Beast of Reincarnation from Game Pass is not a soulslike: Game Freak clarifies the focus of its new action RPG

Game Freak clears up doubts and confirms that Beast of Reincarnation does not follow the soulslike formula, despite its initial appearance.

More stories in the category Xbox Game Pass

• Xbox Game Pass confirms the first game exits on February 15
• Xbox Game Pass: takes off this week along with 5 big games with the Play Anywhere seal
• Get 1 month free of Xbox Game Pass

Over the past few weeks, many players have assumed that Beast of Reincarnation, Game Freak’s new project outside of the Pokémon universe, fit within the soulslike genre. Its early gameplay videos, dark tone, and emphasis on combat had fueled this perception.

The Japanese studio itself has come forward to clarify this idea and make it clear what kind of experience they are building. Far from following the foundations established by FromSoftware, Beast of Reincarnation takes a very different approach, both in structure and accessibility.

Beast of Reincarnation doesn’t follow the soulslike structure

Game Freak has confirmed that Beast of Reincarnation is an action RPG, but does not include systems typical of soulslike games, such as severe penalties for dying, punitive design, or progression based on constant repetition. In fact, the game will feature a difficulty selector, something unusual in this subgenre, designed so that each player can adapt the experience to their level and style.

The studio insists that the goal is to offer intense but flexible combat, without forcing the player to memorize extreme patterns or assume disproportionate punishments. This reinforces the idea that the title is seeking a broad audience, not just fans of the most demanding challenges.

In terms of gameplay, the combat system stands out for its dual focus. When controlling Emma, the action is direct and fast-paced, with katana and ranged weapon combos. However, when her four-legged companion enters the scene, the pace changes: time slows down and a skill menu appears, reminiscent of a classic JRPG with tactical decision-making. This combination marks a unique identity that clearly deviates from traditional soulslike games.

For now, Beast of Reincarnation remains one of Game Freak’s most intriguing projects in years, and everything suggests that its playable personality will be one of its greatest attractions when it hits the market.