Beast of Reincarnation is Game Freak’s Best Chance to Break Out of Pokémon’s Shadow | Final Preview
IGN has published a preview of Beast of Reincarnation, a new action-RPG from Pokémon developer Game Freak, describing it as the studio's strongest attempt yet to establish an identity beyond its flagship franchise. Set 2,000 years in the future in a world overrun by robots and a virus that turns creatures feral, the game follows protagonist Emma, who can wield the infection as a power, alongside her companion wolf Koo. The preview matters because it signals Game Freak deliberately pursuing a more ambitious, story-driven direction distinct from Pokémon, blending influences from titles such as NieR: Automata, Sekiro and Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
Based on a 90-minute hands-on demo, the writer highlights fast-paced combat built around parries and special "Blade Art" attacks, combined with RPG-style companion mechanics involving Koo. The game is structured around several large but largely non-interconnected open regions rather than a single continuous open world, with the story pushing players forward with little chance to backtrack; publisher Fictions estimates a full playthrough at around 30 to 40 hours. Despite the linear region structure, there is reportedly substantial off-path content, including gear and upgrade materials, even though traditional sidequests are absent.
- Game Freak previews action-RPG Beast of Reincarnation, distinct from Pokémon.
- Protagonist Emma battles a feral-inducing virus with wolf companion Koo.
- Estimated 30-40 hour playthrough across several large, linear regions.