A Fantasy RPG with Familiar Depths and Fresh Twists
Metaphor: ReFantazio is Atlus’s latest RPG, blending the best mechanics from the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei series while introducing a vibrant fantasy setting. Developed by the team behind Persona 5, this game invites players to explore a politically charged world where relationships, strategic combat, and time management play crucial roles in shaping the adventure.
Gameplay: Deep Strategy with Archetype Customization
Metaphor: ReFantazio introduces Archetypes, a twist on RPG class systems that lets players freely equip characters with roles like Knights, Mages, or Thieves. These classes bring flexibility, encouraging experimentation as you adapt your team to specific challenges in dungeons or combat encounters. Unlike previous Atlus games, every party member can swap Archetypes on the fly, meaning there are no restrictions to character customization—a welcome addition that keeps gameplay fresh.
The combat system uses Atlus’s signature turn-based mechanics, rewarding players for hitting enemy weaknesses to maximize actions in a given turn. It’s more challenging than Persona, demanding careful planning to manage debuffs and status effects to avoid devastating losses. Some battles feel like puzzles, where brute force won’t win, forcing players to experiment with different tactics.
World-Building: A Vibrant Fantasy Realm with Time Management
The game features a calendar-based system, similar to Persona, which requires players to juggle tasks like bonding with allies, leveling their Royal Virtues (akin to social stats), and tackling dungeon deadlines. These Virtues—Courage, Wisdom, Tolerance, Eloquence, and Imagination—unlock character abilities and influence interactions.
Cities and dungeons brim with narrative richness, drawing inspiration from European folklore. Players can explore massive royal capitals, gritty alleyways, and bustling ports, each with unique atmospheres that enhance immersion. However, the game’s slow opening act—taking roughly 20 hours to unlock all core gameplay elements—can feel tedious early on, its absolutely worths sticking it out for a fantastic experience.
Narrative: Meaningful Bonds and Dynamic Characters
Character relationships lie at the heart of the experience. Much like Persona’s Social Links, Metaphor allows players to build relationships with followers, revealing new storylines and unlocking powerful abilities. Each character in the game offers a distinct personality—ranging from justice-driven warriors to lonely merchants—making every interaction feel meaningful. Though not all dialogue is fully voiced, the writing and localization stand out, bringing humor and emotional depth to conversations.
Verdict: Familiar Yet Fresh
Metaphor: ReFantazio may borrow elements from Atlus’s past hits, but it also offers enough innovation to stand on its own. With deep character customization, challenging combat, and rich storytelling, it provides a compelling experience for JRPG fans. While the slow pacing at the start might deter some players, those who stick with it will be rewarded with a sprawling, intricate fantasy adventure.
A delightful evolution of Atlus’s best work that balances familiarity with fresh ideas.
Available on: PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam.
A PC review copy of Metaphor: ReFantazio was provided for the purposes of this review.
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