New hands-on impressions for Beast of Reincarnation have revealed a range of gameplay details ahead of the action RPG’s release on August 4 for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
According to preview coverage via Genki_JPN, the main story is expected to take around 30 to 40 hours to complete. The game is described as an open-zone action RPG with fast-paced combat that draws comparisons to titles including Stellar Blade, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Ghost of Yotei and Final Fantasy XVI.
While the combat features a parry system, previews note that the timing window is more forgiving than Sekiro’s, making it easier to pick up without reaching the difficulty level typically associated with Souls games. Players can also slow time to issue command-based actions through Emma’s canine companion, Koo, with the mechanic said to resemble Final Fantasy VII Remake’s Active Time Battle system.
Preview impressions also compare the game’s atmosphere to NieR: Automata and Princess Mononoke, with director influences said to include the themes explored in Blade Runner.
Traversal introduces its own unique mechanics, as Emma’s hair can extend into tree roots to help players navigate the environment. Players will also encounter giant bosses, campfires that function as upgrade points for unlocking new abilities, and what previews describe as an intriguing story.
The title has reportedly been in development for between five and six years, marking a significant departure from Game Freak’s work on the Pokémon series.
Developed by Game Freak and published by Fictions, Beast of Reincarnation launches on August 4, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The game follows Emma and her companion Koo as they journey across a post-apocalyptic Japan in an attempt to eliminate the source of a parasitic blight threatening the world.
