Beast of Reincarnation, the latest title from Game Freak—the studio known for the Pokémon series—has received a rather lukewarm reception from critics.

Set in a post-apocalyptic Japan, Beast of Reincarnation is an open-world action RPG that follows Emma, an outcast suffering from a plague, and Kuga, an infected canine companion. Together, they are tasked with taking down the bosses that rule this ruined world and the titular 'Beast of Reincarnation'.

The Metacritic scores were released at 9:00 AM on the 4th. As of 4:00 PM that same day, the PS5 version holds a score of 73 across 52 outlets, while the PC version sits at 72 points with 27 participating publications.

Beast of Reincarnation has been praised for its weighty, soulslike combat. The parrying system, varied combos, and freedom to craft unique builds enhance the combat experience. Furthermore, the bond and narrative arc between Emma and Kuga within such a bleak world serve as a distinct strength.

However, the game stumbles in terms of technical execution and optimization. Critics have pointed to lackluster performance and visuals that feel dated. Many reviewers noted that the screen often appears blurry or hazy, a criticism that has spilled over into Steam user reviews, where Beast of Reincarnation currently holds a 'Mixed' (52% positive) rating.

There is also feedback that the exploration and gameplay loop become repetitive in the latter stages, failing to sustain the initial momentum across its 30-hour runtime. With a limited variety of enemies and some boss encounters that drag on, player engagement tends to wane. While the post-apocalyptic setting is intriguing, the narrative that weaves it all together has been criticized for being pedestrian and occasionally confusing.