Game Freak Unveils Beast of Reincarnation, a Dark Action RPG Coming in 2026

Game Freak, who are mostly known for making the Pokémon games, has surprised everyone again by showing off something very different at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025. The new game is called Beast of Reincarnation, and it used to be called Project Bloom when they teased it a while ago. People weren’t sure what it was back then, but now we know—it’s a dark RPG, with a very different mood than their usual work.

It’s looking like they’re really trying something new, stepping outside the Pokémon box for once.

Platforms and When It's Coming

According to what was shown, the game is launching sometime in 2026, and will be available on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and also PlayStation 5. What’s interesting too is it’s going to be on Game Pass right from the beginning. That’s a big shift, since Game Freak used to mainly develop on Nintendo devices. So, this time, the reach is way broader.

This might help them reach the new audience they didn’t really have before.

The Setting: Future Japan, but It’s Not Bright

Set in Japan far in the future—like the year 4026 or something, the game takes place in a world that’s been almost destroyed by some sort of corruption. You play as Emma, a kind of cursed warrior called the “Blighted One.” She has this strange mission to destroy something called the Beast of Reincarnation. No one really knows what that means yet.

She travels through strange places with her dog, Koo. The two are always together, and this friendship seems like an important part of the game.

Combat and Visuals: Looks Hard and Pretty

From the trailer, it looks like fighting in the game is not easy. Emma uses a katana and fights big, scary monsters and strange machines. Some people said it reminds them of Sekiro or Nioh, which are known to be hard. So if you like games where timing and skill matter, this might be for you.

The visuals look beautiful but in a very serious way. Like a painting, but also sad. Maybe kind of like Studio Ghibli, but darker.

 

ALSO READ : Everything Revealed at Xbox Games Showcase 2025: Ninja Gaiden 4, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Persona 4, and More

 

Emma and Koo: A Quiet but Strong Bond

One thing that really stands out is the connection between Emma and Koo. It’s not just for cuteness—they grow together in the story and unlock powers. That bond looks like it’s going to matter for how you play the game.

It’s rare for a dog companion to have that much weight in a story. You can tell the game is trying to be emotional as well as intense.

Why It Matters

This game really shows a different side of Game Freak. Instead of doing what people expect, they’re trying something serious and complicated. That might be risky, but also exciting. It’s not a game for kids, probably.

But for people who like a good story, or a tough fight, this could really stand out next year. Putting it on Game Pass means more people can at least try it.

Final Words

Beast of Reincarnation is something no one really thought Game Freak would do. It’s got tough fights, a strange world, and characters you might care about. It’s not perfect yet (we still don’t know much), but it already looks unique. If they do it right, it could end up as one of the most surprising RPGs of 2026.