Metaphor: ReFantazio Review – A Return to Atlus’ Golden Era

Title	Metaphor: ReFantazio
Released	October 11, 2024
Developer(s):	ATLUS
Publisher(s):	SEGA
Platform(s):
Genre	JRPG, Turn-Based
Rating	M

Completed on Xbox Series X on Normal

HowLongToBeat Time: 80½ Hours (Main + Sides) | My Clear Time: 86h 42m

Background: The Roots of Metaphor: ReFantazio

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Released on October 10, 2024, Metaphor: ReFantazio represents a bold new direction for Atlus, blending traditional fantasy with modern social commentary. Director Katsura Hashino shared that after the completion of Persona 5, he felt the need to move beyond the familiar world of modern-day settings. He wanted to break free from contemporary norms and explore new narratives.

Hashino on the Game’s Direction
“After Persona 5, I realized I had spent over 10 years on the series. While Persona and Megami Tensei were thriving, I wanted to create something new. I didn’t want to be confined by modern societal expectations, so we chose fantasy as the lens to explore more complex themes”
(Archipel, 2024).

This ambition to break free from conventional storytelling led the team to reevaluate classic fantasy RPGs, like Wizardry, Dragon Quest, and Final Fantasy. Rather than looking at modern fantasy trends, Hashino wanted to explore what made the genre so compelling in the first place (Archipel, 2024).

The team at Studio Zero explored not only fantasy but also the perception of the genre in Japan, drawing from their experiences with Dungeons and Dragons and tabletop RPGs. By revisiting the early roots of the genre and its core appeal, they sought to infuse Metaphor: ReFantazio with a sense of nostalgia while still presenting something fresh.

Ultimately, the goal was to create a game that didn’t just replicate fantasy tropes but made the genre resonate with players in new ways, by challenging preconceptions and introducing more nuanced themes (Archipel, 2024).

Hashino on Fantasy’s Appeal
“I had never really wondered how to define fantasy as a genre. For people of my generation, Wizardry comes to mind, followed by Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy. I found it interesting to research why fantasy is so popular, even though many players can’t pinpoint exactly why they enjoy it”

(Archipel, 2024).

By going back to the roots of fantasy, Metaphor: ReFantazio aimed to balance traditional RPG elements with fresh, original takes, creating a world where unique challenges and ideologies could flourish, free from the constraints of modern-day settings (Archipel, 2024).

The development team for Metaphor: ReFantazio includes:

Experience

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My experience with Atlus games spans across several key titles, including Persona 3, Persona 4, Persona 5, and Shin Megami Tensei V. Each of these titles has its own distinct flavor of tactical combat, character-driven storytelling, and immersive world-building. Through my playthroughs, I’ve developed a keen understanding of Atlus’s signature approach to blending narrative complexity with strategic gameplay.

This background gives me a unique perspective on Metaphor: ReFantazio, as the game builds upon those familiar tropes while introducing new systems and mechanics that feel like a return to form for the studio.

Impressions

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Introduction

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In Metaphor: ReFantazio, the kingdom is on the brink of chaos. Following the assassination of the king, the throne remains vacant, and to determine the new ruler, a unique election is held. But this election isn’t based on votes or policy debates—it’s a tournament of trials where each candidate must fight to prove their worth. As the player journeys alongside these contenders, they uncover a world rife with corruption, fanaticism, and ambition. The story builds from an election scenario into a deeper reflection on power, morality, and the political system itself.

This setup echoes Persona 2 in its mature exploration of social themes, including systemic corruption, the manipulation of power, and personal ambition. In this election, power is both a tool and a weapon, and the personal conflicts and ambitions of the candidates mirror the kingdom’s decaying structure.

Gameplay and Mechanics

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Metaphor: ReFantazio blends traditional turn-based combat with strategic elements, delivering a rich gameplay experience. The game gradually introduces its mechanics, easing players into them to avoid overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of the key mechanics:

Bounties: Take on contracts to hunt powerful monsters for monetary rewards and increased standing, encouraging exploration and testing combat prowess.

Row System:

• Inspired by classic Shin Megami Tensei and Wizardry games.
• Character positioning affects damage and defense; front row characters deal more damage but are more vulnerable, while back row characters gain defense at the cost of offensive power.

Archetypes System:

• Inspired by Final Fantasy V‘s job system.
• Players can experiment with roles like tanks, healers, and damage dealers to build teams suited to their playstyle.
• Each archetype offers unique abilities, encouraging players to discover synergies within their party.

Synthesis Mechanic:

• Allows characters to combine actions for powerful team attacks, requiring careful planning and coordination.

Day and Night Cycle:

• Certain events and activities are only available during specific times of day, similar to systems in Persona games.
• Players must manage their time to take advantage of time-sensitive opportunities.

Gauntlet Runner:

• Serves as a hub for travel, resting, and various activities like cooking, cleaning, and gardening, which improve stats and virtues similar to Persona‘s social stats (e.g., Charm, Intelligence).

Art and Audio: A New Direction in Fantasy

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Visually, Metaphor: ReFantazio stands out for its striking art design. Soejima’s approach to the game’s visual style was rooted in his desire to create something fresh after his work on the Persona series. He drew from classic fantasy influences, such as The Chronicles of Narnia and early RPGs like Wizardry, to capture the essence of fantasy while steering away from conventional tropes (Archipel, 2024).

