Beast of Reincarnation from Pokemon Creators Gets Mixed Reviews at Launch

The new action RPG Beast of Reincarnation from Game Freak, the studio known for the Pokemon series, launched on August 4, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game is also available day one on Xbox Game Pass.

Critic Scores

Early reviews show mixed results. On Metacritic, the PS5 version holds a score of 73 based on 52 reviews, while the PC version received 72 points from 27 reviews. OpenCritic gave the game 76 points based on 44 reviews.

What Critics Praise

Reviewers agree on one thing: the story is described as deep and engaging, the atmosphere of post-apocalyptic Japan in 4026 is excellent, and boss battles are a true highlight. For a studio that has spent decades making Pokemon games, creating a full-fledged action RPG with a well-crafted narrative is a significant achievement.

Technical Issues

The main reason for mixed Steam reviews is the technical state of the game at launch. PC and Xbox Series players complain about optimization issues that go beyond typical "day-one" problems. The PS5 version appears to be the most stable.

Gameplay

Players control Emma — an outcast cursed with the Blight — and her loyal dog Koo. The action takes place in ruined Japan, where dangerous forests can grow right in the wastelands in real time. The combat system combines real-time sword fighting with tactical companion commands through a slow-motion menu.

Game Freak took a risk stepping outside their familiar formula, and while the scores don't indicate a smash hit, many critics note this is a bold first step for the studio in a new direction.