Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Setting Was Originally Inspired By Lord of the Rings

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Metaphor: ReFantazio's Setting Was Originally Inspired By Lord of the Rings

Key Takeaways

  • Metaphor: ReFantazio is a high-fantasy JRPG with turn-based combat and social building mechanics.
  • The game’s setting was partly inspired by Lord of the Rings initially. However, the developers decided to take the game in a different direction later on.
  • The developer aimed to create a distinct identity with Metaphor: ReFantazio while incorporating familiar elements for a unique experience.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I have witnessed the evolution of JRPGs from their humble beginnings to the colossal epics they are today. My gaming journey has taken me through countless worlds, each with its unique charm and allure. The latest addition to this grand tapestry is “Metaphor: ReFantazio”, a game that initially echoed the enchanting melodies of Middle Earth, only to boldly strike a new chord.

As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but share my excitement about the latest revelation from the creators of “Metaphor: ReFantazio”. They’ve let us in on one of their inspirations for the game’s world-building, and it turns out that J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic masterpiece, “The Lord of the Rings”, played a significant role. Now, if you’re familiar with Atlus subsidiary Studio Zero, you’ll know they’ve got quite the pedigree, especially from their work on the beloved “Persona” series. Guess who’s back in the driver’s seat for this one? That’s right, a good chunk of the former developers from those games!

When comparing Persona and Metaphor: ReFantazio, one of the biggest differences is the setting. Unlike Persona, which is an urban fantasy RPG that takes place in relatively modern day Japan, Metaphor: ReFantazio is a part of the high-fantasy genre. Many have cited the completely different setting compared to Persona as a welcome change of pace. Director Katsura Hashino recently commented on how the developers approached making the world of Metaphor: ReFantazio, along with one of the inspirations of the game’s setting.

During an interview on the Official Xbox Podcast with Hashino, Jeff Rubenstein observed that the diverse aspects of the world in the game ‘Metaphor: ReFantazio’ were influenced by Belle Époque Europe, incorporating assorted anachronistic technologies and whimsical elements. He then asked about the developers’ plans for creating the world. Hashino replied that during the initial stages of development, the team focused on examining traditional fantasy culture. More specifically, they referred to J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’, aiming to understand not just the essence of traditional fantasy but also its origins, motivations, and other inspirational factors behind the genre.

Metaphor: ReFantazio Was Originally Inspired by LOTR, But Then Went for Something Different

Hashino pointed out that as they worked on incorporating this element into the game, they found it increasingly difficult to create something aligned with traditional fantasy, as it wouldn’t seem fresh or unique to the developers. To maintain Atlus’ originality, they chose to deviate from some of their initial inspirations and instead develop a new concept, while still including elements they appreciated in the final product. This divergence is what led to the imaginative freedom seen in the medieval setting of Metaphor: ReFantazio.

In creating Metaphor: ReFantazio, Atlus and Studio Zero drew inspiration from works such as The Lord of the Rings by J.R. Rowling (a typo in your original text) and Hieronymus Bosch’s art, but they aimed to give it a unique feel, even if some elements were reminiscent of these sources. Although Metaphor: ReFantazio doesn’t follow the standard rules of its genre strictly, it is on track to become one of the greatest fantasy role-playing games ever produced.

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2024-10-13 23:24