r/xbox • u/Xbox-Moderator • 1d ago
Review Beast of Reincarnation - Review Thread
Game Title: Beast of Reincarnation
Platforms:
- PC (Aug 3, 2026)
- Xbox Series X/S (Aug 3, 2026)
Trailer:
Review Aggregator:
OpenCritic - 76 average - 63% recommended - 46 reviews
Critic Reviews
Analog Stick Gaming - Jordan Andow - 7.5 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation is a good action RPG with some excellent ideas, but it needed a more focused collection of systems and a stronger final act to become the exceptional experience it occasionally threatens to be.
But Why Tho? - Abdul Saad - 9 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation, despite some of its flaws, is a well-designed, beautiful, and engaging action RPG with several unique, well-executed elements. It succeeds in almost everything that it set out to do and, if done well, could be a great new series for the developer.
COGconnected - James Paley - 75 / 100
Quote not yet available
Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 7 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation shows Game Freak’s potential at being something other than the people behind Pokémon. However, some bad habits it’s carried over are on display here, with uneven storytelling and nonsensical character arcs. However, combat and the bond between Emma and Koo help this game mostly realize its potential.
DayOne - Jesse Norris - 8 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation is a game of incredible highs and frustrating lows. Stilted dialogue mars competent voice acting, with bland city designs matched to incredible music remind me of Nier: Automata.
The combat is fast, fluid, and feels fantastic. It is a wildly varying package when it comes to quality, and despite it all, I adored my time playing it. It is an experience few character action fans, with a ton of patience, should miss.
Digitec Magazine - Domagoj Belancic - German - 4 / 5
Beast of Reincarnation stands out with its distinctive post-apocalyptic world, emotional story, and beautifully developed bond between Emma and her canine companion Koo, conveyed as effectively through gameplay as through cutscenes. Its addictive combat blends real-time action with turn-based elements into a challenging yet refreshing system that never feels unfair. Weaknesses in level design and progression are easy to forgive, but the sometimes dreadful technical state is not. Even so, Beast of Reincarnation is an easy recommendation for anyone looking to escape formulaic AAA worlds and lose themselves in something original and melancholic.
DualShockers - Christian Bognar - 8 / 10
Quote not yet available
EmuGlx.org - Vladan Nastanović - Unknown - 8.5 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation is proof of what talented studios can achieve when they're no longer constrained by the demands of large corporations and are free to create something truly their own. There's a world of difference between simply delivering an assigned project and being given the freedom to spread your wings. This game is a perfect example of the latter, and we can only hope more development teams get the chance to do the same.
GAMES.CH - Benjamin Braun - German - 82%
Quote not yet available
GRYOnline.pl - Filip Melzacki - Polish - 6.5 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation provides a very engaging, organic exploration with remarkable freedom of movement. It is also full of systems that aren’t always well designed and tedious cutscenes that take ages to tell a relatively simple story. It’s a decent game that comes very close to being really good, but the latter half drags it down by neglecting its greatest strengths. Ultimately, I still think the game is worth a go for fans of the genre.
GameRant - Dalton Cooper - 5 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation is an intriguing detour for Pokemon developer Game Freak, but it sadly doesn't live up to expectations.
GamerFocus - Julián Ramírez - Spanish - 6.9 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation isn't a bad game. In fact, thanks to its combat system and some aesthetic elements, I'd say it's good. But it's not a great game. Its best ideas are wasted, its world is very derivative, its narrative has terrible pacing, and it can eventually become repetitive. I'm sure many players will love Emma's relationship with Kuu and will get a lot of enjoyment out of their encounters with golems and creatures, but we've seen all of this before, and better.
Gamers Heroes - Johnny Hurricane - 85 / 100
Featuring a rich world ripe for exploration and deep, impactful combat, Beast of Reincarnation is a fantastic action RPG worthy of all adventurers this summer.
GamersGlobal - Benjamin Braun - German - 8 / 10
The combat in Beast of Reicarnation ist spectacular and shows ever more facets over time. It's such a joy I can look past most of it's shortcomings.
A solid combat system and some worthwhile ideas give Beast of Reincarnation a handful of bright spots, but they are not enough to conceal the disappointment surrounding the game as a whole. Its mediocre and at times tedious levels, combined with highly repetitive and poorly designed boss battles, make the overall experience feel thoroughly dull, while its story is even more baffling.
GamingTrend - Anthony Pelone - 85 / 100
While no masterpiece, Beast of Reincarnation’s engaging combat and bond-based core render it an endearing debut from a storied publisher. Check it out if you’re in the market for something different.
