Western game critics are complaining that there’s too much reading involved in this fantasy epic. Shame on them!
In a gaming landscape often saturated with familiar formulas, Metaphor: ReFantazio breaks the mold, offering a high-fantasy JRPG experience that pushes both artistic and narrative boundaries. Developed by the same team behind the Persona series, this game blends their signature mechanics with bold new innovations, setting it apart from its predecessors. What results is an unforgettable journey that masterfully fuses companionship, politics, and personal growth.
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From the moment players step into the world of Euchronia, it’s clear that Metaphor: ReFantazio is something special. The setting is vast and meticulously designed, evoking a rich tapestry of fantasy and political intrigue, brought to life through its lush visual presentation and compelling character arcs.
But what truly makes this game shine? Let’s dive into the heart of Metaphor.
Companionship and Character Growth
The theme of companionship permeates Metaphor: ReFantazio from the get-go. The protagonist’s journey is shaped by their relationships with a cast of memorable characters, each from different tribes with their own unique motivations and struggles.
The fairy Gallica, a diminutive yet fiercely loyal companion, provides invaluable guidance both in and out of combat. As the protagonist’s iration grows, so does Gallica’s importance in the story, embodying the heartwarming theme of friendship. Alongside her is Leon Strohl, a noble warrior on a mission for revenge, driven by the destruction of his village. His unwavering loyalty adds a layer of nobility to the group dynamic.
Then there’s Aceline Hulkenberg, a former knight of the royal family, burdened by guilt over her king’s assassination. Her character undergoes profound development, shifting from a closed-off, guilt-ridden knight to one of the most open and empathetic characters in the story. Lastly, we meet Maria, a child who struggles with prejudice due to her mixed heritage, finding solace in her bonds with Gallica and the protagonist.
Each of these characters not only enhances the game’s emotional depth but also plays a critical role in shaping the overarching narrative, where themes of redemption, revenge, and friendship are key.
A Game That Oozes Style and Artistry
Visually, Metaphor: ReFantazio stands out as a work of art. The menus, interface, and in-game cinematics are designed with such care that the game feels like a living painting. Atlus’ Shigenori Soejima, the art director known for his work on the Persona series, has outdone himself with the design in Metaphor. Every frame is meticulously crafted, from the intricate architecture of the cities to the grotesque monster designs inspired by Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch.
The game’s visual style is a perfect marriage of modern and classical art influences, making every menu, battle transition, and cutscene feel like a collectible work of art. Even the cover art begs to be framed as a collector’s item. Cinematics rival that of high-budget anime, seamlessly blending into the gameplay without feeling disted. The overall presentation elevates Metaphor into the realm of “playable art.”
A Symphony for the Ages
When it comes to music, Metaphor: ReFantazio leaves the jazzy beats of Persona behind, embracing a grander, more epic sound. The soundtrack, composed by Shoji Meguro, is filled with orchestral pieces that soar through the game’s most pivotal moments, enhanced by choirs and the haunting chants of monks.
This musical shift is a testament to how Metaphor differentiates itself from its predecessors, opting for a score that amplifies the gravity of its world and story. Every piece of music feels as monumental as the game itself, underscoring its epic journey through sound.
A Deep and Satisfying Combat System
At the heart of the gameplay is Metaphor: ReFantazio‘s deeply rewarding combat system, which draws from Atlus’ classic Press-Turn mechanics but adds its own unique twists. The Archetype system replaces Persona‘s summoning mechanic, acting more like a job system where characters unlock powerful, magical forms by confronting their deepest fears. Each character in your party can switch between over 40 Archetypes, which allows for near-endless customization in how you approach each battle.
The combat rewards strategic thinking, with mechanics like Synthesis Attacks allowing you to combine skills and deliver devastating blows to enemies. On top of that, lower-level enemies can be swiftly defeated without even entering the turn-based combat mode, streamlining dungeon exploration.
The Social Systems and Popularity Mechanic
The social elements in Metaphor: ReFantazio elevate the game’s complexity even further. Instead of relying on the more romantic social links of Persona, Metaphor introduces the Followers system. As you gain ers in your quest for the throne, these bonds unlock new Archetypes and combat abilities.
The popularity system is especially noteworthy—it not only dictates how other characters and tribes perceive you but can also influence the entire outcome of the story. Every decision made during social interactions can ripple out into the broader narrative.
A Novel-Like Experience
Critics have commented on the game’s reliance on text-based dialogue, suggesting it could benefit from more voice acting. But Metaphor embraces this design choice, aligning it with its core theme of a story tied to a magical book.
There is a lot of reading involved, more than in Persona, but it adds to the experience, making the player feel like they’re engaging with an epic novel rather than just playing through a typical RPG. Those unwilling to read may miss out on the deeper nuances that make Metaphor so compelling.
A Fantasy Journey Worth Every Moment
In the end, Metaphor: ReFantazio is more than just a game—it’s an artistic achievement. From its meticulously crafted visuals and groundbreaking music to its deep combat and intricate social systems, every aspect of this JRPG feels carefully designed to offer an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re captivated by its deeply emotional storytelling, strategic and dynamic combat, or its breathtaking, anime-inspired art, Metaphor: ReFantazio excels in every aspect. It’s a shining example of what a JRPG can achieve when crafted with such precision and vision. Fans of the Persona series, high-fantasy epics, and JRPGs alike will find it irresistible. And if you’re an anime lover, this game’s cinematic quality and art direction make it a must-have for your collection.
Editor’s Note: We received a free promotional copy of Metaphor: ReFantazio from SEGA for the purposes of this review.