Atlus teased Metaphor: ReFantazio back in 2020 through Catherine: Full Body, featuring early concept pieces that hinted at the future RPG’s soundtrack.
Fans of Atlus have known that Katsura Hashino, the mind behind the Persona series, was working on a new RPG for some time, but many didn’t realize the first hints of his latest masterpiece, Metaphor: ReFantazio, were actually dropped all the way back in 2020 within the game Catherine: Full Body. Now, Catherine: Full Body is on sale on the PlayStation Store for just AUD$11 for the standard version and AUD$14 for the Deluxe Edition, making it the perfect time to revisit this classic while catching the earliest glimpses of Metaphor‘s development.
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For those unfamiliar, Catherine: Full Body follows Vincent Brooks, a man struggling with the pressures of adulthood, relationships, and commitment, all while being plagued by mysterious nightmares. The gameplay alternates between two worlds: puzzle-platforming nightmares where Vincent must climb towers of collapsing blocks to survive, and his daytime activities at “The Stray Sheep” bar. In the bar, Vincent can unwind by chatting with friends, drinking, or even playing an arcade game. But the most interesting detail for eagle-eyed fans lies in the music selection at the bar’s jukebox.
Within the jukebox, players can select from a variety of tracks, but two that stand out are “CONCEPT VIDEO 1 BGM” and “CONCEPT VIDEO 2 BGM.” These tracks are attributed to “PROJECT Re FANTASY”—an early working title for what would eventually become Metaphor: ReFantazio. The music is fantastical, somber, and gives a glimpse into the creative process of Hashino as he began to form the world of Metaphor. These tracks are exclusively available in Catherine: Full Body, offering a rare chance to hear the earliest musical concepts of what would become one of the most beloved RPGs of recent times.
(Yes. Please ignore the fact that I have the Nero Glasses on. It was only out of boredom, I promise.)
Fast forward to today, and Metaphor: ReFantazio has become a breakout success. Its captivating story, intricate world-building, and innovative gameplay have cemented it as one of Atlus’s most celebrated titles. Fans of the Persona series found much to love in the familiar, yet refreshed mechanics, while the game’s new fantasy setting allowed for fresh explorations of themes like destiny, companionship, and identity. The success of Metaphor has not only demonstrated Hashino’s range as a director but has also further solidified Atlus’s reputation for creating deep, mature RPGs with unforgettable characters and immersive worlds.
For fans of Persona or Metaphor: ReFantazio, now is the perfect time to pick up Catherine: Full Body at this reduced price. Beyond its unique narrative and engaging gameplay, Catherine offers a fascinating insight into the early stages of Metaphor’s development, making it a must-have for anyone who appreciates the artistry of Atlus’s games. Whether you’re a returning fan or a newcomer, this sale is a golden opportunity to experience both a narrative masterpiece and a hidden piece of Metaphor‘s history.