As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I must say that Metaphor: ReFantazio has left an indelible mark on my gaming journey. This game is a true testament to Atlus’ design philosophy, blending immersive storytelling with intuitive gameplay.
In simple terms, “ReFantazio” is an exciting, unique debut from Atlus, unlike any game they’ve released before. Developed over a seven-year period since its initial unveiling as “Project Re Fantasy”, it’s not a new installment in the Persona series, a spin-off of Shin Megami Tensei, or a continuation or follow-up to any previous Atlus game.
In a novel twist, Metaphor: ReFantazio combines elements from various Atlus games into an original narrative and environment, while also introducing distinctive mechanics of its own. Previously known as Project Re Fantasy, Atlus unveiled Studio Zero, a newly established internal team, to lead its creation. Following the release of Catherine: Full Body in 2019, an enhanced version of the 2011 puzzle adventure game, Studio Zero has continued to work on unique projects within the Atlus family.
As a gamer, I’ve got to say, diving into Metaphor: ReFantazio was an unforgettable journey. At first, I wasn’t sure what to anticipate, but as time wore on, this game had me hooked little by little. Sure, it isn’t perfect and has its share of flaws, but among the games Atlus has ever created, Metaphor: ReFantazio stands out as one of the most remarkable.
The story’s opening is somewhat complex, but From the beginning, events unfold swiftly in the fantasy realm of Euchronia, starting with the assassination of its king. Players take on the role of a young man assisted by a fairy named Gallica to deliver an urgent message. This quest eventually transforms them into allies attempting to counteract the actions of the king’s killer, Louis.
Although the idea of revenge against the murderer plays a secondary role in the protagonist’s motivations, his primary goal is to see the royal prince ascend the throne. Regrettably, the same culprit behind the regicide had cursed the prince, causing him to deteriorate gradually and slip into a coma. One method to break the curse is by killing its creator, but the protagonist’s scheme goes awry when the king’s powerful magic unexpectedly resurfaces from beyond the grave.
In every corner of Euchronia, it’s made clear that the upcoming monarch will be chosen through democratic elections. By a specified date, the person with the most public backing will ascend to the throne as either king or queen. Regardless of their position in society, anyone from the far reaches of Euchronia can participate. Notable figures like Louis, renowned for his heroic military achievements, are shielded by the late king’s enchanted royal magic, which prevents him from being harmed – whether physically or politically.
The primary character needs to discover a different method to lift the curse on the prince. It’s possible that Louis alone has knowledge of an alternate remedy for the prince’s affliction. To grab his attention and uncover what he knows, the hero chooses to compete for the throne, aiming to gain widespread recognition across the realm and eventually catch Louis’ notice.
Traveling through Euchronia during the election process aids Metaphor: ReFantazio in creating its universe and characters naturally, much like Atlus’ Persona and Shin Megami Tensei series do. However, these titles base their underlying settings on contemporary societal norms and structures of our world. In contrast, Metaphor: ReFantazio has constructed a unique fantasy world with eight distinct tribes that have an established social order understood by its inhabitants. The main cast in the other series tends to be around the same age group and social standing, but Metaphor: ReFantazio’s world is self-contained and independent.
Discrimination runs rampant across Euchronia whether it be through tribal differences, poverty, or otherwise. It’s a matter that the game doesn’t shy away from. Metaphor: ReFantazio integrates this through gameplay as the protagonist comes from the disrespected Elda tribe that is commonly looked down upon by many other tribes. Early on, almost every NPC expresses their disdain to the protagonist interacting with them. Gameplay elements, like purifying equipment at the church to enhance their capabilities, will have the priest charge an increased rate while a certain shop initially won’t even allow the main character to access their inventory at all.
In ReFantazio, accessing magic is primarily confined to those who can afford it financially, and more often than not, these individuals belong to higher social classes. Unlike in other fantasy tales where magic spells can be cast freely, here they are discharged from costly ignition devices. However, the protagonist’s group possess a unique ability to tap into magic without relying on these expensive devices, making them an exception.
In the game Metaphor: ReFantazio, there’s a sense of deep awareness that the existing order is flawed and unjust in numerous ways, yet finding a quick fix isn’t an option. The central storyline doesn’t present a heroic quest, but rather depicts the struggles and hardships involved in striving for a more hopeful future. The protagonists are on a mission to lift the prince’s curse, and while it might seem extreme, killing someone could be one possible solution. They grasp the social inequalities of Euchronia and may hope that, if he ascends the throne, the prince will address these issues someday.
What makes this game captivating is partly due to how well-crafted Louis’ character is right from the start. The game emphasizes his charisma and oppressive presence every time he appears, which has been a challenge for Atlus in creating recent antagonists. While Maruki became an intriguing villain in Persona 5 Royal, this aspect felt like an afterthought because it was added as part of the new content in the Royal version, and its development occurred late in the game. In contrast, Metaphor: ReFantazio introduces Louis early on, even in the opening scene, which sets a tense dynamic with him from the beginning.
