During the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, Game Freak—the developer best known for the Pokémon series—unveiled its newest IP: Beast of Reincarnation, an original action RPG coming in 2026 to Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Formerly codenamed Project Bloom, the game marks a dramatic shift for the studio, venturing into darker, more intense territory far removed from its family-friendly roots.
Set in the distant future of 4026, the story follows Emma the Sealer, who travels a crumbling, post-human world with her dog companion, Koo. The game centers on their bond as they battle oversized monsters and adapt to a rapidly shifting environment. As the two grow stronger, they unlock powerful new abilities needed to survive the dangers ahead.
The combat system leans into Soulslike mechanics, placing heavy emphasis on well-timed parries and precision. Encounters demand focus and strategy, offering a much more challenging gameplay style than fans may expect from Game Freak. This design shift is backed by an art direction influenced by Studio Ghibli, blending haunting beauty with dystopian decay. Forests can morph into desolate wastelands, underscoring the theme of transformation that runs through the game.
Published by Fictions, Beast of Reincarnation represents Game Freak’s boldest move into narrative-driven, high-skill gaming. While full gameplay details are still emerging, the reveal trailer has sparked strong interest, offering a glimpse of a world where survival and emotional storytelling go hand in hand.
