Metaphor: ReFantazio

updated_at: December 16, 2024 21:00

published_at: November 24, 2024 21:03

Metaphor: ReFantazio
Release Date	Gameplay & Story	DLC & Pre-Order	Review

Release Date
October 11, 2024 (PC, Xbox Series XIS, PS5, PS4) More Details
Genre
JRPG, Adventure
Platforms	Price (MSRP)
	$69.99
Developer	Publisher
ATLUS	SEGA
Number of Players	Age Rating
1	T
Time to Finish	Cross Platform Play
70-100 Hours	No
Official Website	Official Website for Metaphor: ReFantazio

Metaphor: ReFantazio Latest News

　⚫︎　Future Press announced an uncompromising 592-page official guide for Metaphor: ReFantazio, which is available for pre-order now(Future Press)
　⚫︎　Metaphor: ReFantazio Celebrates The Game Awards 2024 Nominations with New Art(X)
　⚫︎　Metaphor: ReFantazio Official Guide Launches December 20 in Japan
(Noisy Pixel)
　⚫︎　Metaphor: ReFantazio Impresses Yoko Taro: This Must Have Cost a Lot of Money!(Game8)
　⚫︎　New Metaphor: ReFantazio Story Trailer Comes Out a Month After Game’s Release(Siliconera)

Metaphor: ReFantazio Overview

Metaphor: ReFantazio, a JRPG developed by Atlus, was released on October 11, 2024. The game comes from the team behind Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5, with Katsura Hashino directing the project, Shigenori Soejima handling character design, and Shoji Meguro composing the music. Set in the realm of the United Kingdom of Euchronia, where the tragic assassination of the king sparked chaos and uncertainty. Amidst the aftermath, players assume the role of the protagonist, accompanied by his partner fairy, Galica.

They go on a journey to lift the curse of the prince who is believed to be dead. However, they find out that in order to succeed in this quest, they must first participate in a tournament for the throne. The gameplay features a calendar system reminiscent of Persona, where players balance dungeon crawling, virtue development, and relationship building. However, the combat sets itself apart by blending real-time and turn-based mechanics: players initiate battles by attacking enemies in-world, which then transition into tactical, turn-based engagements. A standout feature is the Archetype system, where players summon and transform into manifestations with unique skills and abilities powered by Magla, the game’s magic system.

Digital Storefronts
Steam	PlayStation	Xbox
price	$69.99

Metaphor: ReFantazio Gameplay

Metaphor: ReFantazio is an action-adventure, turn-based JRPG that draws inspiration from classic Atlus games, incorporating a structured calendar system to guide progression. Players manage their time across daily segments, choosing between activities like dungeon exploration, character bonds, and skill development.

The story unfolds in the richly interconnected world of Euchronia, where players embark on a quest to defeat the villainous Louis. The game seamlessly blends real-time action with turn-based combat. Weaker enemies can be swiftly dealt with in real time, while tougher foes require strategy.

Combat transitions into the Squad Battle mode for turn-based encounters. Players can gain an advantage by ambushing enemies for a free hit or risk being ambushed themselves if caught off-guard, as enemies can use the environment to their advantage.

Customization plays a pivotal role, with players equipping their party members with “Archetypes”—mysterious manifestations of power that grant unique skills and abilities. These Archetypes allow for diverse combat strategies and character builds.

The unique Archetype system offers extensive customization, with over 40 job-like forms spread across 14 lineages, giving players countless ways to tailor their party’s abilities. Archetypes unlock through confronting personal fears and transforming characters into powerful, armored forms.

Additionally, these Archetypes can be enhanced through exploration of the Akademeia—a hub where you can study and unlock new powers.

Traveling through distant lands is made possible via the Gauntlet Runner, a transportation system that enhances immersion. Players can explore the vehicle’s interior and admire the surrounding landscapes, making each journey a meaningful part of the adventure.

You can go on quests to venture into dungeons and seek out hidden treasures to bolster your strength. You can also focus on strengthening relationships, forging bonds, and nurturing virtues that will aid you in your quest.

