The Atlus Exclusive Presentation on April 22nd, 2024 showed off a lot of information on their 35th anniversary title. Here’s everything to know about Metaphor: ReFantazio (2024).
What is Metaphor: ReFantazio?
Metaphor: ReFantazio is the next big title from the JRPG goliath Atlus, known well for the Shin Megami Tensei series, the Persona series, and the recent Unicorn Overlord (2024). Initially teased in 2023, this take on the fantasy genre crashed onto the scene with a bang, many attributing the hype to its nickname: Fantasy Persona.
Though that name still holds true, the progressive release of information, and especially the presentation on April 22nd, 2024, told fans that there’s much more to it. Deemed as a celebratory title for the company, the devs boldly claimed it a culmination of all Atlus games. From awesome character designs, merging multiple styles of gameplay, and big names from across japanese fiction playing a role on this project, Metaphor: ReFantazio is growing into some large shoes that fans want it to fill.
Follow a not-so-well-off protagonist through the United Kingdom of Euchronia, as its prince and king have been stricken down, inciting a panic to discover who will take the throne next. This new non-silent protagonist must face his biggest challenge yet: the tournament for the throne. While not a traditional battle, the protagonist must navigate through this country, garnering allies, taking down monsters, and forming invaluable alliances in order to claim a spot on the throne, while saving the supposedly cursed prince. While he may not be the traditional option, his determination to represent the public will take him and his allies across vast landscapes of varying mythologies to truly prove their leadership.
Challenging the Fantasy Genre
One of the boldest claims made by Katsura Hashino – known for Shin Megami Tensei 3 (2003), Persona 3 (2006), Persona 4 (2008), and Persona 5 (2016) – was the intent to “challenge the fantasy genre”, a tremendously strong statement considering the breadth of what it covers. To say a statement like that doesn’t catch some interest would be doing this game an injustice.
While there is the classic trope of vast city landscapes made from bricks, with elves, horns, and mystical creatures, there’s a certain tinge to each section that differentiates this new series from the average quest. Acting as a mirror to our world, humans are a fantasy in Euchronia; Written words and exemplary stories existing similar to ours. Even the monsters are called humans, implying some fantastical nature to our reality. As quoted in the presentation, it really “questions the power of fantasy” as fans are shown the intricacies of this story.
Although it may be a little complicated to understand, the way this idea is weaved into the game doesn’t seem so far-fetched. It’s still a classic fantasy with some cool enemies, but this attempt at incorporating modern society fleshes out an interesting experience. Taking bits and bobs of realism (even if it’s directly from the source) prove to make an intriguing entrance.
Developing a Creative Fictional World
The first area introduced to the audience is the Royal Capital Grand Trad, one of many explorable main hubs throughout the game. The realistic yet medieval aesthetic, similar to that of a painting, helps to stylize and immerse a viewer into this fictional landscape. With impressive graphics, a spot-on user interface, and experimental designs, the world of Metaphor: ReFantazio already stands out.
Though it was confirmed that it’s not open world, the mechanics of this linear hub prove to make it feel that way, similar to other hubs from games like Fire Emblem: Three Houses (2019) or Kingdom Hearts 3 (2019). Especially since the hubs change and move throughout the story, the vast perspective helped to flesh out the atmosphere in a somewhat linear experience.
One feature of the world building that stood out was the difference in social class, where certain crevices of the larger landscape were gaudily decorated with the egos of the rich, while others were infested with the depression of the poor. What’s great about Metaphor: ReFantazio’s story is that it blends these two together, and proves that everyone is equal at the end of the day. Though there’s an obvious divide, this challenge seems to inspire some fascinating landscapes to compare and contrast.
One of the most surprisingly welcome mentions during this section of the showcase was the development of a new medieval technology: the massively armored ship called the Gauntlet Runner. This new take on a fantastical, magical-driven transport is designed by Ikuto Yamashita, known best for his works on the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise. With such a big name behind the aesthetics of this game, it truly begs the question of what fans will be treated to next.
