Should You Play Metaphor: ReFantazio In English Or Japanese

Should You Play Metaphor: ReFantazio In English Or Japanese

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve dabbled in various languages while playing games – from the heart-wrenching melodrama of a subtitled Korean drama to the fast-paced action of a German shooter. But when it comes to Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs), there’s something truly magical about the original language that can’t be replicated in an English dub.


The initial question that players of the game Metaphor: ReFantazio might ponder before embarking on their grand journey is: Should I choose to play this game in English or Japanese, given its origins and characteristics? As it was created by Japanese developers, manufactured in Japan, and features prominent Japanese voice actors, one could argue that the original Japanese narration would be more authentic. However, for native English speakers, is playing in English a better option?

For individuals familiar with past Atlus games such as Persona and Shin Megami Tensei, the distinction between English and Japanese audio in Metaphor: ReFantazio might be apparent, but for newcomers unsure about which version offers the most immersion, here’s a comparison.

English vs. Japanese Audio in Metaphor: ReFantazio

Should You Play Metaphor: ReFantazio In English Or Japanese

Experiencing Metaphor: Refantazio with Japanese voiceovers provides an authentic gaming experience, however, this could become a challenge for non-Japanese speakers due to the need to frequently pause and read subtitles, which can become tedious if they are not accustomed to it.

If the idea of reading dozens of hours worth of dialogue is unappealing, English is the way to go.

For those accustomed to reading subtitles in anime or films, playing this game offers a unique twist. Unlike watching a subbed anime episode, games are not solely designed with one viewer’s perspective in mind. There is a significant amount of ambient dialogue throughout the game world, during cutscenes, and during conversations, not all of which is captioned. For instance, while strolling through the city, the background noise of the crowd will be incomprehensible to someone who doesn’t understand Japanese if they choose Japanese audio.

Moreover, the game known as ReFantazio is quite extensive, typically consuming around 80 hours for completion from start to finish. Initially, players might possess the stamina and tolerance to go through subtitles; however, over time, they could find themselves skipping dialogue due to it becoming tedious, potentially missing crucial details. If it’s played in English, though, players can opt for automatic dialogues, sit back, and savor it like an anime with an English voice-over.

One advantage of playing the game in English is that instead of some low-quality anime dubs that could have initially deterred players from the idea, Metaphor: Refantazio boasts exceptional English voice acting. Apart from a few unusual accent choices for certain characters such as Catherina, it generally offers an excellent way to immerse oneself in the game.

Should You Play Metaphor: ReFantazio In English Or Japanese

Instead, it should be noted that many parts of the game are not voiced, so players will primarily hear the Voice Actors during story scenes and significant dialogues after the initial phase of ‘Metaphor’. Choosing Japanese audio might be a good idea in this case, as you’ll already be reading most of the content. By opting for the original language, you can immerse yourself more deeply into the game’s authentic experience. However, whether you select Japanese or English voiceovers, you’ll need to get accustomed to reading the dialogue and subtitles to grasp much of what transpires.

To wrap things up, the choice of audio language in a 80-hour game depends on your personal preference and a balance between convenience and authenticity. If you don’t mind reading through every dialogue line and are eager for an immersive, original experience, then opting for Japanese is recommended.

Read More

2024-10-11 19:14