Metaphor: ReFantazio, the upcoming RPG from Atlus Studio Zero, the developers behind the beloved Persona and Shin Megami Tensei series, is already captivating players with its unique blend of fantasy and social commentary. While the game initially sparked comparisons to a “fantasy Persona” due to its shift from modern-day Tokyo to a high-fantasy world, it quickly becomes clear that Metaphor is much more than just a reskin. It feels like a culmination of the team’s ambitions, enhancing the world-building, combat, characters, and themes of its predecessors and weaving them into the captivating tapestry of the United Kingdom of Euchronia.
The game begins with a simple, yet powerful, question: your name. But this isn’t your character’s name; it’s yours, the player’s. This seemingly innocuous request sets the stage for Metaphor’s exploration of the relationship between fantasy and reality. The sharp, quick-witted writing hints at a deeper connection between the player and the world, raising questions about the game’s potential to bridge the gap between the two.
The early hours of Metaphor are a slow burn, typical of many RPGs. You step into the role of the Protagonist, a member of the Elda tribe, who is tasked with finding an informant within the army. Your journey takes you alongside Gallica, a fairy who forms a bond with you and becomes your companion in this quest. The world you inhabit is on the brink of chaos, with the King assassinated and the land facing a power vacuum. This sets the stage for your exploration, as you venture to bring stability to a kingdom on the verge of collapse.
Your journey through the dangerous desert, filled with fearsome sand worms, leads you to the capital city. There, you are granted the freedom to explore its bustling streets and interact with its diverse inhabitants. This is where you begin to learn about the various races of Euchronia and the stark class disparities that exist. The Elda, your tribe, are looked down upon and considered inferior, relegated to the fringes of society. The Paripus, on the other hand, are often seen as hedonistic and excluded from political life. This complex social landscape is further illuminated by the Protagonist’s possession of a storybook, a chronicle of a more utopian society where all races are equal and prosper. This serves as a stark contrast to the reality of Euchronia, highlighting the game’s bold approach to exploring themes of prejudice and inequality.
Metaphor does not shy away from these themes; instead, it embraces them head-on. While the game’s full narrative is still unfolding, the early glimpses suggest that it will delve into these issues with nuance and depth.
The game’s combat system is just as intriguing as its world and story. After joining the army, you are sent to defend a tower under attack, a location that was featured in the Summer Game Fest demo. This battle introduces you to Homo Gorleo, a powerful foe formed from a grotesque amalgamation of body parts and apples, a chilling symbol of the game’s dark themes. The encounter also reveals a critical element: the most dangerous demons in this world are known as Humans. This intriguing revelation sets the stage for further exploration of the game’s complex and thought-provoking narrative.
Once the action picks up, it doesn’t slow down. The second half of the demo gives you free reign in Martira, a bustling town brimming with both opportunities and challenges. This is where you encounter the Gauntlet Runner, a hulking mechanical vehicle that serves as your primary mode of transportation and a safe haven between cities. The Gauntlet Runner is your mobile home base, allowing you to cook, rest, and spend time with your companions. Fans of Persona will instantly recognize the familiar feeling of time management, as you grapple with the limited resource of time and the constant need to prioritize tasks. However, Metaphor takes this anxiety to a new level, offering a sense of freedom that transcends the confines of a single location. You are not tied down to a specific area, allowing you to explore the vast world at your own pace.
This freedom of exploration is further enhanced by the game’s rewarding system. Quests, bounties, and favors are scattered throughout the world, requiring you to venture outside of city walls. While these ventures might initially seem time-consuming, the rewards are significant. You are encouraged to explore the world, interact with its characters, and uncover its secrets, knowing that your efforts will be richly rewarded.
Metaphor’s combat system is a true evolution of the formula established by Persona and Shin Megami Tensei. It retains the core mechanics of elemental strengths and weaknesses but introduces a new layer of depth and customization through the Archetype system. This system allows players to transform each party member into different job classes, offering a wider range of tactical options. You can turn a melee-focused character into a tank or a bruiser, or specialize your magic wielders as healers or casters. This constant evolution of party members, through the acquisition of new Archetypes via quests and level progression, adds a strategic dimension to the combat.
The game’s captivating story, rich world-building, and innovative combat system make Metaphor: ReFantazio a highly anticipated title for 2024. With its launch scheduled for October 10, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, the game is poised to captivate a wide audience of RPG enthusiasts eager to delve into its fascinating world and explore its thought-provoking themes.
