Hands-on Beast of Reincarnation combat & the cutest mutant pup

When Game Freak unveiled Beast of Reincarnation in 2025, it immediately promised something special. In a crowded field of action role-playing games, the title successfully blended mythological lore with mechanized post-apocalyptic Japan, anchored by a surprisingly heartwarming narrative about one woman and her dog saving the world.

Spending time with the full game ahead of its August 4 release on the PlayStation 5 revealed that this promise was more than just surface appeal. It delivered an experience rich with touching story beats, incredibly in-depth mechanics, intense Souls-like combat, and arguably the most adorably blighted giant dog companion imaginable.

A World of Mutated Mystery

The setting plunges players into 4026 Japan, a land irrevocably altered by a cataclysm known as the Blight. Plants, animals, and even humans have been overwhelmingly corrupted by this strange poison, pushing fragmented settlements into survival. The true threat lies in the Nushi—colossal beings who spread fear and destruction—and the cycle of doom perpetuated by the fabled Beast of Reincarnation, which resurrects every hundred years. One person is tasked with ending this endless cycle.

Humanity’s Last Hope

Our protagonist, Emma, is born Blighted and an outcast, burdened by a condition that makes her valuable: she can absorb the powers of defeated Nushi. Her quest is to harness this power to finally confront the Beast. As you explore beautiful but sinister forests, crumbling ruins, and waterlogged bases, Emma becomes the perfect vessel for uncovering the secrets buried beneath civilization.

Parry or Die

Emma is a masterclass in versatility, feeling light and agile on the DualSense controller. Combat demands precision: swift sword swipes via R1 chain into combos, projectile weapons, nimble dodges with Circle, and the crucial block and parry using L1. For souls fans, the parry mechanic is key to survival. Fighting early enemies was straightforward, but facing smarter, larger foes like colossal Nushi required razor-sharp timing. Repeated antler attacks demanded perfect parries, while more complex assaults necessitated pin-point counters—timing truly dictates victory.

The combat system evolves far beyond simple hacking away. Antagonists can be staggered by strategically reducing their meter with multiple attacks before a finisher with R1 is possible. Sneaking up for satisfying headshots or utilizing projectile strikes keeps the action sharp. But the real innovation lies in mastering Emma’s Blight abilities:

By tapping R2 when a jump point is highlighted, she summons root-like hair tendrils to yank herself higher; holding R2 creates a temporary platform to walk across; and combining this with the Cross button launches her into the air. Using this verticality for ‘death from above’ assassinations against enemies with limited vision proved invaluable in many tough encounters.

Genuinely, Koo is the Bestest of Boys

Embodying Emma’s strength is her companion, the large wolf-like Koo. He serves as a perfect battle partner, capable of attacking or unleashing his powerful Bloom Arts—a turn-based special attack selected via Triangle. When timed perfectly with successful parries, these skills become incredibly effective. Combining Koo’s attacks with Emma’s Entanglement Overdrive (L3 and R3) transforms the duo into a formidable force.

Koo is more than just a fighter; he is deeply interactive. He guides the player using visual pheromone indicators, barks at points of interest, and returns items to Emma. Furthermore, his well-being is tied directly to the player’s care. Petting Koo generates pleasing haptic feedback, and keeping him clean via the Cleanse Walker allows for skill expansion through treating him and providing nourishment.

Food, Systems, and Skill Trees

The game packs a remarkable layer of hidden depth. Multiple weapons can be enhanced, both Emma and Koo possess intricate skill trees that unlock new abilities as the player progresses. Combat remains engaging as different enemies interact with each other on sight. Adding to the mystery is the presence of the enigmatic Violet, whom only Emma can see and hear.

Survival is also baked into the core loop through food management. Both Emma and Koo require sustenance; their hunger gauge must be kept full to heal wounds. Food provides vital stat boosts for HP, Attack, and Defense. Adding a touch of domesticity, Emma’s surrogate sister Kagura can cook meals from field ingredients. By engaging with Kagura and bringing back specific recipes, players unlock expansive and beneficial culinary skills, even allowing them to grow crops on the Cleanse Walker for endless food supplies.

Emma and Koo’s journey is a blend of intense, challenging combat and tender narrative beats. If you are ready for a quest filled with epic battles, deep lore, and an unforgettable partnership, sharpen your resolve for Beast of Reincarnation‘s release on the PlayStation 5.