As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in the captivating worlds of role-playing games, I can confidently say that Studio Zero and Katsura Hashino have truly outdone themselves with “Metaphor: ReFantazio.” Having been a devoted fan of the Persona series, I was eager to see how this new venture would measure up, and let me tell you, it has surpassed all expectations.
It’s fair to conclude that excitement for the game called “Metaphor: ReFantazio” has been running high ever since its debut at the June 2023 Xbox Games Showcase. Being Studio Zero’s first original title and Katsura Hashino’s next big project after leaving P-Studio, it’s no wonder that anticipation for “Metaphor: ReFantazio” has been sky-high. However, each new detail about the game only seemed to spark more questions among fans. The buzz surrounding how much “Metaphor” would resemble a “Persona” or “Shin Megami Tensei” game while still pushing the boundaries for that particular RPG genre dominated the conversation.
Fortunately for those curious about the quality of Metaphor: ReFantazio within the context of Atlus’ renowned RPG series, there’s no need for concern. This game masterfully combines top aspects from both Persona and SMT, infused with a generous helping of traditional RPG elements. It surpasses these diverse influences to become something more significant than the total of its components, making it one of the must-play games in 2024. With its fast-paced, richly-featured gameplay designed for both Persona enthusiasts and RPG fans alike, and its unique blend of Hashino’s work on the Persona series with an engaging job system, it stands as one of Atlus’ finest offerings.
Metaphor: ReFantazio Features a Best-In-Class Narrative
At the heart of “Metaphor: ReFantazio” lies a thoughtfully crafted and multi-layered narrative, veering away from the typical experiences found in games like “Persona.” This innovative title delves into complex societal issues, much like its counterparts, but on a grander scale. It refrains from providing simple resolutions and avoids cliched sentiments. Instead, it skillfully weaves its plot and character growth to address relevant themes such as discrimination, social hierarchy, and the challenges of uniting a society for a better tomorrow amidst strong resistance and competing interests. While “Metaphor” may not offer straightforward solutions, the answers it presents to players seem well-deserved due to the evolving dynamics among characters and their world within the storyline.
The plot revolves around a pivotal moment, the murder of the ruling king, which triggers a chain reaction of events. This crime against the monarchy sends the main character, an unnamed hero accompanied by his fairy partner Gallica, on a clandestine quest to reinstate the exiled prince. Unbeknownst to the world at large, the prince survived a previous assassination attempt, and a hidden group is working towards reinstating the rightful heir to the throne. Without giving away any spoilers, the story unfolds with surprising revelations about the conspiracy against the royal family and the protagonist’s connection to it, providing a powerful emotional climax by the conclusion. However, this impactful resolution would not be possible without the well-crafted and charming characters that populate the narrative.
In addition to being captivating and skillfully crafted, the characters in the game Metaphor: ReFantazio stand out as exceptional party members and adversaries in any role-playing game (RPG). It’s no exaggeration to compare the main antagonist, Louis Guiabern, to iconic RPG villains like Sephiroth or Kefka. What makes this comparison striking is that despite loathing him, you can still find yourself understanding and empathizing with him, demonstrating the depth of his character as well as those in the entire cast.
Combat and Progression in Metaphor: ReFantazio Blend Classic and Modern RPG Convention
In the game “Metaphor: ReFantazio”, there are clear references to the distinctive features of “Persona”, but it sets itself apart particularly in its combat and progression systems. Unlike the monster-collecting and fusion elements that are essential in both “Persona” and “Shin Megami Tensei”, the battle and advancement in “Metaphor” revolve around Archetypes. Archetypes, similar to classic RPG Job classes, take on the typical roles you’d expect, such as Healer, Warrior, Mage, and so forth. However, by nurturing relationships with allies and enhancing those connections, players can unlock advanced Archetypes. Each of these advanced Archetypes has unique Synth attacks that can combine with other Archetypes, both within and across specific class lineages.
