Metaphor: ReFantazio: Every Party Member, Ranked

As a fan of Alterbury Heights, I must say that my favorite character has to be Heismay, and it’s not just because of his Alan Rickman-esque voice or the cool factor of being an Eugeif. It’s the depth of their storyline and the way they carry themselves with such dignity and determination despite their hardships that truly won me over.

In essence, playing ReFantazio will be reminiscent of ATLUS games for long-term fans, as it maintains the recognizable calendar system, role-playing mechanics, and strategic turn-based battles. Consequently, you’ll encounter a diverse ensemble of characters to bond with during your journey.

Leaving aside the protagonist, there are a grand total of seven companions in the group known as Metaphor. As you progress, each of these characters will leave an indelible impression upon you, particularly if you choose to invest time in strengthening your relationships with them by raising their bonds.

Despite this, let me clarify: If we were to hold an election among these party members, who would emerge victorious according to our personal opinions and potential bias? To put it simply, we’d like to share our perspective.

Moreover, we’re excluding Gallica as they don’t seem to contribute significantly or actively participate as a team member.

Warning: Preparing to unveil significant story developments. If you prefer experiencing them firsthand, it would be wiser to depart now.

7 Grius

Metaphor: ReFantazio: Every Party Member, Ranked

First Met	During the battle against the Human at Northern Border Fort
Standout Moment	The assassination attempt on Louis

To create an indelible mark as a character in a Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG), one effective approach is to sacrifice your own life, which is exactly what Grius does promptly.

Grius will not stay long with the group, since the rugged Scotsman won’t last much longer in Grand Trad, and his life will be taken by Louis.

Yet, despite only being around for the opening hours, Griu’s death is a pivotal moment where you truly mourn the loss of the grumpy old sod.

I’m grateful that the mantle of the Mage lineage has been passed onto me, yet the aftershocks of his demise, such as looking after Maria, have only served to magnify his enduring impact.

However, given his limited involvement compared to long-standing party members, it wouldn’t be fair to place him at the forefront over them.

6 Hulkenberg

First Met	When first entering the Grand Regalith Cathedral
Standout Moment	Reaching a higher state of being by eating Dragon Tear Fruit

As a fellow gamer, let me share my thoughts on the diverse cast of characters in Metaphor. Each member has their unique moments, and none of them are fundamentally flawed. But among them, it’s Hulkenberg who comes close to stepping over that line.

Hulkenberg exhibits a single-faceted personality; he’s like a formidable female knight on the battlefield, strategically astute in war tactics, and harboring a keen interest in various culinary delicacies from diverse regions.

Although the character was intended to portray a tough warrior with a gentle heart, she seems to be a flat personality primarily serving as a foil for more dramatic story developments, lacking the charisma and memorable scenes that would make her shine as a leading figure.

Essentially, she resembles a somewhat ambiguous portrayal of a character similar to Lae’zel from Baldur’s Gate 3, but unfortunately, Hulkenberg fails to deliver the complexity required to match up with characters like her in terms of depth.

5 Strohl

First Met	At the Recruitment Center before leaving for the Northern Border Fort
Standout Moment	Strong-arming Lord Hydran into housing the former residents of Halia

It’s challenging to distinguish between Strohl and Hulkenberg, as they share many similarities. They are both courageous individuals with a strong sense of justice, and they both come from affluent backgrounds. However, in our opinion, Strohl has a slight advantage.

Primarily, it’s due to their dynamic leadership qualities that they frequently spearhead actions and put forth daring proposals aimed at assisting the player in reaching the throne.

Beyond that, their Bond storyline is significantly more captivating, and Strohl, unlike Hulkenberg, doesn’t shy away from displaying genuine feelings openly.

Ultimately, his character is somewhat conventional, making it challenging for him to stand out among others, yet he proves to be an excellent partner to share adventures with.