Beyond Louis, other potential monarchs each hold unique visions and ideals for an improved future. Some aim to preserve the current system, others wish to adjust it in their favor, while a few are determined to dismantle it completely, using any methods at their disposal. In essence, ReFantazio subtly encourages the player’s thoughts on what truly makes an exceptional leader, without force-feeding solutions directly.
Initially, it appears that many elements of Metaphor: ReFantazio’s gameplay structure are inspired by the Persona series, notably the calendar system and daily activities players can participate in. Once past the initial hours, a significant chunk of gameplay involves choosing how to spend afternoons and nights within the game day. Activities will be clearly marked as time-consuming or not, resulting in a rhythm reminiscent of Atlus’ renowned RPG series.
Metaphor: ReFantazio has undergone various changes to its formula, giving it a unique atmosphere and rhythm different from Persona. Key among these modifications is the absence of a high school setting. Instead, the narrative unfolds across multiple towns, villages, or cities. At each stop, players can decide how they want to spend their game days. They can either focus on building relationships with followers by raising their bond levels (similar to Social Links in Persona), improving their protagonist’s social skills through various activities, or embark on a journey in their Gauntlet Runner vehicle to discover new dungeons.
In comparison to Persona, Metaphor: ReFantazio has a distinct characteristic – the extended duration of travel between locations. When it’s time to relocate, players command a colossal Gauntlet Runner landship that follows a fixed path, and this journey can last for several days. Thus, when traveling within the Gauntlet Runner, one must also consider the time involved. Although the calendar system in Metaphor: ReFantazio is mechanically similar to Persona, the travel experience it offers adds a satisfying feeling of embarking on a voyage from place to place.
In a playful manner, Atlus presents some game mechanics in Metaphor: ReFantazio unconventionally. For example, the music you hear throughout the game is magically cast upon the protagonist by Gallica, yet despite their world recognizing that magic originated from music, it rarely serves a practical purpose. The overall soundtrack has similarities to Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey, although I find myself still ambivalent about the fast-paced chants in many of Metaphor: ReFantazio’s tracks to this day.
As a devoted fan, I must say, it’s a delightful little in-game tidbit that lets me hear the game’s melodies, but some aspects are a bit fantastical and hard to swallow. Take fast traveling back to past locations for instance, the explanation provided is downright absurd, yet I can’t help but appreciate their effort to create a narrative around it.
In an earlier note, I mentioned that ReFantazio, much like Persona, has its unique system for gaining Followers. These Followers can advance their bond with you, and when ready, the game indicates this progression. Each Follower contributes to one of several job classes, which I’ll explain in detail later.
In the game Metaphor: ReFantazio, unlike Persona where you have to navigate hidden affection meters to level up Social Links, the Follower system works differently. There are no specific dialogue choices that immediately impact how fast I can upgrade my relationship with a Follower. Instead, their eligibility for promotion is based on usual social stat requirements at higher ranks and whether I’m in town or embarking on a journey through the Gauntlet Runner. Certain rank-up scenes can only be triggered during the Gauntlet Runner exploration phase.
To clarify, there are still plenty of conversation paths that reward players for positive interactions with their Follower. Instead of boosting affection, choosing the right responses grants an extra amount of MAG. This MAG is a valuable resource used to unlock new character classes and transfer skills between them. Since MAG is something you accumulate naturally while playing, there’s no pressure to select all the correct dialogue options in this game.
In the game ReFantazio, the environment and narrative are utilized extensively to create a rich and diverse cast of characters reminiscent of Social Links in Atlus games. Characters from various age groups, tribes, social standings, and professions from across Euchronia engage with the protagonist, offering insights into their lives. Many characters grapple with personal tragedies as they seek to cope with their grief. For instance, one character is a tribal member fighting for her tribe’s survival, while another is an exiled knight trying to find a resting place for his deceased son’s ashes.
In many instances, the narratives of the followers in the game tend to be more somber and emotionally intense compared to the Social Links in Persona. These stories underscore the harsh reality and hardships faced by individuals in Euchronia, showcasing their resilience against injustices. When Atlus announced that Metaphor: ReFantazio would not include romantic relationships like those found in Persona, some players expressed dissatisfaction; however, I believe this decision enhances the authenticity of interactions with followers. For example, pursuing a romantic relationship with a grieving father who is still coming to terms with the loss of his child while also trying to save the prince might feel incongruous or inappropriate.
Despite some improvements, I’m encountering similar concerns regarding Followers that I had with Social Links and Confidants in Persona. I’d appreciate more interaction between characters in several of them; currently, many still seem to revolve around the main character and the Follower interacting primarily. It’s a bit disappointing, as Persona 3 Reload this year featured fully voiced Social Link events.
Transitioning from the comparison between ReFantazio and Persona, the most noteworthy difference lies in its gameplay. The game combines real-time action with turn-based combat in a way that strongly resembles how Nihon Falcom’s “The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak” manages it.
