The Xbox Games Showcase 2025 unveiled many exciting titles, but one game that instantly stood out was Beast of Reincarnation's trailer: a mysterious and visually striking action RPG with strong Soulslike vibes.
Table of Contents
With gameplay and style that remind fans of Black Myth: Wukong, Stellar Blade, and Phantom Blade Zero, this title appears to be Japan’s bold answer to the growing popularity of wuxia-inspired fantasy games.
Below's the overview of the game by the publisher Fictions:
"In post-apocalyptic Japan, a land ruined by corruption and crawling with monstrous beasts, humanity’s last hope may rest with Emma—an outcast cursed as a Blighted One—and Koo, her loyal canine companion.
Survive a journey across an ominous, ever-changing world where dangerous forests can erupt in the wasteland. As Emma and Koo push deeper into the unknown, their bond strengthens—and with it, strange powers bloom.
Explore what it means to be human in Beast of Reincarnation, an expansive one-person, one-dog action RPG built around demanding, technical combat.
What awaits at journey’s end?"
Advertisement
A Visual Feast with Strong Anime Inspiration
From the very first 30 or so seconds of the trailer, it seems clear that the game draws heavy inspiration from legendary Japanese animation. The forest setting, mystical creatures, and ethereal tone feel directly influenced by Princess Mononoke, while some mechanical elements echo the iconic designs from Castle in the Sky. It’s a beautiful blend of nature, spirits, and technology, packed with strong Hayao Miyazaki vibes.
Advertisement
Developed by Game Freak
In case you didn’t know, Game Freak is best known for developing the Pokémon series - it has more than one team. While one group focuses entirely on Pokémon titles for Nintendo, the other works on non-Nintendo, experimental projects, and Beast of Reincarnation comes from this second, more creative wing.
That fact alone has caught many fans by surprise, as the game feels like a huge leap in tone, visuals, and ambition from what Game Freak is typically known for.
Advertisement
What Makes It Stand Out?
-
Soulslike Combat: The dark fantasy action gameplay looks intense, hinting at punishing mechanics similar to Dark Souls, Elden Ring, Black Myth: Wukong etc.
-
Anime Art Style: A unique mix of nature, mythology, and machinery, heavily inspired by classic Studio Ghibli films.
-
Original Storyline: With themes of reincarnation, spirits, and possibly ancient war, it’s shaping up to be both emotional and mysterious. Post-Apocalyptic Japan with a Twist.
-
Fresh Direction for Game Freak: It’s exciting to see the studio take a bold, creative step outside of their Pokémon comfort zone.
The game is set to be released in 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5. Stay tuned for more information!
Advertisement
