| Beast of Reincarnation | |||
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| Release Date | Gameplay & Story | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
Game Freak is trying their hand at a Soulslike game in Beast of Reincarnation! Read on to learn how it plays, what it's about, and everything else we know so far.
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Beast of Reincarnation Gameplay
According to Game Freak, Beast of Reincarnation is a "one-person, one-dog" action RPG that combines two different styles of play into a single combat experience. The main character, Emma, primarily fights using a katana and a bow for close and long-range encounters. This part of the requires players to time their moves to block or parry incoming strikes. Successfully countering enemies generates points needed to activate Koo's support abilities.
Koo, Emma's canine companion, as an extension of Emma.and provides support via contextual menu orders. Much like Final Fantasy VII Remake, when the player opens this menu to select a Blooming Art or a skill for the dog to use, the action on the screen slows down significantly. This allows players to select specific commands, such as biting an enemy to hold them in place. The dog's actions are tied to a resource bar that refills as Emma lands hits or successfully defends against attacks. As the game progresses, Koo gains access to elemental attributes that allow his attacks to inflict status effects.
Out in the world, Emma uses her agility to climb ledges and jump across gaps. Koo uses his senses to assist in these tasks. The dog can track scents that lead to hidden items or secret paths. If a path is blocked, the player gives Koo a command to squeeze through small spaces or pull levers that Emma cannot reach.
However, Emma possesses a physical connection to the "Blight," which manifests through her hair. Her long hair functions as a living vine that she can manipulate for both combat and movement. During exploration, Emma can sprout these hair-vines from her body to create pathways or anchor points. For example, she can grow these vines to bridge large gaps or to scale sheer walls where no handholds exist.
There is also a day-and-night cycle that changes the behavior of the creatures in the world. Some enemies become more aggressive or gain new buffs when the sun sets.
Character growth occurs through two skill trees. One tree focuses on Emma's physical prowess, which unlocks new sword attacks and skills. The second tree belongs to Koo and enhances his support role. It unlocks elemental traits for his bites and increases his health pool.
These upgrades do not happen in isolation. Certain nodes on the trees unlock Blooming Arts. The developers also hint that the two unlock more powers as their bond deepens.
Beast of Reincarnation Story
In the year 4026, post-apocalyptic Japan has been ravaged by a pervasive "Blight" that corrupts all living things and has led to the proliferation of large beasts, plants, and automatons. Humanity is on the brink of extinction, and they’re facing a world overrun by these threats and a natural environment that has reclaimed much of the land.
Emma is cursed—a Blighted One—who embarks on a quest to combat the world’s corruption. She is accompanied by her canine companion, Koo, and their journey will lead to their bond strengthening, which leads to the manifestation of strange powers within Emma.
Beast of Reincarnation Similar Games
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Ghost of Yōtei Action, Adventure |
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Bloodborne Soulsborne |
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FF7 Rebirth Action-Adventure, RPG |
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Black Myth: Wukong Action-Adventure, RPG |