Soejima on Visual Design
“Since joining Metaphor, I felt the need to adapt my style to the current project. For Persona, we created a very specific atmosphere, but for Metaphor, we aimed to explore fantasy from its roots. I took inspiration from novels like The Chronicles of Narnia and games like Wizardry, blending these elements with my own vision”
(Archipel, 2024).

The team also faced challenges in reconciling different ideas of what fantasy should be. “Each person had their own distinct view of the genre,” Soejima notes. “It was difficult to filter through all of them, but ultimately, it made the process more rewarding as we learned from one another” (Archipel, 2024).

The character designs reflect this diverse vision, with intricate details and expressive personalities. The environments, lush and immersive, transport players into a world filled with magic and mystery. The art style blends fantastical elements with a touch of realism, giving the world a lived-in quality that feels both magical and tangible.

On the audio front, the soundtrack, composed by Shoji Meguro, brings an added layer of depth to the experience. Moving away from the pop-influenced sound of the Persona series, Meguro crafted a more complex, orchestral score, aiming to create something richer and more intricate.

Meguro on Soundtrack Direction
“I worked on creating music close to nothing that I have done before. You could take Persona‘s music as something you can casually listen to, now Metaphor‘s harmony tends to be more complex. You discover new details and nuances each time you listen to it. I hope people will realize its worth upon multiple listenings”
(Archipel, 2024).

The symphonic soundtrack, with its bombastic orchestral arrangements, operatic vocals, and evocative tracks like Rival Candidates, perfectly complements the game’s high-stakes narrative and complex character arcs. The blend of orchestral and modern elements makes the music an unforgettable part of the game’s emotional impact.

Writing & Themes

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Metaphor: ReFantazio stands out for its mature handling of social themes, echoing the complex narratives of Persona 2. The story tackles issues of systemic corruption, social and economic inequality, and the gray areas within ideological conflicts. Unlike Persona 5’s more simplistic morality, Metaphor explores these topics with nuance, presenting flawed characters who grapple with real-world issues and make choices that reflect genuine inner conflict.

Character arcs are deeply intertwined with these themes. For instance, one character initially driven by idealistic fervor gradually confronts the darker aspects of their beliefs, ultimately realizing the sacrifices necessary to uphold them. Another character struggles with a deep-seated prejudice born from personal trauma, showing how bias can blind even those with noble intentions. These arcs add emotional weight to the story, as players see characters grow, falter, and confront their flaws in ways that feel authentic.

Themes such as fanaticism, greed, and ambition are woven throughout the story, adding depth to the political landscape of Metaphor. The kingdom’s government and societal divisions mirror real-world struggles, from issues of racial prejudice to class-based resentment. This storytelling approach gives the game a gravitas rarely seen in JRPGs, allowing it to resonate on a level that goes beyond typical genre conventions.

Unique Features and Mechanics

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One of the most interesting features of Metaphor: ReFantazio is its deep character synergy system. The compatibility between characters can drastically change the tide of battle, encouraging players to carefully experiment with different team combinations. Additionally, the class system allows for customization in roles, meaning that anyone can be molded into a tank, healer, or damage dealer depending on how players want to approach combat.

This flexibility in team-building caters to a variety of playstyles, ensuring that players can tailor the experience to their preferences. This was one of the most enjoyable aspects of Final Fantasy V‘s job system, and it was a pleasant surprise to see it implemented in Metaphor as well.

Seiyuu Performances

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The voice acting in Metaphor: ReFantazio is top-tier. The cast delivers emotional performances that heighten the impact of the game’s themes. Each character’s struggles and growth are amplified by the voice acting, adding depth to their arcs.

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Verdict

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Metaphor: ReFantazio is a triumph for Atlus. With its intricate writing, deep character development, and refined gameplay mechanics, it’s a true return to the complexity and depth of the Index Corporation era. Fans of Persona 2 and Shin Megami Tensei will find much to appreciate in this ambitious RPG, which both honors the past and pushes the genre forward. The blend of mature themes and strategic gameplay makes Metaphor a standout title that lives up to the legacy of Atlus’s best work.

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TLDR

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Pros

•  Engaging & Strategic Combat System: Blends traditional turn-based elements with innovative mechanics, making each battle rewarding.
• Striking Art Direction: Stunning visuals give the game a unique fantasy aesthetic that stands out.
• Deep, Thought-Provoking Themes: Explores mature themes and a rich lore that invites reflection.
•  High-Quality Voice Acting: Strong performances enhance the emotional resonance of the characters.
• Detailed World-Building: Rich lore and intricate environments make exploration rewarding and immersive.

Cons

• Potentially Overwhelming Mechanics: New systems are gradually introduced, but may still feel dense for newcomers.
• Occasionally Slow Pacing: Story progression can feel drawn-out in certain segments.
• Repetitive Dungeon Exploration: Some environments and layouts lack variety, affecting immersion.
• Extended Playthrough Length: Longer commitment that may not suit casual players.
• Difficulty Spikes: Certain battles may feel disproportionately challenging, impacting pacing.

References

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1. Archipel. (2024, November 11). A Metaphor in Fantasy – Katsura Hashino, Shigenori Soejima & Shoji Meguro. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eFkMJzc6ow
2. Xbox. (2023, June 11). Metaphor: ReFantazio — Announcement Trailer. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btHGCpUPjPk
3. Metaphor: ReFantazio OST – Rival Candidates https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2oMqEB6RIk
4. Atlustube. (2016, December 25). PROJECT Re FANTASY ????????. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e4vOxUIsRs