Building relationships is central to the game through the Bond system, akin to Persona’s Social Links. Bonds are formed with Followers, the party members, and allies encountered during the journey. Strengthening these relationships through conversations and events unlocks new Archetypes, passive abilities, and unique combat perks, making Bonds a rewarding and integral part of the progression.

Metaphor: ReFantazio Characters

Protagonist

The protagonist, canonically named Will, is said to be the prince's childhood best friend. After the prince is cursed and falls into an eternal slumber, Will, alongside his fairy companion Galica, is entrusted with the mission to break the curse and awaken the prince. Their ultimate goal is to free the country from the oppressive control of the Sanctifex Church and confront the one they believe is behind the curse—Louis Guiabern.

Gallica

Galica is a fairy guide who accompanies the protagonist on their mission to lift the prince's curse. She is compassionate and supportive, offering reassurance when needed, but she is also bold and unafraid to speak her mind, never hesitating to call people out when necessary.

Strohl

Strohl is a noble Clemar who tragically lost his parents and his people in a human attack on their village. He joins the protagonist's cause to bring down Louis, who prevented soldiers from aiding the village during the attack. Driven by a strong sense of justice and his noble upbringing, Strohl serves as both the strategist and right-hand man to the protagonist, forming a close and friendly bond with them along the way.

Hulkenberg

Hulkenberg, a former knight and royal guard to the prince, carries a heavy sense of guilt for failing to protect him from his curse. After hearing of the prince’s supposed death, she spends years wandering in search of him. When she discovers that the prince is still alive, she joins the protagonist’s cause to defeat Louis and lift the curse. Hulkenberg is deeply committed to justice and the ideals of knighthood, but she also has a quirky side—most notably, her love for food. She’ll eat almost anything, much to the disgust of Strohl.

Neuras

Neuras is the pilot of the Gauntlet Runner, recruited by Hulkenberg to help navigate the country, from villages and towns to dungeons and beyond. A passionate science enthusiast, Neuras is eccentric and full of quirks, with a dream of one day flying like a bird using his Gauntlet Runner. His adventurous spirit makes him the perfect companion for the journey ahead.

Heismay

Heismay, like Hulkenberg, is a former knight who faced discrimination for being a Eugief, one of the lower classes in the country. A former Shadowguard, he left the order after the tragic death of his son and was wrongfully convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. After being saved by the protagonist and their group, Heismay joins their cause to help save the country. With his age comes great wisdom, and he is often regarded as the voice of reason and insight within the group.

Read more: Metaphor: ReFantazio Gameplay and Story

Metaphor: ReFantazio Reviews

Fantasy Lives On

Metaphor: ReFantazio has received widespread acclaim from various websites.

Game8 rated it 96/100, calling the game Atlus’ magnum opus and praising its blend of the best elements from Persona and SMT, declaring it a true masterpiece. IGN gave it a 9/10, highlighting how the game refines Atlus' formula and delivers a powerful message through its fantasy narrative. [GameSpot[(https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/metaphor-refantazio-review-everybody-wants-to-rule-the-world/1900-6418297/) awarded it a perfect 10/10, describing the turn-based combat as highly strategic yet streamlined, and commending the fantastic pacing of its day-to-day mechanics.

The positive reviews extend to players as well. On Steam, the game holds a Very Positive rating with 91% approval, while the PSN Store shows an impressive 4.76/5 stars from over 10,600 ratings. Additionally, the Xbox Store rates the game a flawless 5/5 stars.

Metaphor: ReFantazio Announcement Trailer

Announcement Trailer

Metaphor: ReFantazio Trivia

　⚫︎　The game not only features references to the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei series, with iconic like Jack Frost making appearances, but it also pays homage to Etrian Odyssey, Atlus' popular dungeon-crawling RPG. Players will encounter enemies that closely resemble the FOE monsters from the Etrian Odyssey games, adding another layer of nostalgia for fans.
　⚫︎　Hulkenberg was the first character revealed for the game when Metaphor: ReFantazio was still known as Project Re Fantasy in 2017. Her original design is preserved and used in the game during flashback sequences.
　⚫︎　The protagonist's canon name is Will.