Game Freak, which is mostly known for creating Pokémon games, is working on a new title called Beast of Reincarnation that is heading to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud this summer. It will also be available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on day one, as well as an Xbox Play Anywhere title and a Handheld Optimized title. Interestingly, there’s no mention of other platforms, even as Xbox has brought many of its first-party titles to other platforms.
According to Game Freak, Beast of Reincarnation began its planning phase six years ago, and during today’s Developer_Direct, we got a closer look at what to expect. The game takes place in 4026 AD and follows Emma and Koo, who meet in a land to the East. Emma, who is born afflicted by blight, has been granted the power to manipulate plants. Since she has no memory or emotion, she’s shunned and feared by those around her, resulting in a life of isolation.
Meanwhile, Koo is a malefact, a creature that poses a threat to the world. As a sealer, Emma is supposed to hunt down malefacts and absorb their blight into her own body. Even though Emma is supposed to hunt down Koo, the two will embark on a journey to the far West, where they must confront the Beast of Reincarnation, the source of all blight. To do so, Emma and Koo will have to absorb the power of giant malefacts known as Nushi.
Beast of Reincarnation is being billed as a “one-person, one-dog action RPG.” The game sees Emma fighting with fast-paced katana action, while Koo supports her with powerful skills activated through a command-based system. My first thought when seeing this in action was Clive and Torgal in Final Fantasy XVI. Where things differ is that your actions as Emma fuel your ability to use Koo’s skills. For example, parrying enemy attacks with Emma earns points to use Koo’s abilities.
Game Freak said its focus was “tempo” when it comes to combat, rather than forcing players to rely on split-second reflexes. It’s a bit of a hybrid system, where at times, players can think carefully and fight with the tactical mindset of a turn-based RPG. The game will also offer three difficulty settings, including a Story Mode where parry timing is more forgiving and enemy damage is reduced. Further adding to combat are Spirit Stones, items that can be equipped to grant various effects based on actions taken in battle.
