Beast of Reincarnation Hands-On: Parry-Rich Combat & a Mutant Pup

Game Freak has spent decades perfecting creature-collection RPGs, but Beast of Reincarnation is a different beast entirely. Set in a far-future Japan ruined by a mysterious apocalypse, the studio's upcoming action RPG trades turn-based battles for parry-rich, Souls-like combat and swaps Poké Balls for a giant mutant dog. After spending significant time with the full game ahead of its August 4 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and Steam, one thing is clear: this is Game Freak stretching its legs in a genre that demands precision, patience, and a willingness to die — a lot.

A World Reborn in Blight

The year is 4026, and Japan is unrecognizable. A strange cataclysm called the Blight has corrupted plants, birds, beasts, and even humans, spreading poison forests that push humanity's remnants into scattered settlements. At the top of the food chain are the Nushi — powerful, often colossal mutated beings that inspire fear and destruction wherever they roam. The source of all this misery is said to be the fabled Beast of Reincarnation, a creature that resurrects every 100 years, perpetuating an endless cycle of doom.

You play as Emma, a blighted outcast with no memory of her origins. Shunned by her colony for her affliction, she's initially stoic and near emotionless. But her condition makes her uniquely valuable: she can absorb the powers of each defeated Nushi, channeling that strength toward a single goal — killing the Beast. As the preview notes, things aren't as simple as they seem, but that setup gives Emma a compelling arc and a mechanical hook that drives the entire game.

Combat That Rewards Timing, Not Button-Mashing

The combat is where Beast of Reincarnation truly shines. Described as "intense Souls-like combat," the system is built around a parry-rich flow that demands you read enemy tells and time your responses with precision. It's not about grinding levels or out-gearing opponents; it's about learning patterns and punishing openings. The preview author noted the game's "in-depth game mechanics," and that depth extends beyond combat — from the way you absorb Nushi powers to how you upgrade Emma's abilities, there's a lot to sink your teeth into.

But the real star might be your companion: a giant mutant dog that the preview calls "quite possibly the most adorably blighted giant dog companion anyone could wish for." The "one woman and her dog saving the world" narrative is a refreshing change of pace from the usual grim post-apocalyptic fare, and it gives the story an emotional core that resonates. The preview describes the story as "touching," and even in the early hours, it's clear that the bond between Emma and her pup is more than just a gameplay mechanic — it's the heart of the experience.

Beyond Pokémon: A Studio's Evolution

For Game Freak, Beast of Reincarnation represents a significant departure. The studio has been synonymous with Pokémon for decades, but this title shows a willingness to explore darker, more mature themes and more demanding gameplay. The blend of "the mythological with the mechanized" creates a world that feels fresh, even in a genre crowded with Souls-likes. It's a bold move, and based on this hands-on time, it's one that pays off.

That said, the game isn't without its controversies. Just three days before its official release, Beast of Reincarnation leaked online, reportedly being played by pirates via repacks from sources like the DODI Repacks Discord server and the r/Piracy and r/PiratedGames subreddits. How the leak happened is unconfirmed, though some speculate it's tied to Steam preloading. Early reports from pirates are mixed: one user on the ROG Ally X handheld reported a smooth experience — "Intro area runs at around 30-40fps medium settings at 1080p taau performance. Didn't drop below 30fps thus far. No shader compilation at the start but I didn't encounter any stutters so far hmm. And it looks great! Good soundtrack too." Another user on a high-end PC (9800X3D and RTX 5070 Ti) wasn't as impressed: "Game is running like garbage. 70-80fps avg with dlss ultra quality at 4k max settings with a 9800x3d and 5070ti. No frame gen option." It's worth noting that these are unofficial reports from a pirated copy, so take them with a grain of salt.

The leak is an unfortunate shadow over what is otherwise a promising release. But for those who've been waiting to see what Game Freak can do outside the Pokémon universe, Beast of Reincarnation looks like a compelling answer. The parry-rich combat, the emotional story, and that giant mutant pup make this a title worth watching — and, come August 4, worth playing.