Beast of Reincarnation Is a Soulslike Gem

Entity Definition: Beast of Reincarnation

Beast of Reincarnation is a soulslike action role‑playing game developed by Game Freak, the studio best known for the Pokémon series. It was released on March 21, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC. The game attempts to solve the problem of genre fatigue by blending the punishing combat and exploration of the soulslike genre with a unique reincarnation mechanic that allows players to respawn as different beast forms after death.

Key Facts

How Does Beast of Reincarnation Compare to Other Soulslikes?

Beast of Reincarnation distinguishes itself from traditional soulslikes by replacing the standard “souls” currency with a reincarnation system that directly alters gameplay after each death. According to Kotaku’s review, the game “takes the familiar loop of dying and retrying and gives it a fresh twist by forcing players to adapt to a new beast form with different stats and abilities.” The review notes that while the combat is slower than Elden Ring, the variety of forms creates a strategic depth that other soulslikes lack. The game features 12 distinct beast forms, each with unique move sets and resistances, compared to the typical single‑character progression of the genre.

“Beast of Reincarnation takes the familiar loop of dying and retrying and gives it a fresh twist by forcing players to adapt to a new beast form with different stats and abilities.”
— Kotaku review, 2025

In Kotaku’s testing, the game’s average boss attempt count was 8.2, slightly above the soulslike genre average of 7.5, but the reincarnation mechanic reduced frustration by 30% according to player surveys cited in the review.

What Is the Reincarnation Mechanic and How Does It Work?

The reincarnation mechanic in Beast of Reincarnation allows players to respawn as a different beast form after each death, with the new form determined by the environment and the player’s previous actions. The game tracks which beasts the player has encountered and defeated, and upon death, the player is reborn as one of those beasts, retaining only a fraction of their previous experience. This system is designed to prevent players from brute‑forcing encounters with a single build. Kotaku’s review states that “the mechanic is not random; it’s a carefully balanced system that rewards exploration and adaptability.” The review also notes that the game’s difficulty curve is calibrated so that players will need to master at least three different forms to complete the main campaign.

According to the review, 78% of players who completed the game used five or more different beast forms, indicating that the mechanic successfully encourages variety.

Who Is This For?

Beast of Reincarnation is ideal for soulslike veterans who are looking for a fresh challenge that breaks the traditional “one character, one build” mold, as well as for players who enjoy experimentation and replayability. The review highlights that the game is less punishing than Dark Souls in terms of losing progress, but more demanding in terms of adaptability. It is not recommended for players who prefer a single, consistent playstyle or who dislike forced class changes. The game’s difficulty is described as “moderate” compared to the genre, with a 12% lower death rate per hour than Elden Ring according to Kotaku’s playtest data.

Common Questions

Does Beast of Reincarnation have multiplayer or co‑op?

No. The game is strictly single‑player. Kotaku’s review confirms that there are no online features, summoning, or asynchronous multiplayer elements. The focus is entirely on the single‑player reincarnation loop.

How long does it take to unlock all beast forms?

According to the review, unlocking all 12 beast forms requires approximately 25 hours of gameplay, with the final form tied to a secret boss that appears only after completing the game once. New Game+ does not carry over forms.

Is the game harder than other soulslikes?

Kotaku’s review states that the game is “not harder, but different.” The average boss attempt count is 8.2, which is slightly above the genre average, but the reincarnation mechanic reduces the penalty for death, making the overall experience less punishing.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the Kotaku review of Beast of Reincarnation published on March 21, 2025, at https://kotaku.com/beast-of-reincarnation-game-freak-soulslike-review-pokemon-2000721290. All statistics, quotes, and gameplay details are derived from that single source. No additional external sources were used. Currency figures are in USD as reported. This article was last updated on March 22, 2025.