Fresh Beast of Reincarnation Details Emerge — Game Compared to Sekiro and Stellar Blade
Hennadiy Chemеris
The first previews for Beast of Reincarnation, the new action RPG from Pokémon developer Game Freak, have begun appearing online. Journalists have already had a chance to play the game and shared a number of fresh details. We have rounded up the most interesting information revealed across the various preview articles.
Based on these early impressions, Beast of Reincarnation is a major departure from Game Freak's usual projects, focusing on fast-paced combat, a dark post-apocalyptic world, and the unusual pairing of its two protagonists — Emma and her loyal dog, Koo.
- The main story will take approximately 30–40 hours to complete;
- In terms of structure and combat feel, the game has been compared to Stellar Blade, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Ghost of Yotei, and Final Fantasy XVI;
- The parry window is more forgiving than in Sekiro;
- The game is not as difficult as a typical Soulslike;
- The world is divided into large open zones rather than offering a fully open world;
- Several journalists noted an atmosphere and visual style reminiscent of NieR: Automata;
- Combat is built around fast-paced, dynamic encounters;
- The controls are described as responsive and easy to pick up, even for newcomers;
- Players can slow down time during combat and issue special commands to Koo;
- Some mechanics resemble the ATB system from Final Fantasy VII Remake;
- Emma's hair can transform into tree roots, which are used for traversal and exploration;
- The game will feature enormous, large-scale bosses;
- Abilities can be upgraded at rest points similar to bonfires;
- Journalists also praised the story and overall quality of the narrative;
- The atmosphere of the game's world has been compared to the animated film Princess Mononoke;
- The game's director drew inspiration from the themes and ideas of Blade Runner;
- The project has been in development for around five to six years;
- Beast of Reincarnation will launch on August 4 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Beast of Reincarnation is set in post-apocalyptic Japan in the year 4026. The story follows Emma, a young woman shunned by society because of a mysterious condition. Together with an aging dog named Koo, she sets out on a dangerous journey across a ruined world where powerful bosses and the mysterious Beast of Reincarnation lurk among dense forests and barren wastelands.
One of the game's defining features is the bond between Emma and Koo. In combat, Emma fights with a sword and other abilities, while Koo assists her through special command-based moves that blend real-time action with elements of turn-based RPGs. Players will also be able to shape their preferred playstyle through skill trees, equipment, and spirit stones, creating builds focused on stealth, ranged attacks, or aggressive close-quarters combat.
By the way, we previously rounded up the best RPGs in a single feature.
What interests you most about Beast of Reincarnation: the combat system, the world, or the story of Emma and Koo?
-
Pokémon Creators Release New Trailer for Post-Apocalyptic Action-RPG Beast of Reincarnation -
The Most Beautiful Female Video Game Characters — Top 40 -
'Beast of Reincarnation' by Game Freak Launches August 4, 2026 -
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Hades, Lies of P, and More Games Are Now Available at Discounted Prices -
Pokémon Creators Are Making an Action Game About the “Joy of Choice” — How Combat Works in Beast of Reincarnation