Metaphor ReFantazio Review: Hail To The King
OUR RATING: 10/10
Atlus has been on fire this year. From Unicorn Overlord to Shin Megami Tensei V Vengeance to Persona 3 Reload, the output has been stellar, both in terms of quality and quantity. And their latest title, Metaphor: ReFantazio represents an ambitious new direction for the studio, blending familiar gameplay elements and art style with an expansive fantasy world. Whether you think of it as a spiritual successor to the Persona series, or a magnificent blend of Final Fantasy and Persona; one thing is certain: This sprawling adventure retains the studio’s signature style while pushing into uncharted territory, which comes as a breath of fresh air, AND makes for one of the best games of 2024.
Set in the fictional United Kingdom of Euchronia, the game thrusts players into a realm of political intrigue and magical discovery. The assassination of the king sets off a chain of events that will see you vying for the throne against corrupt forces seeking to seize power. Along the way, you’ll forge bonds with a diverse cast of characters, master mystical abilities, and uncover the true nature of the kingdom’s troubles.
While Persona fans will recognize core gameplay loops involving social interactions and turn-based combat, Metaphor expands these systems in compelling new ways. The fantasy setting allows for more varied locales to explore, from bustling cities to mysterious dungeons. Meanwhile, the Archetype system provides a fresh spin on collecting and upgrading combat abilities.
At its heart, Metaphor tells a mature story tackling themes of discrimination, inequality, and the corrupting influence of power. The game isn’t afraid to delve into complex moral territory, presenting characters with difficult choices that will shape the fate of the kingdom. This nuanced approach to storytelling elevates Metaphor beyond a simple good-versus-evil tale.
With its blend of strategic gameplay, rich world-building, and thought-provoking narrative, Metaphor: ReFantazio stands as one of Atlus’ most ambitious projects to date. While it may not reinvent the JRPG wheel, it offers a captivating experience that both honors and evolves the studio’s legacy.
Metaphor: ReFantazio transports players to the vibrant and diverse United Kingdom of Euchronia. This meticulously crafted fantasy realm serves as more than just a backdrop for the adventure – it’s a living, breathing world with its own complex history and social dynamics.
The kingdom is home to ten distinct tribes, each with their own unique cultures, traditions, and racial characteristics. From the elf-like Roussaints to the anthropomorphic Paripus, the game presents a rich tapestry of fantastical races coexisting in an uneasy peace. This diversity allows the developers to explore themes of prejudice and cultural conflict in nuanced ways throughout the story.
Euchronia’s cities and towns are architectural marvels, blending medieval European aesthetics with touches of steampunk and magical flair. The royal capital serves as a hub of political intrigue, while outlying regions offer their own distinct flavors. From snow-capped mountain villages to lush forest settlements, each area feels distinct and memorable.
The world-building extends beyond just visual design. Metaphor: ReFantazio features a deep lore that players can uncover through exploration, conversations, and discovered texts. The game’s Memorandum system allows you to review key information about locations, characters, and historical events, helping you piece together the rich tapestry of Euchronia’s past and present.
Magic plays a central role in both the story and gameplay. The mysterious Royal Magic, once wielded only by the king, becomes a catalyst for the game’s central conflict. Meanwhile, the Archetype system that governs character abilities is steeped in the mythology of legendary heroes and fantastical creatures.
By creating such a fully realized fantasy setting, Atlus has given themselves a vast canvas on which to paint their epic tale. The world of Euchronia feels lived-in and authentic, with enough depth to support not just this game, but potentially future adventures as well.
At its core, Metaphor: ReFantazio tells a story of succession and the struggle for a just society. The assassination of Euchronia’s king sets off a chain of events that will see players guiding a young Elda (one of the kingdom’s marginalized tribes) on a journey to claim the throne and bring about meaningful change.
The narrative unfolds over the course of several months, structured around a tournament to determine the next ruler. This framework allows the game to explore different regions of the kingdom while steadily raising the stakes. Along the way, players will uncover conspiracies, form alliances, and confront difficult moral choices that will shape the future of Euchronia.
While the plot deals with weighty themes of discrimination and political corruption, it’s grounded in the personal growth of its characters. The protagonist’s journey from outsider to potential ruler is mirrored by the arcs of your companions, each of whom must confront their own prejudices and shortcomings.
The writing in Metaphor: ReFantazio demonstrates a maturity beyond what we’ve seen in previous Atlus titles. Characters are complex and flawed, with motivations that extend beyond simple good and evil. Even antagonists are given depth, with the game exploring how fear and anxiety can lead people to embrace authoritarian ideals.