4 Eupha

First Met	At The Dragon Temple, during the Virga Islands Operation
Standout Moment	Defeating and capturing the Dragon God

In a universe teeming with diverse fictional beliefs and societies, it’s hard not to be captivated by the intriguing Mustari tribe, whose ancient, tribal values often clash with the traditional Sanctist norms. At the core of this fascinating culture stands their high priestess, Eupha.

Initially, it seemed like Edeni would be Virga Island’s companion. But once the player encounters the fearsome Dragon Temple, it becomes clear how intriguing Eupha, and by association, the Mustari people, truly are.

As a devoted admirer, I find her past captivating, yet it’s her vibrant personality that truly draws me in as I guide her through the broader realms beyond her sheltered archipelago existence.

She’s a kind, intelligent person with a soft heart, yet she’s also capable of standing on her own when needed, which makes her an exceptional teammate in this impressive lineup.

3 Basilio

First Met	At the Nightprowler before heading to Louis Skyrunner
Standout Moment	Protecting the innocent Sanctists at the Opera House

It might be unexpected for some people to find me placing Basilio in my top three characters, given that he doesn’t become a party member until near the end of the game. However, through our interactions prior to his joining, I grew quite fond of him, and when he finally decided to join the team, it felt like a triumphant moment for me.

It’s only fair that we also mention Fidelio’s impact, as these two really come together as a double act, and their relationship really serves as the core reason why Basilio is so lovable.

Fundamentally, these individuals serve as Louis’ underlings, adhering strictly to this role at first. However, as time passes, we uncover a more tender aspect of each character and discover their genuine aspirations and yearnings.

Of course, it inevitably results in the sad realization that our stay at Alterbury Heights has come to an end, a fact that further fuels our intense dislike towards Louis.

Additionally, the voice actors for Basilio and Fidelio deliver outstanding performances across the game, adding a touch of Liverpool accent to the gaming world – a move that resonates with everyone.

2 Junah

First Met	At Grand Trad when the Tournament of Kings is announced
Standout Moment	Her performance during the Relic ceremony at the Opera House

Without a memorable, fiery-haired character, it just wouldn’t feel like an ATLUS game, right? In this version, that role is filled by Junah, who serves as Louis’ companion and is known as the nation’s beloved singer.

Despite finding the thick accent challenging as a fellow Irishman, you’ll discover a character who offers much more depth beyond their attractive appearance and impressive vocal skills.

She’s a lively individual who marches to the rhythm unique to her; her hidden history unfolds bit by bit during the journey, leaving you spellbound, and through her Bond tale, we discover her selfless nature, although she isn’t fond of drawing attention to it.

1) She’s never predictable and puts on quite the show, whether in combat or otherwise. Essentially, this makes her a memorable and unique character. (Paraphrased from your original sentence)

1 Heismay

First Met	Within the Sandworm Cave during his Bounty Mission
Standout Moment	His heart-to-heart with Lady Joanna

It seems my affinity for Heismay might stem from personal preference, yet I find myself drawn to him. Maybe it’s his voice reminiscent of Alan Rickman that appeals, or possibly the stylish appearance of the Eugeif people. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s because he exhibits a level of skill and stealth akin to a ninja.

While there are many appealing aspects, I believe what truly sets them apart is their complex narrative, which often delves into darkness, and their unwavering resilience in facing their flaws, burdens, and tribulations, always pushing onward regardless.

The plot surrounding their relationship in the Bond saga is captivating, as they grapple with the loss of their son and join forces to fight against Joanna in Kriegante Castle, creating a deeply emotional experience.

Despite the gravity of their storytelling, they manage to remain endearing and approachable, not relying on being humorous or light-hearted like Hulkenberg or Strohl to achieve this effect.

Among all characters, he’s the one I desire a mini vinyl figurine of the most, and to be honest, it clearly shows my preference. To put it simply, Heismay stands out as my top choice by a significant margin.

2024-10-11 17:39