Pokémon Studio's New Game: Beast of Reincarnation
Game Freak's anticipated action game fails to deliver innovation.
1Game Freak's Experimental Attempt
Known for the Pokémon series, Game Freak experiments with a different action game in Beast of Reincarnation. The studio has previously produced experimental projects like Tembo the Badass Elephant and Giga Wrecker. However, this new game falls short in delivering expected innovative touches. Critics note that most ideas in the game are borrowed from other titles.
2Post-Apocalyptic Japan
The game is set in post-apocalyptic Japan 2000 years in the future. Most humans have transferred their consciousness to robotic golems to survive the global calamity. A mysterious blight has mutated wildlife into vicious monsters. The protagonist Emma is a mercenary with the ability to absorb the powers of these fallen mutants.
3Innovative Action Mechanics
The game's strongest aspect is its action mechanics. Emma fights as a speedy samurai using swords and various bows. Alongside a Dark Souls-like combat system, she has unique abilities like creating bridges or climbing with plants that grow from her hair. She can also team up with her giant magical dog for powerful combo attacks.
4Mysterious But Unsatisfying Story
While the game world initially appears full of intriguing mysteries, these mysteries don't lead to satisfying answers. Elements like Emma herself, her giant dog, and the little girl only she can see are left overly ambiguous. Critics note it takes over 10 hours to understand the main story, with explanations hidden in tutorial menus.
5Ideas Borrowed From Other Games
Beast of Reincarnation's biggest issue is that most of its ideas are taken from other games. The story feels like a watered-down version of Nier: Automata, boss battles resemble Monster Hunter, and the mobile base functions similarly to Death Stranding. The AT-ST-like base design seems directly inspired by Star Wars, significantly hurting the game's originality.
6Underdeveloped Game Mechanics
Some mechanics like growing your own food and weapon upgrading are so simple they're easily forgotten. Level design is extremely basic, making exploration boring. Platforming sections are overly easy and lack creativity. Even the skill tree is literally shaped like a tree, showing lack of imaginative design.
7Creative Potential and Missed Opportunities
Beast of Reincarnation actually had great potential. Game Freak's experimental projects have usually been interesting. But this game chooses to keep its ideas superficial rather than developing them deeply. Emma's hair abilities and interactions with her dog could have been expanded further. Wasting this potential is disappointing.
8Game Freak's Future
Beast of Reincarnation raises questions about whether Game Freak can produce successful games beyond Pokémon. While the studio has proven its creativity with experimental projects, this game shows it hasn't achieved the same success with big-budget action titles. The mechanical discipline of the Pokémon series doesn't seem to translate equally to other genres.
Original article: The Verge — Pokémon Stüdyosunun Yeni Oyunu: Beast of Reincarnation