Metaphor: ReFantazio is a must-play for fans of politically-charged RPGs
Out today, gamers are in for a treat if they decide to pick up Metaphor: ReFantazio. It’s an RPG published by Atlus and developed by Studio Zero, a team that has previously worked on both Shin Megami Tensei and Persona titles. While it shares some similarities with the hugely popular Persona series, its unique setting and themes allow it to stand firmly on its own two feet.
Enter the world of Metaphor: ReFantazio and, just like in Persona, you’ll find yourself in control of a young man that you can bestow a name upon. He’s got special powers, too, which awaken during a rather harrowing prologue in which all hope seems to be lost. He’ll need to master this power if he wishes to save the kingdom where he lives, which has just been thrown in disarray thanks to the murder of the King. And with the prince stricken by a horrible curse, presumed dead by the people of the kingdom he’s rightfully heir to, the nefarious Louis — the very man who murdered the King — wishes to sweep in and take control.
In the early hours of Metaphor: ReFantazio, you find yourself learning the ropes while making your way to the Royal Capital. You see, you’re a close friend of the prince, and so once you’re in the capital, you hope to execute a plan to assassinate Louis, who may also be behind the prince’s bothersome curse. It’s safe to say that things don’t go to plan, however, and the result is the start of what is essentially a popularity contest to determine who gets to rule over the kingdom.
Needless to say, the story of Metaphor: ReFantazio is quite a departure from those found within the Persona series. The setting is too, being full-on fantasy. This is a world inhabited by numerous tribes, each with their own traits, hardships and prejudices. And as you explore this world, attempting to increase your popularity and gain followers, you encounter creatures such as skeletons, gelatinous blobs and even dragons.
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What will feel familiar to Persona fans, however, is the combat system — though it does have some unique mechanics that make it stand out. You’ll get into plenty of turn-based battles here, and you’ll fight alongside allies that you gain throughout the adventure. With each ally being able to make use of an Archetype, by using skills that capitalise on the weaknesses of your enemies you can gain more turns. But be wary, as enemies can exploit your weaknesses, too.
The big difference here is that you can kill some enemies outright as you explore. Hit enemies with your weapon while travelling through a dungeon or field and you can gain the advantage when entering combat — just as you’d expect. Enemies that are deemed weak compared to your party, however, can be killed outright when hitting them, preventing you from having to enter relatively pointless battles where there’s zero danger. It’s a great system, and one that I hope the Persona series adopts in the future.
Other features here that will be familiar to Persona fans include a bond system that rewards you for developing relationships with a wide range of characters, giving you access to new skills and growing your power, as well as a calendar system. The latter system may not go down well with some as it puts a time limit on your activities, but it ties in with the story rather well and gives weight to your choices and actions.
The only aspect of Metaphor: ReFantazio that’s really only slightly disappointing is its presentation. Its menus are gorgeous, that’s for sure, but the in-game visuals are rough at times, with some bland textures as well as plenty of aliasing and shimmering. I expected better on PS5. Still, thanks to the game’s art style, it remains rather pleasant to the eyes overall. It’s just a shame more consideration wasn’t given to picture quality at least.
Being a huge game that takes close to 100 hours to complete, I’m still making my way through Metaphor: ReFantazio. I can safely say that it’s had me firmly hooked from its outset, and I can’t see that changing. This is a politically-charged RPG that keeps you glued to the screen thanks to its engaging story full of twists, and a world that just begs to be explored. Throw in a combat system building on that already honed via Persona, and you have a must-have RPG that is likely to prove to be the highlight of the year for many.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is available now on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.