The Feeling of a Journey
The showcase consistently emphasized the feeling of being on a vast journey, accompanied by invaluable companions along the way. This sense of daily life is shown in the gameplay, partially functioning as a time management simulator. Since the game revolves around dates and times, there is a set time frame for certain objectives or interactions, adding some tension to the gameplay although the player is free to engage in their choice of side quests, bonds, or other activities.
The most important system here is the bonds system, which helps the protagonist meet and befriend powerful people to become strong supporters and followers. Each interaction affects popularity, and helps to fuse the interpersonal life of the main party with the plot. Choosing specific quests will help one bond more than another, or talking with one follower may grant you a more powerful archetype than taking down the big boss quest of that area. It’s all given to the player, who decides their own playstyle, and what will benefit their personal experience.
While there are informants around every corner, the downtime of traveling to one place or another allows the audience to engage with their closer party members, and pick apart their stories in the midst of a quest. Characters like Strohl, Hulkenberg, Heismay, and many others are available to talk in the common room of the ship during travel, and can develop more ways to craft their playstyle depending on how the player engages with them. Although there is no romance option in this game, the comradery may seem stronger than ever before.
Mixed Battle Systems in Metaphor: ReFantazio
The battle system seems to take the most spotlight in talks of the game, with many interesting fusions of Atlus’ previous titles. The dynamic action RPG elements with the engaging turn-based combat that Persona is known for mixes well with a more strategic tactics approach the developers are trying to take. This hotpot of role-playing genres may seem intimidating, and like a bit of a reach, but it has many fans on the edge of their seats begging to find out how it plays. Not to mention the canonical new soundtrack by Shoji Meguro playing in the protagonist’s head at all times.
Though the game was stated to be challenging at first, with a low power emphasized by the protagonists social situation, the dungeonesque battle system is said to be fast-paced and exhilarating, balancing between many different approaches to the same problem.
The squad makeup seems to be one of the most interesting battle systems, using a new power by the name of archetypes. Archetypes work similar to Personas, but with a few major differences. Each of them emphasize a different type of gameplay – such as a brawler, seeker, mage, or thief – and can be applied to any of the four current party members. This open customization will allow players to adapt a completely different combination of playstyles into one completely new party. It’s completely viable to have everyone run the same archetype, and gain different types of benefits from any the player chooses.
A Celebration of Atlus
The presentation ended with a few announcements, especially in regards to the story and physical releases.
The story was promised to have the classic twists and turns, and engaging atmosphere that the company is known for. Without a doubt, this experimental take on the fantasy genre seems to only get better, with writers from all across the fiction landscape coming together on this new project. Anywhere from Evangelion, to Persona, to many other well-known RPG stories seem to have contributed to this celebratory piece.
Now all that’s left is to wait for the release. Pre-orders opened with the end of the presentation, with a release date of October 11th, 2024. Multiple editions are available, with digital and physical versions available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series consoles, and PC.
Also announced was the physical collector’s edition, covering more than just the game and some goodies. Along with the normal artbook, steelbook, and soundtrack, hardcore fans get DLC costume and battle music sets from all across Atlus history, an exclusive sticker sheet, metallic pins with the designs of in-game badges, a cloth map, and the usual pre-order bonuses.
The coolest piece of merchandise, though, is by far the 35th anniversary digital history book and the all-time best soundtrack, covering the entire legacy of the company. From the beginning of Shin Megami Tensei up to their most recent release Persona 3 Reload (2024), this little time capsule seems to be a big seller for many collectors.
Where to Find Metaphor: ReFantazio
Metaphor: ReFantazio will be available October 11th, 2024 for PlayStation, Xbox Series, Windows, and Steam. Physical editions are open for preorder, with digital wish lists available. Don’t be afraid to pin-point some more information through Atlus on Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram, and put Metaphor: ReFantazio on the map!
Leave a Reply