Beast of Reincarnation Could Be a Video Game Successor to Princess Mononoke

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In 2023, it was initially announced that Game Freak was collaborating with a new Western publishing partner, Private Division, to create an entirely new video game that didn’t fall under the Pokémon series. However, after layoffs at Take-Two Interactive (Private Division’s parent company), the future of this project became unclear. Recently though, during the Xbox Games Showcase earlier this month, Game Freak officially revealed their new game titled “Beast of Reincarnation” with its first trailer.

If you missed the trailer unveiled at the Xbox Games Showcase, “Beast of Reincarnation” centers around the character, Emma, and her dog, Koo, as they traverse a post-apocalyptic Japan. Initially, a monstrous creature invades the land, spreading a contamination that transforms everything it touches. The world starts to deteriorate in the aftermath of this beast’s arrival, and other creatures are shown to be infected with a similar corruption reminiscent of games in the Soulslike genre. In this story exploring mankind’s demise, Emma seems to represent the last glimmer of hope for humankind.

If you’re a gamer who appreciates Hayao Miyazaki’s work, the central themes in the game “Beast of Reincarnation” may stir memories of symbolism that echo another cherished Japanese story: “Princess Mononoke“.

Examining the narratives of “Princess Mononoke” and “Beast of Reincarnation”, both depict heart-wrenching tales where human advancement and technology inexorably harm nature. In “Princess Mononoke”, this is illustrated by the confrontation with the Boar God, Nago, who becomes tainted by an iron bullet, yet evolves alongside the Deer God, symbolizing life and nature itself.

In the narrative of “Beast of Reincarnation,” the Deer God sets an immediate contrast, as the story begins with a corrupted deer-like beast wreaking havoc. The main character, Emma, is depicted fighting against these beasts of decay, potentially aiming to restore the land and delay human extinction. This echoes “Princess Mononoke”; both stories portray humans clashing with nature through symbolic animal deities. One pivotal figure in the movie, San, serves as a mediator between humanity and nature. Despite her upbringing among wolves and disdain for humanity’s forest-related ambitions, she ultimately aligns herself with nature.

The similarities between “Beast of Reincarnation” and “Princess Mononoke” appear quite striking. Just like San with her wolf, Emma and her dog share an equally heavy task of mediating between humans and nature. As Game Freak describes on the Steam page for “Beast of Reincarnation”, as the narrative unfolds and Emma’s bond with Koo strengthens, a power will grow, alluding to this development in the game’s announcement trailer.

Titled “Reincarnation’s Beast,” this upcoming work, reminiscent of Miyazaki’s style, seems to be a natural extension or spiritual heir to “Princess Mononoke.” It stirs excitement in viewers as they look forward to an introspective narrative delving into the influence humans have on our world and environment. Interestingly, this tale shares similarities with “Horizon Zero Dawn,” as it explores a disruption between mankind and nature, culminating in an apocalyptic climax that the protagonist discovers. However, unlike “Horizon Zero Dawn,” this narrative is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and Shinto beliefs, where nature isn’t something to be dominated by humanity.

The “Reincarnation Beast” is tentatively scheduled for release in the year 2026, in partnership with the recently established publishing company, Fictions, Incorporated. This upcoming title will be playable on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC platforms, and will also be a day-one addition to Xbox Game Pass subscription service.

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2025-06-19 18:44