This game has a rich, intricate structure that becomes even more complex as players gain the power to predict the skills an Archetype will acquire and discover combinable Synthesis attacks with other classes. By conversing with informants scattered across the map of Metaphor, players can purchase vital intel about the creatures inhabiting specific dungeons and their vulnerabilities. This strategic knowledge, combined with careful planning, often allows players to swiftly annihilate large groups of enemies by masterfully utilizing Archetypes’ special abilities. The combat mechanics also borrow elements from the Press Turn system, allowing players to earn extra turns by exploiting enemies’ weaknesses and potentially receiving higher rewards for an “Unscathed Victory”.
Just like the Persona series from Persona 3 onward, the main storyline in Metaphor: ReFantazio is managed by a calendar system. Except for specific days with significant, narrative events, players have an afternoon and evening to decide how they want to spend their time. Venturing into dungeons takes up an entire afternoon, after which, players must return to a nearby town to rest and rejuvenate. Luckily, Metaphor provides ample time for preparation between major missions, giving players the flexibility to choose various activities that eventually strengthen both the player and their allies.
In Metaphor, you’ll find five “Regal Qualities” that players should work on enhancing throughout their adventure, similar to the Traits in Persona. As these qualities grow stronger, they open up more dialogue choices leading to deeper connections with allies. This results in unlocking advanced Archetypes and combat skills.
Metaphor’s Arresting Art Style Sets a New Bar for Presentation and UI Elements
Before the launch of “Metaphor”, there’s been a great deal of justified focus on its striking graphics, character designs, and artistic direction. The monsters in “Metaphor” and the overall ambiance of the game are heavily inspired by the 16th-century artist Hieronymus Bosch, but the characters in “Metaphor” are as diverse and appealing as you’d expect from an Atlus RPG. The world of “Metaphor” is essentially divided into three regions, each inhabited by eight distinct tribes. Each tribe has a unique appearance and characteristics that set them apart from others, and along with the beautifully crafted environments, “Metaphor’s” world feels like a fully fleshed-out realm.
Noteworthy is the score of ‘Metaphor’, as composer Shoji Meguro returns with a collection of stunning arrangements that further emphasize the game’s enchanting fantasy atmosphere. The songs may differ from those Meguro created for ‘Persona 5’, but they are equally captivating, underscoring the significant role music plays in enhancing the RPG experience by adding depth and immersion. Additionally, one of ‘Metaphor’s’ less-acknowledged strengths lies in its user interface and menu design. Although the ‘Persona’ series is known for its visually striking menu and battle screens, ‘Metaphor’ stands out with its artful direction, creating a visual experience that borders on overwhelming due to its stunning beauty and intricate complexity.
A Fitting Cap to the ‘Year of the RPG’
2021 has been a rich year for immersive Role-Playing Game (RPG) adventures, and titles like “Persona 3 Reloaded” and “Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance” from Atlus have certainly stood out. However, it’s the game “Metaphor” that seems to be the studio’s most impressive creation yet. A common question about “Metaphor” was whether it would offer a lengthy experience comparable to “Persona 5”, and I’m delighted to confirm that the main story of “Metaphor” certainly delivers on that expectation. As hinted by Hashino, players can anticipate spending around 80-100 hours in “Metaphor”, with additional post-game content available for those wanting more from the game.
Here’s one way of paraphrasing your text in easy-to-read language:
Despite being rather lengthy, reaching triple digits, Metaphor offers a swift and satisfying adventure. I’d contend that this RPG ranks among the most finely tuned in terms of pace, with no unnecessary elements to slow it down. Every moment of the main quest and beyond is rewarding for the player. If there’s a minor criticism of Metaphor, it’s that some of the tougher boss battles might require trial and error when mastering the Archetype system. However, this could also be due to my aggressive approach in battles intended for post-game play.
ReFantazio”. This title quickly establishes itself as one of Atlus’ top RPGs and a strong first project for the new development team. Many elements that made Hashino’s work on the “Persona” series stand out return in “Metaphor“, delighting fans of the series. However, the game subtly innovates on many signature aspects of the franchise, making it unique and a must-play for RPG enthusiasts. The best RPGs leave a lasting impression on players even after the credits have rolled, encouraging multiple playthroughs in the future. Even with a playtime of 80-100 hours, “Metaphor” is a game I can see myself revisiting frequently as one of my favorite role-playing games.
In simple terms, the game “ReFantazio” will be available starting October 11 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. For this review, we were given an Xbox code by Game Rant.
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2024-10-07 17:07