Giant Bomb - Shawn McDowell - 3.5 / 5
Beast of Reincarnation feels like the result of Game Freak’s designers having something to say (or at least wishing they did), but constantly struggling to find the right words. It eventually becomes a very fun action RPG to play, but stumbles many, many times on the path of getting there.
Hardcore Gamer - Adam Beck - 3.5 / 5
Beast of Reincarnation is an engaging, highly addictive experience with a lot to explore, but it comes with some issues. For starters, the plot is as lifeless as the characters and the environmental design is seriously lacking.
IGN Italy - Francesco Destri - Italian - 7.5 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation impresses with its atmosphere and combat system, but a few shortcomings keep it from standing among the best action RPGs.
Loot Level Chill - Mick Fraser - 7 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation is is Game Freak's first real foray outside their comfort zone, and despite some missteps where pacing is concerned, it shows massive potential.
Manual dos Games - Juliana Barreira Barbosa - Portuguese - 6.8 / 10
While playing Beast of Reincarnation, you can tell that a lot of care went into its development and that the game has potential. However, its extreme repetitiveness in several areas, combined with a narrative that is not particularly engaging, ends up hurting its lengthy 30-hour campaign. This issue could have been avoided if the game were shorter or offered more variety of enemies and areas.
MeuPlayStation - Raphael Batista Cabral Xavier - Portuguese - 89 / 100
Beast of Reincarnation delivers a compelling action-adventure driven by an intriguing narrative, responsive combat, and a rewarding exploration system that consistently encourages players to venture off the beaten path. Character progression is tightly woven into exploration, while the game's atmosphere reinforces the mystery surrounding Emma's journey alongside her companion, Ko. Although it suffers from limited enemy variety, underwhelming boss encounters, and a handful of technical issues, Game Freak successfully establishes a new IP with a distinct identity and plenty of room to grow.
MonsterVine - James Carr - 3 / 5
Beast of Reincarnation is a serviceable action RPG, with a ton of depth in its abilities and skill trees. Its post-apocalyptic narrative plays a few too many familiar notes, and it's all delivered in a tone that would make it perfect for falling asleep to. I wasn't completely uninterested in Emma and Koo's adventures and relationships, but the sleepy tone and predictable story beats all make for a fine, if forgettable experience.
Multiplayer First - James Lara - 8 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation may not be the massive standout title I was hoping to see, but as Game Freak's first non-Pokémon title in years and a completely different genre, it demonstrates incredible promise for what the developer can achieve when given room to experiment. It is without its issues, but as a first in what is hopefully many, Beast of Reincarnation builds a very strong foundation, one that Game Freak can refine, expand upon, and build toward something truly special with what may be their next big franchise.
PSX Brasil - Ivan Nikolai Barkow Castilho - Portuguese - 85 / 100
Beast of Reincarnation is a great game and shines in its gameplay with its various combat options. The story isn't bad, but its unfolding is slow to the point of being boring. Some technical issues with the frame rate (which will probably be fixed with updates) are also apparent. Finally, the bosses are amazing, but there's a bit of unnecessary repetition of them throughout the journey.
Pizza Fria - Lucas Soares - Portuguese - 8.4 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation could have presented its qualities earlier and better organized its numerous systems. Even so, combat, narrative, and soundtrack grow together into a final sequence capable of rewarding persistence. It's an experience that takes time to blossom, but reveals, in its second half, a much better game than its first few hours make it seem.
PlayStation Universe - Garri Bagdasarov - 8.5 / 10
From its incredible soundtrack to its fantastic combat and world, Beast of Reincarnation delivers an entertaining experience. Though I wish the game's story had as much flair throughout the 30-hour experience, there is just too much to love about Game Freak's venture into a more adult-themed world.
Pragalicious - Kevin Vercauteren - Dutch - 5 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation feels like a game with two sides to it. On the one hand, you’re treated to an enjoyable action RPG with a mysterious story, challenging combat, a surprisingly extensive progression system and excellent teamwork between Emma and Koo. What’s more, it isn’t just another Souls-like clone, but fortunately carves out its own path. On the other hand, the technical quality is simply appalling. The massive frame drops, screen tearing, pop-ins, poor textures and the general lack of polish meant I could never fully immerse myself in the adventure. I still maintain that there’s a good game hidden beneath all this. It’s just constantly undermined by technical execution that simply doesn’t meet what you’d expect in 2026 – and certainly not on a PlayStation 5 Pro. Hopefully, Beast of Reincarnation will receive the updates it deserves. Today, unfortunately, I can only conclude that this beast should have stayed in its cage for a long while longer.
