Metaphor: ReFantazio questions about the lessons we learn from fiction. Is it an escape from reality or does it hold the power to impact our lives? The game clearly answers this by using its narrative to engage with themes such as racism, inequality and exploitation in its world.
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Metaphor: ReFantazio story unfolds in the Kingdom of Euchronia, a world struggling with societal issues following the assassination of its king. The magically-driven election process serves as a microcosm for real-world political dynamics.
Players assume the role of a young man with a mysterious connection to the comatose son of the murdered king. This personal stake adds depth to the narrative, making the stakes feel real and immediate.
Metaphor: ReFantazio features a roughly 80-hour story that evolves based on the player’s choices. This adaptability keeps the narrative fresh allowing players to experience different facets of the plot depending on their decisions.
Metaphor builds on the well-established frameworks from Atlus’ previous RPGs like Shin Megami Tensei and Persona. However, it refines these systems allowing for clearer understanding and progression without the unnecessary filler.
Similar to the Persona series, players navigate a daily calendar, balancing social interactions, dungeon exploration and main story objectives. This mechanic creates a sense of urgency and purpose, as players must manage their time effectively to achieve their goals.
Bond/Follower and Royal Virtue Systems take inspiration from Persona’s social links and social stats, but with improved clarity on how to progress. This encourages players to invest in character relationships and contribute to the overarching narrative.
Sidequests are woven into the main storyline, providing opportunities for character development and world exploration. Completing these quests rewards players with valuable resources and experience, enriching the overall gameplay experience.
The combat utilizes the familiar press-turn system from SMT, where exploiting elemental weaknesses allows for additional turns. This system adds a layer requiring players to think critically about their party composition and enemy vulnerabilities.
A feature in Metaphor is the Archetype system, which functions like a class-based job system. Each party member can adopt various roles, enabling diverse combat strategies and synergies.
Advanced Archetypes introduce Synthesis attacks, which require combining skills from different Archetypes. This mechanic encourages experimentation and strategic planning against tougher bosses.
Metaphor has a unique art style, reminiscent of classic works like Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights. The gothic-inspired menus and character designs contribute to a distinct aesthetic that sets it apart from other RPGs.
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Composed by Shoji Meguro, the game features a heavily orchestral score that enhances the narrative’s emotional weight. While different from his previous works, the soundtrack immerses players in the game’s world.
Metaphor: ReFantazio takes time to focus on character relationships. The game’s cast is diverse, each member embodying their own struggles and aspirations.
While the game provides an idealistic vision of collective action and social justice, it also acknowledges the challenges in achieving these ideals. It presents a nuanced view of belief systems, highlighting the potential for both good and bad within religious institutions.
Right from the start, the game invites players to name themselves before diving into the story. This choice fosters a personal connection and prompts reflections on the nature of utopia, encouraging players to engage critically with the narrative.
Metaphor: ReFantazio occasionally breaks the fourth wall, drawing parallels between the game’s fantasy elements and real-world issues.
Metaphor: ReFantazio features a strategic turn-based combat system appealing to fans of traditional JRPG mechanics. Metaphor: ReFantazio introduces innovative gameplay mechanics that set it apart from other titles in the genre.
Metaphor: ReFantazio shows an excellent visual style characterized by vibrant art and design. Technical performance has been highlighted with a polished experience across platforms, making sure players can enjoy the game without major issues.
The soundtrack has received particular acclaim, enhancing the atmosphere of the game and complementing the narrative effectively.
The combination of visual artistry, gameplay mechanics and music creates a cohesive experience that pulls players into the world of Metaphor: ReFantazio.
The game is designed for a relatively small audience that appreciates JRPGs. Casual gamers may find the deep mechanics and philosophical themes less accessible. Fans of the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei franchises are likely to find much to love in this new title.
ReFantazio will be available on multiple platforms including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series and PC. A demo featuring the game’s prologue is available across all platforms allowing players to get a taste of the gameplay. Importantly, save data from the demo will transfer to the full game.
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