Flop! Digital Foundry Criticizes Pokemon Developer's New Game, Consoles Struggle to Hold 60fps

Summary

On August 21, Digital Foundry published a technical analysis of the console versions of "Reincarnation of the Beast" (轮回之兽). As Game Freak's first action RPG and the studio's first Unreal Engine 5 title, the game has drawn attention. However, the analysis reveals severe technical issues. All console versions (PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S) target 60fps but frequently fail to hold it. Additionally, film grain is forced on, and character models in menus have no anti-aliasing. On PS5 Pro, only the outdated FSR 1 spatial upscaling is used, leaving performance potential untapped. Digital Foundry calls it a flop. This raises concerns about Game Freak's ability to handle high-end platforms, especially after years of handheld-focused development. The game is part of a broader expansion strategy, yet its technical shortcomings may justify player skepticism and serve as a warning for smaller developers adopting UE5. The impact on the industry is notable, highlighting the gap between ambition and execution in cross-platform launches.