Game Freak’s New Action RPG Sparks Backlash From Pokémon Fans

Game Freak, the studio best known for the Pokémon franchise, has sparked controversy after revealing extended details about its upcoming action RPG Beast of Reincarnation. The project marks a clear break from Pokémon’s traditional design, replacing turn-based systems with real-time combat and a darker post-apocalyptic tone. While the game has drawn genuine interest, it has also reignited long-standing frustration among Pokémon fans.

Gameplay Footage (IGN)

Note: The footage shown above comes from IGN’s early hands-on coverage, as no official Game Freak trailer has been released so far.

A New Direction From a Pokémon Veteran

Beast of Reincarnation represents Game Freak’s most ambitious non-Pokémon project to date. The action RPG takes place in a ruined future Japan and follows a lone protagonist alongside her canine companion. Combat focuses on timing, parries, and coordinated abilities rather than menu-based encounters. This shift signals a deliberate effort by the studio to expand its creative scope.

According to reporting from The Verge, the game was built with current-generation hardware in mind and without Nintendo-exclusive constraints. That freedom has allowed Game Freak to adopt a more advanced visual pipeline and animation system than seen in recent Pokémon titles.

Why Pokémon Fans Are Reacting So Strongly

Much of the backlash stems from direct comparison rather than the new game itself. Many fans argue that recent Pokémon releases suffered from performance issues, limited environmental detail, and inconsistent visuals. Seeing Game Freak deliver smoother animations and richer environments elsewhere has intensified criticism of those past shortcomings.

A commentary published by Buffed describes the reveal as a breaking point for parts of the community. The article argues that technical limitations can no longer explain Pokémon’s uneven presentation, given what Game Freak is now demonstrating outside the franchise.

Different Projects, Different Constraints

Not all reactions have been negative. Industry analysts note that Beast of Reincarnation operates under very different conditions than Pokémon. The project benefits from a longer development cycle and a narrower focus. It also avoids the strict release schedules tied to merchandise, anime, and licensing deals.

According to GamesRadar, the game is targeting a summer 2026 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The extended timeline has given the team room to refine combat systems, animations, and overall presentation.

What This Means for Game Freak and Pokémon

The response to Beast of Reincarnation highlights a growing tension between creative freedom and franchise obligation. For Game Freak, the project offers a chance to prove its capabilities beyond Pokémon. For Pokémon fans, it reinforces concerns that the franchise structure may limit technical progress.

Whether this backlash leads to changes in future Pokémon development remains unclear. What is certain is that expectations have shifted. Fans now have a clearer idea of what Game Freak can deliver when given time, flexibility, and fewer constraints.