Dialogue is sharp and often witty, balancing moments of levity with serious discussions of the kingdom’s problems. The localization team has done an excellent job capturing distinct voices for each character, from haughty nobles to streetwise rogues.
The game isn’t afraid to tackle difficult subjects, including racism, classism, and the dangers of unchecked power. However, it manages to do so without feeling preachy or heavy-handed. Instead, these themes are woven organically into the fabric of the world and the characters’ personal struggles.
By the time you reach the game’s conclusion (which can vary based on your choices), you’ll have experienced a rich, emotionally resonant story that will stick with you long after the credits roll. Metaphor: ReFantazio proves that Atlus can craft compelling narratives beyond the confines of modern-day Japan, opening up exciting possibilities for future titles.
While Metaphor: ReFantazio carves out its own identity, it’s impossible to ignore its lineage as a spiritual successor to the Persona series. The game takes many of the elements that made Persona a beloved franchise and evolves them in exciting new ways.
The most obvious connection is the calendar-based structure that divides gameplay into distinct time periods. Players must carefully manage their days, choosing how to spend their limited time to advance the story, improve relationships, and prepare for upcoming challenges. This creates a satisfying rhythm to the gameplay loop, with each in-game day offering meaningful choices.
Social links return in the form of Bonds, representing your relationships with key characters. Strengthening these Bonds not only provides narrative depth but also unlocks new abilities and Archetypes (the game’s equivalent to Personas). The writing in these Bond scenes is consistently strong, offering insights into the characters’ backstories and motivations.
Combat retains the turn-based structure of previous Atlus titles, with an emphasis on exploiting enemy weaknesses to gain additional actions. The Press Turn system makes a return, rewarding strategic play and punishing mistakes. However, Metaphor introduces new wrinkles to keep battles fresh, such as the ability to swap party members mid-fight and more dynamic environmental factors.
The biggest departure comes in the form of the Archetype system. Unlike Personas, which were largely confined to the protagonist, Archetypes function more like a job system that can be applied to any character. This opens up a wealth of strategic options, allowing players to customize their party’s roles and abilities to suit different situations.
Outside of combat, players will still engage in various activities to improve their character’s traits (now called Royal Virtues). Reading books, participating in events, and exploring the kingdom all contribute to your growth as a potential ruler.
By building on the strengths of the Persona formula while introducing new elements suited to its fantasy setting, Metaphor: ReFantazio manages to feel both familiar and fresh. It’s a testament to Atlus’ ability to iterate on their successful gameplay systems while pushing into new territory.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a stunning showcase for Atlus’ artistic prowess, blending vibrant anime-inspired character designs with richly detailed fantasy environments. The game’s visual style strikes a balance between the stylized look of Persona and a more grounded approach befitting its medieval-inspired setting.
Character models are expressive and well-animated, bringing the diverse cast to life during both cutscenes and gameplay. Special attention has been paid to the designs of the various fantasy races, with each tribe having distinct visual traits that set them apart. The Archetype transformations are particularly impressive, featuring flashy effects that make every character feel powerful and unique.
The environments are a highlight, ranging from sprawling cities to mysterious dungeons. Each location has its own distinct atmosphere, from the opulent halls of the royal palace to the gritty streets of poorer districts. The art direction does an excellent job of conveying the history and culture of Euchronia through environmental storytelling.
As with previous Atlus titles, the UI design in Metaphor: ReFantazio is a work of art in itself. Menus are sleek and intuitive, with flourishes that reflect the game’s fantasy themes. The attention to detail extends to every aspect of the interface, from battle animations to the way information is presented during exploration.
On the audio front, the game features a stellar soundtrack that blends orchestral arrangements with more contemporary elements. The battle themes are particularly memorable, driving the action forward with energetic compositions. Meanwhile, the quieter tracks do an excellent job of setting the mood for different locations and story moments.
Voice acting is available in both Japanese and English, with both casts delivering strong performances. The English localization, in particular, deserves praise for its natural-sounding dialogue and distinct character voices. Even minor NPCs are fully voiced, adding to the overall polish of the presentation.
The sound design goes beyond just music and voices, with ambient effects bringing the world to life. The bustle of city streets, the clash of weapons in combat, and the whisper of magic all contribute to the game’s immersive atmosphere.
From a technical standpoint, Metaphor: ReFantazio runs smoothly on current-gen hardware, with quick loading times and stable performance. The game takes advantage of the increased power to render more detailed environments and flashier effects compared to previous Atlus titles.
At the heart of Metaphor: ReFantazio’s gameplay lies a set of intricately designed systems that offer both depth and flexibility. While building on familiar JRPG foundations, the game introduces several unique mechanics that set it apart from its predecessors.
