Microsoft closed out a week of video game announcements with its Xbox Games Showcase with longtime Pokémon developer Game Freak making a surprise appearance.

While Persona 4 Revival or Outer Worlds 2 may draw more attention, Game Freak’s unveiling of Beast of Reincarnation was what drew my attention the most. The biggest reason being it is such a stark difference from what Game Freak usually does.

It’s important to note that reports in 2019 indicated Game Freak was prioritizing original content instead of developing only Pokémon. Since 1996, the majority of the developer’s time has been focused on developing Pokémon games with few other projects.

Beast of Reincarnation is something entirely different.

It’s violent. It’s realistic. It’s what many likely hope Pokémon could be in some form. What I think made it most intriguing is the complete juxtaposition it is from Pokémon.

It wasn’t that long ago that the critics came for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet with many citing graphical and technical issues as a source of consternation. On the flip side, Palworld got a lot of praise for being what Pokémon was not.

I bring all this up because Game Freak drew a lot of criticism for these issues with many questioning if the the developer had lost its way. Beast of Reincarnation may provide some clues to the puzzle.

I don’t know what exactly has led to Pokémon feeling stagnant in recent years. There have been some signs of change with the Pokémon Legends spinoff, but those are still early in their lifetime. Still, it’s hard not to point to the developer in some aspect.

Beast of Reincarnation at least shows Game Freak is capable of a good-looking game. Time will tell if it will suffer from similar technical issues, but the trailer at least indicates hope.

And it’s not just a potentially great-running game, it’s the difference in look and tone. It’s hard to see any one in a different light when they’ve made a name for themselves for decades.

That’s what Game Freak has done, making itself known as the Pokémon developer. I mean, this entire banter is about how surprised at what the Pokémon developer has cooking.

I can’t say for certain that Beast of Reincarnation will run great or even be a good game. What I can say is Game Freak has my interest.

I’m guilty of dismissing Pokémon games in recent years as being too formulaic. Sure, some changes have happened but the franchise has largely stayed the same.

Seeing such a new style of game makes me want to give Game Freak a second chance. Gaining interest is only half the battle, however. The next step is to deliver.

Furthermore, if Beast of Reincarnation succeeds, than the pressure will be on the next Pokémon game. This is absolutely a good thing because it will not allow the franchise to remain complacent.

People will point to this game’s success as a new measuring stick of what Game Freak can accomplish. It gives me hope for the future of both Pokémon and Game Freak.

As for Beast of Reincarnation, it looks great and I am really excited for that game itself.

What about you? What did you think of the Beast of Reincarnation trailer? Do you think it will impact the future of Pokémon games? What did you like from the Xbox Games Showcase? Let us know in the comments below or head over to our Discord channel to join the conversation.

Featured Image: Game Freak (via Gamers Global)

Boss Rush Podcast – A Podcast about Video Games

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