Metaphor: ReFantazio | Review

Initial release date: October 11, 2024

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows

License: proprietary license

Composer: Shoji Meguro

Genres: Role-playing video game, Adventure game, Fighting game, Adventure

Developers: Atlus, Studio Zero

Publishers: Atlus, Sega, Atlus USA, SEGA of America

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• “What is Fantasy?”
• Great use of the Persona formula
• 60 plus hour campaign
• Enjoyed the story more so than Persona 5
• I enjoy Persona’s setting more
• Fun turn based with real time mechanics
• Dungeons okay but not as diverse as Persona 5’s
• Ended up loving the Prince/Will by the end of the campaign
• Diverse monsters and enemies
• Can drag on time-wise during late middle till end
• Visuals very stylish yet kinda blurry
• Loved the music throughout
• Racism and bigotry story elements
• Politics
• GOTY year contender in my opinion
• Not that many meaningful choices regarding companions
• Enjoyed companion side quests
• Loved Heismay
• Slog points

Introduction

Asides from Persona 5, Metaphor: ReFantazio is the only Atlus game I rolled the credits on. I’ve beaten this game months ago as of me writing this review and have seen Metaphor take a few GOTY nods in 2024. And rightfully so I might add. Metaphor: ReFantazio Video Playlist

In the end Metaphor: ReFantazio is a game that asks the question “what is fantasy?” much how SOMA asked “what is consciousness?”. The story of Metaphor is it’s strongest attribute if you can rustle through a few slog points here and there.

Presentation

Atlus is known for it’s recent Persona video games over the years which Metaphor heavily relies upon. You enter dungeons with downtime in between for activities such as helping your comrades and leveling up your social skills.

The overall atmosphere is high fantasy with overarching politics, racism and bigotry headlining many story elements and world building. Atlus did a good job at making the racism and bigotry seem realistic, organic and not forced. The story was told in a fantastical way which is good.

Visually this game looked solid and weirdly blurry at times playing on my Playstation 5. The music and voice acting were highlights. Gameplay loop is solid however be aware this is a long game to complete just like recent Personas.

Story

 Metaphor’s story innocently starts off after a cutscene showing Louis Guiabern assassinating Hythlodaeus V. Next, the Resistance sends Will (Prince) and Gallica (Fairy) to find Rhoag mercenary Arvid Grius. If you played the demo you know the latter.

I found the plot revolving around the Prince aka Will a great tale of fantasy as Will was indeed created by The Prince through belief from a fantasy book he read while hiding in the forest of fairies. Throughout 95% of the campaign you play as Will a manifestation of pure “will” and fantasy.

Luis Guiabern is the big baddy in Metaphor who’s written well with his own interesting plot points. Much of Metaphor: ReFantazio involves Will and friends competing in a contest to become the next King. Prince is in a coma during most of the game.

Gameplay

Metaphor: ReFantazio is third person JRPG featuring dungeon crawling and world building, leveling up through character interactions. The gameplay loop is solid yet a little more streamlined than Persona games. Yet you will have a plethora of days where you don’t have much to do but basic activities like Podium, fetch quests, debates etc.

Completing Dungeons were surprisingly fast. Bosses near end-game gave me problems through. Story missions involving The Prince’s companions such as Heismay, Hulkenberg, Basilio, Fidelio and Strohl were really entertaining and story focused.

Visuals | Graphics

The artwork in regards to characters, companions and the various city hubs you travel to were done really well. Monsters and creatures displayed stylish in-game combat sequences similar to Persona

Sound | Music

I loved the opera-esque in-game battle music. All of Metaphor: ReFantazio’s music had a high degree of fantasy mixed with contemporary metal which I enjoyed. Voice acting standouts included Heimay.