Why Metaphor: ReFantazio is a Great Lesson in Late Stage Party Members

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This article contains spoilers for Metaphor: ReFantazio.

It’s undeniable that the central aspect of ReFantazio’s gathering is intertwined with its themes and gameplay. As Will accumulates companions for his noble entourage, not only do their emblematic roles and shared perspectives broaden, but also the sociopolitical dynamics between Euchronia’s tribes are skillfully depicted. This portrayal invites players to critically examine the diverse ideologies prevalent among these tribes and challenge the stereotypes that fuel prejudices.

These themes become even more pronounced during the Virga Island arc, which serves as a prelude for Eupha and Basilio, who join the party later on. While late-arriving party members often struggle to find their footing in the narrative, having to align with the group’s objectives and motivations, ReFantazio carefully balances its characters’ story importance both before and after joining, offering a commendable model for other role-playing games with party systems to emulate.

In the storyline of “Metaphor: ReFantazio” known as the Virga Island arc, the tension escalates significantly. The main characters are assigned to retrieve the sacred artifact Drakodios, but this mission is fraught with complexity. Besides maintaining their deception towards Basilio and Fidelio, they must also strive to save the island’s Priestess, who has resigned herself to be a sacrifice for her people.

Eupha and Basilio prove to be intriguing characters, each compelling in different ways; both grapple with personal issues and conflicting ideologies. Eupha is torn between her desire to become a martyr, while Basilio grapples with the aftermath of years of discrimination, questioning Louis’ ‘survival of the fittest’ philosophy.

Their convictions are put to the test, both within and outside the group, as they encounter situations that challenge their beliefs about helping those who cannot help themselves. This is exemplified through the effort to save Virga Island from a human threat, demonstrating the importance of compassion and empathy.

How Metaphor: ReFantazio Gives Room for its Characters to Develop, Both In and Outside the Party

Considering a Character’s Place in the Plot

Although Virga Island’s storyline is deeply rooted in Eupha’s battles, it effectively balances the spotlight between Eupha and Basilio, neither character overshadowing the other. Basilio’s entry and reasons for joining are significantly tied to his brother Fidelio, which intensifies the emotional impact of his later involvement with the group. The remaining party slot after Eupha leaves an open question: who among the two brothers might take this role, and under what circumstances will they be parted? The game skillfully uses tension in this situation to make both the Virga Island arc and the brothers’ quest for truth more engaging. Initially placing them in somewhat opposing positions adds to this intrigue, aligning with the game’s storytelling rhythm.

Since Eupha and Basilio were integral parts of the story in Metaphor: ReFantazio before they became playable, it doesn’t create the same urgency to define their individual characters once they join the party. Their further development through bond events within the game is facilitated by the extended free time in the game’s calendar structure before the final confrontation. Despite this, neither character feels like an afterthought because their foundational characteristics have already been established with great narrative significance. Balancing when party members join, taking into account both combat and narrative aspects, can be a complex task in structuring a story, yet Metaphor effectively establishes its characters’ purpose and identity even before they become direct allies.

Providing Proper Payoff

Allowing characters to develop at their own pace significantly enhances the storytelling in “Metaphor“. This applies not just to its later party members but also to those joining early on. The game’s world is more complex, so it’s important for its characters to gradually align with the player’s objectives, as demonstrated by characters like Hulkenberg and Heismay who initially grapple with their feelings of failure and sorrow. Some of the game’s most poignant narrative moments and dialogues occur post-resolution, such as Heismay recounting the riot that led to his son’s death, which carries much more impact following Martira’s boss fight. Similarly, “Metaphor“‘s antagonist, Louis, is particularly impactful because the game provides ample opportunities for meaningful interactions that deepen his seemingly casual beliefs.

Emphasizing Supporting Roles

It can be challenging to make a character stand out beyond the conflicts they create within a story. This is also true when attempting to highlight a character’s significance outside their role in the narrative’s main arc. In the case of Metaphor’s Basilio, although he plays a more supporting role during the Virga Island plot with the Dragon Temple, his interactions with Fidelio, particularly through dialogue, significantly contribute to their character development. This preparation for Fidelio’s death serving as Basilio’s motivation to join the party makes the event even more impactful. Both Basilio and Eupha enrich the party dynamic, and their presence feels organic, demonstrating that Metaphor thoughtfully considers its characters’ roles not only within the party but also beyond it.

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2025-01-08 01:24