The Archetype system serves as the cornerstone of character progression and combat strategy. Unlike the Personas of previous games, Archetypes function more like interchangeable classes or jobs. Each character can equip different Archetypes, altering their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. This allows for a high degree of customization, as players can experiment with different party compositions to suit their playstyle or the challenges of a particular dungeon.
Archetypes are unlocked through a combination of story progression and strengthening Bonds with various characters. As you deepen these relationships, you’ll gain access to more powerful and specialized Archetypes. The system encourages players to engage with the game’s social elements, as building connections directly translates to combat prowess.
Combat itself retains the turn-based structure of previous Atlus titles, with an emphasis on exploiting enemy weaknesses to gain additional actions. The Press Turn system makes a return, rewarding strategic play and punishing mistakes. However, Metaphor introduces new wrinkles to keep battles fresh:
- Mid-battle party swaps allow for more dynamic strategies
- Environmental factors can influence the flow of combat
- Synthesis skills allow for powerful combination attacks between party members
Outside of battle, players must manage their time carefully using the game’s calendar system. Each day is divided into distinct time periods, and players must choose how to spend these limited resources. Options include exploring dungeons, strengthening Bonds, improving Royal Virtues, or engaging in various side activities. This creates a satisfying gameplay loop where every decision feels meaningful.
The Royal Virtues system replaces the social stats of previous games, representing the qualities needed to be an effective ruler. These virtues (such as Wisdom, Courage, and Charisma) are improved through various activities and unlock new dialogue options and quest opportunities as they increase.
Dungeon design has seen significant improvements over previous Atlus titles. While still featuring some procedurally generated elements, the dungeons in Metaphor: ReFantazio feel more hand-crafted and varied. Puzzles, environmental hazards, and branching paths add depth to exploration, making each new area feel fresh and exciting.
The game also introduces a travel system centered around the Gauntlet Runner, a mobile base of operations. As you journey between different regions of Euchronia, you’ll have opportunities to engage in various activities aboard the Gauntlet Runner, from crafting items to bonding with party members.
By weaving together these various systems, Metaphor: ReFantazio creates a gameplay experience that is both familiar and fresh. The depth of customization and strategic options should keep players engaged throughout the lengthy campaign, while the social elements provide a welcome break from dungeon crawling.
One of Metaphor: ReFantazio’s greatest strengths lies in its diverse and well-realized cast of characters. From your core party members to the various NPCs you’ll encounter on your journey, each individual feels distinct and memorable. These characters, along with a host of memorable supporting cast members, bring the world of Euchronia to life. Through your interactions and the bonds you form, you’ll uncover their personal struggles, growth, and the ways in which they tie into the larger narrative.
The writing does an excellent job of giving each character a distinct voice and personality. Dialogue feels natural and often witty, with plenty of opportunities for both serious discussions and lighter moments of camaraderie. As you strengthen your Bonds with these characters, you’ll unlock new facets of their personalities and backstories, adding depth to your relationships.
What’s particularly impressive is how the game handles the diversity of its cast. The various fantasy races aren’t just window dressing – their cultural differences and the prejudices they face play a significant role in both the overall plot and individual character arcs. This allows Metaphor: ReFantazio to explore themes of discrimination and cultural understanding in nuanced ways.
By the end of your journey, you’ll have formed meaningful connections with this eclectic group of individuals. Their growth and the ways in which they challenge the protagonist’s perspective form the emotional core of the game’s narrative.
One of Metaphor: ReFantazio’s most compelling aspects is the way it allows players to shape their journey to the throne. While the overall structure of the story remains consistent, your choices throughout the game have a significant impact on both the narrative and gameplay progression.
The game’s central conceit – a tournament to determine the next ruler – provides a framework for exploring different regions of Euchronia and facing various challenges. As you travel from city to city, you’ll encounter unique problems and have to make decisions that will affect your standing with different factions.
These decisions not only influence the story but also affect your character’s development. The Royal Virtues system, which replaces the social stats of previous Atlus games, evolves based on your choices and actions. Focusing on Wisdom might open up new diplomatic options, while prioritizing Courage could lead to more direct confrontations. And it’s all done with the kind of care that is rarely seen and makes the entire experience even more distinct and captivating. The same goes for the game’s world, which is very vast and, although not an open world, it has some of the largest and coolest scenarios to explore that the developer has ever produced.
Ultimately, Metaphor: ReFantazio is a masterpiece and yet another brilliant achievement from Atlus. In a year that has already seen the release of two epic RPGs from the publisher, this is perhaps the true jewel in the crown, a title that deserves to not only be placed among the best ever made by the publisher, but as a must-have title for JRPG fans.
