Metaphor: ReFantazio - A Unique Take on Fantasy RPGs

Atlus is set to launch one of the most intriguing RPGs of the season with Metaphor: ReFantazio. This ambitious project skillfully balances the need to appeal to die-hard fans of the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei series while also providing a fresh, accessible experience for newcomers.

If you've ever been hesitant to dive into Atlus’ sprawling, sometimes quirky RPGs, Metaphor: ReFantazio might just be the perfect starting point. Game director Katsura Hashino describes it as a “third pillar” for Atlus, and from the gameplay preview, it’s clear that Studio Zero is crafting something truly special.

Familiar Fantasy with a Modern Twist

Metaphor: ReFantazio draws on classic fantasy themes: a beloved king is assassinated by a treacherous general, leaving the kingdom’s future uncertain. The king’s only heir is missing, presumed dead, and a young noble warrior steps up to avenge his king and assemble a group of heroes.

However, the game sets itself apart with its unique setting and layered storytelling. The United Kingdom of Euchronia blends Western fantasy with elements of modern society. While characters wield swords and cast magic known as “magla,” Euchronia is not a medieval realm. It is an industrialized nation grappling with contemporary issues like racism, tribalism, religious extremism, and xenophobia toward a monstrous race known as Humans. Yes, you read that right!

The kingdom’s story unfolds against the backdrop of a political election, with various candidates, including your character, vying for the throne. In one intense encounter, I found myself battling a rival candidate who outlined his controversial policies in a pre-fight speech before I defeated him.

Revenge by Democracy

While some of the protagonist’s allies are bent on hunting down and killing the king’s assassin, the main character seeks justice in a different way—by defeating his enemy in a fair election. This unconventional approach to revenge is just one of the many intriguing aspects of Metaphor: ReFantazio.

There’s also a mysterious subplot involving a fantasy novel read by the protagonist and his fairy companion, Gallica. This book tells of a world that mirrors Euchronia. The protagonist meets the novel's author, More, in a mystical place called Akademia, a magical library reminiscent of Persona’s Velvet Room. Katsura Hashino has hinted that Metaphor: ReFantazio explores connections between its fantasy setting and the real world, reflecting on modern anxieties and how fantasy can provide solutions to real-world problems. Despite the game’s release coinciding with a major U.S. election, Hashino insists this timing is purely coincidental.

A Journey of Fantasy and Political Intrigue

During my three-hour hands-on session with Metaphor: ReFantazio on the Xbox Series X, I experienced the game’s opening sequence. The protagonist and Gallica journey toward Euchronia’s capital to infiltrate the royal guard and deliver a crucial message: the king’s son is alive but trapped by a magical spell. Along the way, I encountered potential allies like Strohl, a noble volunteer, and Hulkenberg, a former Kingsguard member. In another segment, I teamed up with a furry warrior named Heismay, illustrating the dynamic nature of the party.

Combat in Metaphor: ReFantazio is both familiar and fresh. You can initiate encounters by striking enemies first, gaining an advantage before engaging in quick-paced turn-based battles. The game introduces a unique combat option called Synthesis, which combines the powers of two characters for a joint attack, allowing for strategic depth and flexibility. With over 40 Archetypes to mix and match, from mages to healers, the possibilities for customization are vast.

Beyond Combat: Royal Virtues and Real-World Skills

Victory in battle rewards you with experience points, which you can allocate to traditional stats like Strength and Magic. But Metaphor: ReFantazio also introduces Royal Virtues, a system that shapes your character’s non-combat abilities based on choices made during interactions. These virtues—Courage, Wisdom, Tolerance, Eloquence, and Imagination—are crucial for gaining the support of Euchronia’s citizens and succeeding in the political arena.

Boosting Eloquence, for instance, enhances your character’s public speaking skills, making them a more compelling candidate for the throne. Political rivals can be defeated through physical combat or verbal debates, emphasizing the game’s blend of traditional RPG elements with narrative-driven choices.

A World Teeming with Choices

As I delved deeper into Metaphor: ReFantazio, I found myself navigating a sprawling world map filled with side quests, character interactions, and pressing deadlines. The theme of anxiety is palpable, with players needing to balance their main quest with time-sensitive tasks, all while maintaining relationships with allies. Engaging in activities like playing tactical games to improve Imagination or honing combat skills to boost Wisdom takes valuable time, adding a layer of strategic planning to the game.

A Promising Future for Atlus' Newest RPG

Metaphor: ReFantazio promises a rich blend of deep combat mechanics, a vibrant fantasy world, and a story steeped in political intrigue. This ambitious RPG seems poised to stand alongside Atlus' most celebrated franchises, offering a unique experience that appeals to both long-time fans and newcomers alike. As the release date approaches, excitement builds for what could be one of the most captivating games of the year.