Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Formations Make One Archetype a Must-Have

Metaphor: ReFantazio's Formations Make One Archetype a Must-Have

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of RPG experience under my belt, I can confidently say that Metaphor: ReFantazio has taken the genre to new heights. While it may seem like just another game in the lineage of Persona and Shin Megami Tensei, it’s the subtle innovations that set it apart and raise the bar for future RPGs.


One notable advantage of the game “Metaphor: ReFantazio” lies in its ability not just to draw from its roots in “Persona“, but to creatively enhance and surpass those elements, setting a challenging benchmark for other RPGs (regardless of their origin). The Turn-Based battle system, a hallmark of both “Persona” and “Shin Megami Tensei“, resurfaces in “Metaphor: ReFantazio“, yet it brings fresh twists that significantly deepen the strategic aspect. Among these new features, the one that leaves an indelible mark on some of the game’s tense battles is undoubtedly the introduction of the Formation system.

As a gamer in Metaphor: ReFantazio, I’ve learned that crafting an effective party isn’t just about choosing the right characters and their Archetypes to expose enemy vulnerabilities or save precious MP and healing items. Positioning each member strategically on the battlefield is equally crucial. The Formation system offers two main zones – front and back rows – which might seem straightforward, but enemies can grow more aggressive when they spot too many allies upfront. Moreover, as I progress, I find myself spending more time fine-tuning my party’s Formation to tackle the increasingly complex encounters. That’s why I always keep a Commander Archetype character close by for their vital role in shaping the battlefield dynamics effectively.

The Sooner Players Unlock the Commander Lineage in Metaphor: ReFantazio, the Better

Metaphor: ReFantazio's Formations Make One Archetype a Must-Have

In the initial stages of Metaphor: ReFantazio, players find Formations uncomplicated, which makes gameplay less challenging. Over time, they’ll engage with Bardon on a deeper level during combat, forming a bond. In the game’s other major setting, Martira, you meet Bardon as part of the main mission and can recruit him as an ally from 7/6 onwards, strengthening your party’s relationship with him earlier being advantageous. This early bonding with Bardon opens up the Commander lineage in the Archetype tree and grants some beneficial perks connected to it. In essence, building a strong bond with Bardon as soon as possible is highly recommended.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but emphasize the indispensable role of Bardon in Metaphor: ReFantazio‘s main quest and beyond. The unique combination of abilities you gain from forming a bond with him significantly boosts your defense and offense, making them invaluable in the game’s later stages.

The Commander Archetype is a Perfect Choice to Deal With Metaphor’s Formation System

In the game Metaphor: ReFantazio, it’s rare for a single Archetype to be all-encompassing in a party setup, but assigning an Archetype to a character in the Commander lineage offers a solid foundation for understanding its Formation system. The Commander primarily focuses on offense, with powerful fire elemental spells capable of inflicting significant damage on either single or multiple opponents, and a buff that pushes all allies to the frontlines and boosts their attack power. When the ability, Formation of Vigor, is associated with the Adept Archetype within the Commander lineage, specifically the General, is when things become truly intriguing.

Through Skill Inheritance, players can delegate the Vigor Formation to their General, while also giving them access to its defensive variant, Shelter Formation. This skill protects allied characters by moving them to the back row and significantly increasing their defense. Additionally, the General’s role gains control over potent ice-based abilities, which temporarily weakens them against further ice attacks. By strategically distributing additional skills, players can convert the General, followed by the Warlord, into a dynamic fighter capable of adjusting Formations and strengthening allies on command.

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2024-10-18 14:04