The Verge has reviewed Beast of Reincarnation, a new action game from Game Freak, the Japanese studio best known for developing the mainline Pokémon series. While the studio has occasionally branched out with experimental side projects before, this title represents a fuller attempt at a blockbuster action game outside the Pokémon franchise, but the review finds it leans heavily on ideas borrowed from established genre leaders rather than forging a distinct identity.

Set 2,000 years in the future in a postapocalyptic, sci-fi-meets-magic version of Japan, the game follows mercenary protagonist Emma as she absorbs powers from mutated monsters to eventually confront an immortal creature known as the Beast. Structured around large linear locations rather than a fully open world, its combat initially recalls Dark Souls and Elden Ring, but distinguishes itself through Emma's hair-based powers, which let her build bridges, grapple to high places, aid stealth and unleash attacks alongside her giant magical dog companion.