little explanation, suggesting players would need to consult the in-game manual to fully grasp the mechanics.
Game Informer's Wesley LeBlanc echoed these sentiments, calling Beast of Reincarnation "soulless" and "transparent," though he did acknowledge the rewarding combat and tense boss fights. Shawn McDowell of Giant Bomb also criticized the story and characters as "underwhelming" but praised the combat system. This assessment aligns with Polygon's Giovanni Colantonio, who felt the game's story was flat and its systems were a disjointed mix, ultimately concluding that Beast of Reincarnation felt more like conformity than creative rebirth.
Despite these criticisms, some reviewers found unexpected depth. GamesRadar's Luke Kemp offered a more positive take, awarding the game 4.5 stars. Kemp argued that the game contains layers of depth and philosophical undertones that elevate it beyond a simple action title, suggesting that initial impressions of tired tropes are misleading. He noted the game explores thought-provoking existential questions without being overtly heavy-handed.
Regardless of differing opinions on its overall quality, many reviewers drew comparisons to established titles such as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Nier: Automata, Stellar Blade, and Final Fantasy VII Remake, indicating a derivative quality in its design.
Beast of Reincarnation is available on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.