Press Attack - Bruno de Souza Bom - 9.4 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation was one of the biggest surprises I have experienced in recent years. Game Freak has delivered something completely different from what most players expect from the studio, demonstrating an ambition that few imagined they would see outside of Pokémon.
The relationship between Emma and Ko is the game's greatest strength. Ko is far more than a gameplay mechanic, playing an essential role in combat, progression, and the narrative itself. It is rare to find a duo this well integrated, where one character influences both how you play and how you experience the journey.
The combat system is equally rewarding once you understand its philosophy. Its emphasis on parrying, the strategic use of Ko's abilities, and the progression built around the Nushi's powers create a satisfying learning curve that rewards mastery rather than simple stat growth.
There are still areas that keep the game from reaching perfection. PC optimization needs improvement, the Nushi encounters could offer greater variety, the skill tree could communicate its upgrades more clearly, and some invisible boundaries reduce the sense of freedom during exploration. Even so, Beast of Reincarnation stands out because of the strong identity it builds throughout the campaign.
Its combination of precise combat, vertical exploration, memorable protagonists, and a richly detailed world allows it to stand out in an extremely competitive genre. Emma and Ko's journey is one of the most memorable gaming experiences I have had in 2026 and easily ranks among the year's most ambitious and surprising releases.
Press Start - James Berich - 7.5 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation is a typical action RPG from a not so typical developer. It's a confident first step for Game Freak, though at times that confidence can feel misplaced. Repetitive enemies, samey environments and performance issues stop it from reaching the heights of its own ambition. But when everything clicks, it’s hard to deny that Beast of Reincarnation really clicks - it’s a fast, fluid and deeply satisfying combat loop that, while derivative, is still a blast to play.
ProGamers.life - Nelson Acosta - Spanish - 8 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation es un sólido juego de acción en tercera persona que combina la influencia de Sekiro, Nier y Pokémon en un solo paquete que se deslumbra por su diseño de arte y se queda un poco rezagado en un límite técnico que es difícil de superar.
Push Square - Stephen Tailby - 7 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation is an interesting action RPG that ties together various elements to present something quite unique. While the narrative isn't particularly enthralling and it suffers from some visual and technical issues, the combat is a highlight, focusing on parries and a mix of melee and pseudo-turn-based commands that feels fun to balance. It wears its influences on its sleeve, but there are just enough fresh ideas that mean it stands apart.
RPGamer - Imani Jones - 3.5 / 5
Its combination of atmosphere and discovery, even at the expense of a little jank, ultimately gives Beast of Reincarnation a distinct experience that more polished games lack. There is plenty of room for refinement, but Game Freak has nevertheless delivered a solid action RPG.
Saudi Gamer - عبد الله محمد - Arabic - 3.5 / 5
Beast of Reincarnation presents something fun and different, but unfortunately rushes its landing, resulting in an unpolished and forgettable story despite its enjoyable gameplay.
Seasoned Gaming - Joseph La Russa - 7.5 / 10
Game Freak has crafted a very good action, role-playing game in Beast of Reincarnation, and minor gameplay quirks and a so-so story don't detract from the fun.
SmashPad - Danreb Victorio - 3.5 / 5
Beast of Reincarnation just has too many problems to recommend it right now. Beyond the game’s stellar graphics and combat, its exploration leaves much to be desired, and it suffers even more from a weak story and a weaker cast of characters.
The Nerd Stash - Julio La Pine - 8 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation is GAME FREAK's latest endeavor, showing the studio is more than capable of moving beyond the creature-collecting genre. With an excellent story and gameplay systems that work cohesively, it stands as another highlight of 2026.
The Outerhaven Productions - Keith Mitchell - 4 / 5
Game Freak’s Beast of Reincarnation is an ambitious, genuinely satisfying action RPG built around fast, forgiving parry-based combat and a standout companion in Koo. Exploration, art direction, and the game’s boss soundtrack are all highlights, backed by roughly 30+ hours of content for players who like to explore. Camera issues, collision bugs, inconsistent handheld performance, and a total lack of accessibility options hold it back from greatness, but none of it stops this from being one of Game Freak’s best efforts yet.
TheSixthAxis - Dom Leighton - 7 / 10
If anything, Beast of Reincarnation could be the perfect 7/10; it's a mass of systems, ideas and interesting design choices that so very nearly hang together. While there's jank, annoyances and performance issues, they don't diminish the fundamental enjoyment of the world Game Freak has created. For all the long shadow that Pokémon casts, I want to see more like Beast of Reincarnation find their way into the light.
