Game Freak's Beast of Reincarnation Is a Souls-Like Action RPG That Could Be Something Special

Game Freak, the studio best known for the Pokemon franchise, is gearing up to launch Beast of Reincarnation early in August 2026, and early hands-on impressions suggest the game could be a genuine breakthrough for the developer. Multiple outlets were given preview access, with at least one journalist playing through 90 minutes of content from the very beginning. The consensus so far is that the title is a combat-forward action RPG with clear Soulslike DNA, drawing notable comparisons to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice in its feel and rhythm.

Despite its demanding, combat-focused design, early impressions indicate that Beast of Reincarnation manages to be challenging without being punishing or discouraging. Polygon described it as "emphatically not a Pokemon game for widdle babies," framing it as a serious action experience aimed at players who want a real test of skill. GameSpot, meanwhile, noted it carries Sekiro vibes while emphasizing that it won't simply beat players down, suggesting Game Freak has found a balance between difficulty and accessibility. Across the board, previews paint a picture of a game that is confusing and challenging in the best possible ways, and one that could mark an exciting new direction for a studio long associated with a single franchise.

Sources