Atlus, renowned for creating beloved RPGs for over three decades, has embarked on an ambitious endeavor to craft Metaphor: ReFantazio, a culmination of their illustrious legacy. Director Katsura Hashino, known for his instrumental role in the Persona series, has assembled an all-star team to commemorate Atlus’ 35th anniversary. The game features the artistic talents of Shigenori Soejima, the musical genius of Shoji Meguro, and the creative contributions of guest developers Koda Kazuma and Ikuto Yamashita, renowned for their work on NieR:Automata and Neon Genesis Evangelion, respectively.
Set to grace PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X on October 11, Metaphor: ReFantazio seamlessly blends the captivating social elements of the Persona series with a dynamic combat system and an enthralling fantasy setting. The assassination of a king ignites a captivating election, where anyone with sufficient support can ascend to the throne. The protagonist, driven by their own enigmatic purpose, must forge bonds with potential followers, vanquish formidable monsters, navigate treacherous dungeons, complete diverse side jobs, and rally widespread support.
Echoing the Persona games, social interactions play a pivotal role, whether nurturing relationships with followers or immersing oneself in the vibrant cast of characters. Notably, fast-travel is absent, replaced by mobile bases that provide a comprehensive range of amenities, from cozy hangouts to well-stocked libraries and convenient facilities for cooking and laundry. These mundane yet fulfilling tasks infuse Metaphor with a profound sense of life and authenticity.
Director Hashino introduces a unique job system centered around powers known as archetypes. Through confronting their anxieties, protagonists acquire these archetypes, granting them extraordinary abilities that manifest in diverse forms throughout the game. While sharing a similar name to the Personas of the eponymous series, archetypes represent traditional battle styles. For instance, a seeker excels in balanced combat, while a mage harnesses the power of magic. Players enjoy the freedom to customize their squads, even forming teams comprised entirely of the same job.
Atlus is currently experiencing a resurgence of popularity, propelled by the phenomenal success of Persona 5 and the recent release of Persona 3 Reload, a remake of a PlayStation 2 classic that swiftly became the fastest-selling game in Atlus’ history. Metaphor: ReFantazio proudly inherits the series’ signature visual style and engaging combat system. Ambitious in scale, as Hashino himself attests, Metaphor delves into the profound nature of fantasy and the power it holds within each of us.
