- Game Freak's Beast of Reincarnation has received a review that describes the game as a taxing reflection of human-made damage.
- The review notes that the journey to defeat the beast is 20 hours long on normal difficulty, with several retries required.
- Although not marketed as a Soulslike, the game shares many similarities with the genre, as stated by director Kota Furushima.
- Director Kota Furushima aims for the game to be enjoyable for players who may not excel at action games, allowing players to select their difficulty level.
- The canine companion Koo is described as an invaluable combat ally, acting as a four-legged wiki that helps players find enemies and items.
- Koo also automatically fetches missed items, which can undercut the sense of discovery in the game.
- Cooking and harvesting are automated during fights, and there are campsites with merchants nearby, allowing players to return without consequences after defeat.
- The protagonist, Emma, is devoid of memories and emotions, while the robots she encounters, known as golems, carry human souls trapped in machines.
- The game recycles enemies and bosses in the second half, emphasizing a senseless cycle of violence.
- Defeating each boss adds a flower to Emma's braided hair, symbolizing a glimmer of hope amidst the game's themes of conflict and grief.
- Despite its themes, the game does not end on a nihilistic note, instead offering a sense of hope.
Game Freak's Beast of Reincarnation, an action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic Japan, invites players to explore the consequences of human-made destruction.1
Drawing inspiration from titles like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Final Fantasy VII Remake, players wield a sword alongside a loyal canine companion, Koo, who aids in combat and exploration.
The game features a design ethos aimed at accessibility, allowing players to select difficulty levels, as director Kota Furushima emphasized the intention for enjoyment even for those less skilled in action games.34
Players embark on a taxing journey to defeat the titular beast, reflecting on the senseless cycle of violence and grief. The narrative is enriched by Emma, the protagonist, who is devoid of memories and emotions, encountering golems that house trapped human souls.289
Despite the repetitive nature of enemy encounters, the game culminates in a message of hope, symbolized by flowers blooming in a ravaged landscape.
As players navigate this world, they are encouraged to reflect on the potential for renewal amidst devastation, making Beast of Reincarnation a poignant commentary on the impact of humanity's actions.
“The reviewer spent 20 hours in normal difficulty with quite a few retries; director Kota Furushima told Famitsu the team aims for the experience to be "enjoyable for even those who aren't good at action games." Koo, Emma's canine companion, acts as a "four-legged wiki," sniffing out enemies and even fetching missed items.”
The Guardian
