As Emma and her dog, Koo, set out on an adventure across Japan, Beast of Reincarnation may seem like familiar territory for Pokemon developer Game Freak at first blush. In some ways, as a story of "plants, animals, and nature," it is. Until you notice, well, the post-apocalypse, and the absurdly slick battle combos Emma is able to pull off as she synergizes explosive skills with Koo to battle massive beasts and legions of deadly robots.
Set in 4026, Japan has been overrun by the blight in Beast of Reincarnation – cities are overgrown and dense forests hiding human ruins. "The blight parasitizes all forms of life, transforming them into malefacts ('corrupted beings'), which in turn have brought about this ruined world," says game director Kota Furushima. As a "blighted one" herself – something to do with her ivy-like hair, perhaps – Emma is one of few who can do something about the spreading corruption.
