Twelve kinds of taste
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Rate five things you know, from any shelf. Your archetype shows up in about a minute, and gets sharper with every log.
Rate five things you know, from any shelf. Your archetype shows up in about a minute, and gets sharper with every log.
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure, Action
OpenCritic72IGDB77
In post-apocalyptic Japan, humanity’s last hope may rest with Emma and her loyal canine companion, Koo. Explore what it means to be human in Beast of Reincarnation, an expansive one-person, one-dog action RPG built around demanding, technical combat.
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Epic, demanding, contemplative and richly built.
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A few lines from each review; the whole review is on the critic's site. Not part of Taste Buds's numbers.
PC, Xbox, PlayStation 5; Game Freak/FictionsGame Freak channels a post-apocalyptic reality that reflects our own repetitive erosion cycles, with a fair bit of hand-holding
GamesRadar+Luke KempAug 20264.5/5 starsThe game surfs on waves of philosophy and existential questions.
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Press AttackBruno de Souza BomAug 20269.4/10Beast of Reincarnation was one of the biggest surprises I have experienced in recent years. Game Freak has delivered something completely different from what most players expect from the studio, demonstrating an ambition that few imagined they would see outside of Pokémon. The relationship between Emma and Ko is the game's greatest strength. Ko is far more than a gameplay mechanic, playing an essential role in combat, progression, and the narrative itself. It is rare to find a duo this well integrated, where one character influences both how you play and how you experience the journey. The combat system is equally rewarding once you understand its philosophy. Its emphasis on parrying, the strategic use of Ko's abilities, and the progression built around the Nushi's powers create a satisfying learning curve that rewards mastery rather than simple stat growth. There are still areas that keep the game from reaching perfection. PC optimization needs improvement, the Nushi encounters could offer greater variety, the skill tree could communicate its upgrades more clearly, and some invisible boundaries reduce the sense of freedom during exploration. Even so, Beast of Reincarnation stands out because of the strong identity it builds throughout the campaign. Its combination of precise combat, vertical exploration, memorable protagonists, and a richly detailed world allows it to stand out in an extremely competitive genre. Emma and Ko's journey is one of the most memorable gaming experiences I have had in 2026 and easily ranks among the year's most ambitious and surprising releases.
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PlayStation UniverseGarri BagdasarovAug 20268.5/10From its incredible soundtrack to its fantastic combat and world, Beast of Reincarnation delivers an entertaining experience. Though I wish the game's story had as much flair throughout the 30-hour experience, there is just too much to love about Game Freak's venture into a more adult-themed world.
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GameRantDalton CooperAug 20265/10Beast of Reincarnation is an intriguing detour for Pokemon developer Game Freak, but it sadly doesn't live up to expectations.
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Slant MagazineAaron RiccioAug 20262.5/5 starsBeast of Reincarnation is like a cheap soda, as the first fizzy sip may excite you, but it only ever gets flatter from there.
Read the reviewSnippets via OpenCritic, where 47% of critics recommend it. Powered by the Guardian.
IGDB rating 8.1/10 from 20 ratings.
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“Is it too big for its own story?”
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“Is Beast of Reincarnation a masterpiece, not merely a very good game?”
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“Would a little humor have helped?”
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If you loved this game, the film, the television, the book, the music.
