Beast of Reincarnation Is Here, and Critics Are Split

Game Freak just stepped way outside its comfort zone. The studio behind Pokemon launched Beast of Reincarnation on August 4, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, and it’s nothing like catching cartoon monsters.

This is a post-apocalyptic action RPG built around parry-heavy combat, a grim story, and a tight bond between a cursed woman and her dog. Early reviews are in, and the consensus so far is “good, but not great.” Beast of Reincarnation sits at 73 on Metacritic for PS5 and 72 for PC, based on reviews from over 50 outlets.

Here’s a full breakdown of what the game actually is, how critics feel about it, and whether it’s worth your $60.

What Is Beast of Reincarnation About?

The game takes place in a ruined version of Japan overrun by a corrupting plant infestation called the Blight. Regular animals infected by it mutate into dangerous creatures.

Players control Emma, an outcast branded a “Blighted One” because she can absorb the Blight instead of being destroyed by it. She’s joined by Koo, a wolf she’s bonded with, and together they hunt down powerful infected bosses in an effort to eventually defeat the game’s namesake, the Beast of Reincarnation itself.

According to Metacritic’s official game description, the story leans into themes of identity and connection as Emma and Koo’s relationship grows across a constantly shifting wasteland.

Also read: PS Plus August 2026: Every Free Game Confirmed

Combat: The Part Everyone Agrees On

If there’s one thing almost every review agrees on, it’s that the combat works. Beast of Reincarnation blends real-time parrying with slower, tactical decision-making, and multiple outlets have compared it to Sekiro and NieR: Automata.

A few combat highlights reviewers pointed to:

• Emma fights primarily with a katana built around timing-based parries
• Ranged options include a bow and crossbow, both of which can be loaded with different elemental types
• An “entanglement gauge” lets players slow down time briefly, either mid-air or during ground combat
• Skill trees let players build toward heavier melee damage or ranged playstyles

RPG Site called it an addictive mix of Sekiro, NieR, and even a bit of Pokemon’s strategic thinking, while PC Gamer noted it feels closer to Stellar Blade than a traditional Soulslike, especially with its more forgiving parry windows.

Story and Atmosphere

Reviewers are more divided here. Several outlets praised the emotional weight of Emma and Koo’s relationship and called the world genuinely beautiful to explore, with comparisons ranging from Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke to Shadow of the Colossus.

At the same time, multiple reviews flagged the broader plot and lore as harder to follow. Some critics said the narrative feels convoluted in the back half, and a few noted that story scenes rely heavily on static dialogue with minimal animation, likely a budget tradeoff.

Also read: Xbox Game Pass August 2026: All New Games Confirmed

Technical Issues and Repetition

This is where the score takes a hit. A recurring complaint across reviews is visual clarity, with several critics describing the game as looking blurry or hazy at times. Camera control during combat was also flagged as inconsistent in a few reviews.

The other common criticism is pacing. Beast of Reincarnation runs around 30 hours, and multiple reviewers said the middle stretch drags due to a limited enemy roster and boss fights that overstay their welcome.

Steam’s early user reviews reflect that same mixed reaction, landing at roughly 52% positive.

Beast of Reincarnation Review Scores

Is Beast of Reincarnation Worth Buying?

If you love parry-focused combat and don’t mind a slower, atmosphere-heavy action RPG, most critics agree there’s a genuinely fun 20 to 30 hours here. The bond between Emma and Koo is consistently called out as the emotional core that keeps the game engaging even when the story stumbles.

If you’re looking for a tightly paced, visually flawless experience, you may want to wait for a patch or two before jumping in, since technical hiccups and repetitive stretches are the most common complaints across the board.

Several reviewers, including VGC, said Beast of Reincarnation feels like a strong foundation for a sequel rather than a finished masterpiece, praising Game Freak’s ambition even where the execution wobbles.

Final Verdict

Beast of Reincarnation is Game Freak’s biggest swing outside of Pokemon in decades, and by most accounts, it connects more often than it misses. A 73 Metacritic score isn’t a home run, but it’s a strong showing for a first attempt at a brand new, story-driven action RPG.

Whether it becomes a sleeper hit or a “wait for a sale” title probably depends on how much you value atmosphere and combat feel over technical polish.

Follow GamerUrge for more gaming news, reviews, and guides as Beast of Reincarnation continues to make waves this week.