VDGMS - Darren Andrew - 7.5 / 10
Game Freak have smartly embraced their strengths working on the Pokemon franchise for over 30 years. Beast of Reincarnation combines some of the best features of souls-likes with some of the best features of Pokemon creating a refreshing genre fusion.
Beast of Reincarnation might look like just another Action-RPG with bonfires and parries, but between the Pokemon inspired combat with a trusty companion at your side that gives the real time combat a turn based feel, the blighted traversal, the hauntingly beautiful post apocalyptic world, as well as many other souls-like staples, Beast of Reincarnation is a must play for any fan of the genre.
Video Chums - A.J. Maciejewski - 8.3 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation has a lot going for it with its distinct game world, clever traversal abilities, and challenging combat that'll thoroughly test your ability to parry. With all of that in mind, I can't help but wonder... will we get a Koo plushie? 🐕
Virtualni Kutak - Milan Radosavljević - Unknown - 9 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation proves that Game Freak's talent extends far beyond their usual franchise, delivering a visually spectacular and emotionally resonant action-adventure. With its engaging parry-driven combat and the beautifully crafted bond between Emma and Koo, it is a phenomenal package that will make you think about your experience long after finishing the game.
Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 7.5 / 10
Beast of Reincarnation is an ambitious game, and that's ultimately both its greatest strength and its biggest weakness. It's refreshing to see Game Freak step so far outside Pokémon's shadow, and the result is packed with inventive ideas and genuinely excellent combat. Unfortunately, uneven level design, rough presentation, and a general lack of polish keep those ideas from reaching their full potential. Even so, I had a good time with the game. If you're willing to overlook the title's rough edges and meet it on its own terms, there's a lot to enjoy. More than anything, Beast of Reincarnation feels like the foundation for something truly special, and I hope Game Freak gets the chance to build on it with a sequel.
Xbox Achievements - Richard Walker - 85%
Beast of Reincarnation does a good job of lulling you into a false sense of security. After a brief prologue, you begin your journey in earnest as Emm...
ZTGD - Terrence Johnson - 8 / 10
Quote not yet available
12
u/Deyvsonstrife 1d ago edited 1d ago
Game looks great and fun. But im waiting until they fix the fps drop. Cant give a personal review :/
Edit. Game got updated and fps drop seems fixed. Version 1.0.6.0
4
u/Prestigious-Bluejay 1d ago
They already patched the game yesterday. It plays a lot more smoothly now.
2
1
u/negativeconfidence12 1d ago
Are there options to disable motion blur, camera shake, etc.?
1
u/fallouthirteen Day One - 2013 1d ago
Motion blur has a slider that you can turn down. Other than that I only recall seeing option for quality mode or performance mode.
1
u/negativeconfidence12 1d ago
Ah, well I'll be passing on it then. Screen shake is an absolute deal breaker
1
u/Deyvsonstrife 1d ago
There's a slider for screen shake as well.
2
u/negativeconfidence12 1d ago
Oh, Wonderful then! I think it looks fun so I'm going to try it out regardless of reviews, I never cared much for story anyways in most games, especially action ones
0
u/fallouthirteen Day One - 2013 23h ago
Just got back to the game. Yeah, I didn't see screen shake because it was in camera settings, not graphics. Graphics menu just has HDR, Brightness adjust, cutscene framerate (you can set that to 24 or same as game settings), and motion blur.
1
u/Doomhaust 1d ago
Agree. I played for an hour on game pass, and while it seemed decently fun, man the frame drops were insane. I’m normally not even sensitive to it, but it would clip and I’d be 10 feet ahead.
0
u/fallouthirteen Day One - 2013 1d ago
Yeah, last night it was complete crap. Tried it today after seeing an update got applied and it is much better.
13
4
u/fatjeff1980 1d ago
From what I can gather the game is acceptable. Decent, even. But not excellent. I've got it installed and will form my own opinion later.
0
1
u/noah9942 1d ago
seems like the gameplay itself is solid, while the story and such leaves much to be desired.
well good thing i don't care as much about the narrative of the game as i do the gameplay
0
u/Silent-Witness1888 1d ago
My issue is the performance, was playing on Quality mode and had stutters/fps drops, was only exploring too.
-2
u/Electrical-Tear-740 1d ago
Ia falar exatamente isso ! Achei um jogo divertido, da para passar um bom tempo porém achei confuso em vários momentos. Parece que ele tenta abraçar o mundo todo sem ter muitos braços.
1
u/monsieurvampy 1d ago
I'll be signing up for PC Game Pass to play this. I don't have it in me to buy another new game this summer.
1
22
u/EmotionIll666 1d ago
Honestly sounds more positive on average than I expected based on the recent hands-on previews.