In Metaphor: ReFantazio, it’s often smarter to strike enemies repeatedly before activating the “Squad” combat to stun them initially. However, if an enemy manages to hit you first in this system, they will gain an advantage during turn-based battles. Engaging in quicker skirmishes is beneficial when your character level significantly surpasses that of your foes; striking them on the field will instantly defeat them and yield identical rewards as winning through turn-based combat. Conversely, if a weaker enemy attacks you first, they’ll only deal minimal damage, and won’t be able to ambush you into the standard turn-based mode as usual.
As a gamer, I can swiftly traverse dungeons and navigate their intricacies at an incredible pace. The beauty of it is that stunned adversaries pose no threat, allowing me to bypass them with ease. Instead of engaging them, I can simply incapacitate my foes, ensuring my character’s safety. The choice of Archetype for my protagonist determines the nature of their weapon on the battlefield. Each Archetype possesses a unique passive skill that only activates during real-time action mode. For instance, the Mage Archetype Lineage, encompassing the Mage, Wizard, and its Elite classes, restores a small amount of MP whenever I stun or defeat an enemy in battle, while the Brawler Archetype Lineage, featuring the Brawler, Pugilist, and its Elite class, frequently knocks larger adversaries off their feet.
As a fervent admirer of this game, I must say each character archetype comes with its exclusive collection of weapons, and they all possess individual combos in the thrilling battle sequences. Now, let’s be clear: it’s not as intricate or complex as some hardcore action RPGs; that’s by design – it aims for a bit of stiffness to remind players about the potential danger of attacking without proper caution, such as the risk of getting hit during a swing or taking time to retreat first.
In the strategy-based combat, there’s an engaging fusion of elements from Atlus’ Shin Megami Tensei and Etrian Odyssey series. The Press Turn system, similar to that in Shin Megami Tensei, is used, but the overall battle flow is distinct due to a front row and back row setup, much like in Etrian Odyssey. Characters in the front row dish out more melee damage but have less defense, while those in the back row have increased defense at the expense of dealing less melee damage. During a character’s turn, they can move between rows before choosing an action. However, the core aspects of the Press Turn system, such as exploiting enemy elemental weaknesses to use only half a turn and passing turns to other party members, remain intact.
A feature reminiscent of Atlus’ Digital Devil Saga games, which have been absent since then, is the Synthesis skills that enable several party members to jointly cast a powerful ability by giving up their individual turns. Unlike in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, where these combination skills were limited due to the Magatsuhi meter, allowing for freer use in Digital Devil Saga and Metaphor: ReFantazio. In Digital Devil Saga, specific abilities from party members are needed to access these combination skills; on the other hand, Synthesis skills in Metaphor: ReFantazio only require a certain mix of job classes within the party. This versatile system allows players to unlock higher-level abilities early on, but at the cost of using multiple turns simultaneously.
I found Metaphor: ReFantazio’s method for battles incredibly enjoyable. The enemies deal significant damage, and the bosses have diverse strategies that necessitate players to adjust their tactics swiftly. In one encounter, it could be the allies that pose the real danger rather than the boss, while another boss might attempt to overpower players with a constant barrage of buffs and debuffs each turn. There are even boss fights with unique requirements that compel players to test various party compositions or arrangements they may not be accustomed to.
My only issue with this game’s turn-based battles is that there’s an instant retry option for every fight that’s easily abusable. I don’t mind the option on principle, but it can too-easily negate poor decision-making. If an individual opens up the fight with an attack option that the enemy repels, they can just retry the fight immediately from the start and the game will remember that the enemy repels that attribute. I’m not entirely sure what a decent compromise would be; its current implementation feels too forgiving as such.
The mentioned job class system in Metaphor: ReFantazio, referred to as the Archetype, was a significant aspect that kept me grinning throughout my playthrough. At first glance, Archetypes might seem like Personas, but their role is more similar to traditional RPG classes that just happen to have stylish avatars representing them. As players progress and rank up their Followers, they will unlock new Archetypes. These Archetypes are organized into Lineages, which means that each job eventually opens up an advanced or enhanced version that boasts superior skills and abilities.
In certain instances, new job classes might not completely overshadow the original ones, as they can alter the Synthesis skills at their disposal. For instance, during my gaming experience, the Pugilist Archetype possessed a remarkable non-elemental Area of Effect (AoE) Synthesis skill. However, upon upgrading to its Elite class, this skill was transformed into an electric version. Unfortunately, in specific scenarios, this change made the skill less effective due to certain enemies being resistant or nullifying electric attacks.
Each Lineage of Archetypes comes with distinct strengths and weaknesses that are inherent, and any member in the group can alter their Archetype at will by using MAG. It’s possible for multiple individuals to share the same Archetype within the party; if you fancy a party composed entirely of Mages, Refantazio fully endorses such a setup.
As players raise their bond level with Followers, each Character Type’s family tree gains additional spaces for transferring skills from other Types. Eventually, a Character Type’s lineage can accommodate up to four skill inheritance slots, offering great flexibility when designing party setups and specializations. Once a skill is mastered by a character on any given Type, it can be swiftly moved over to another Type at the expense of some MAG.
In ReFantazio’s game, the advancement in gameplay heavily relies on the exploration and activation of diverse Character Types, some of which pay tribute to Atlus’ past creations, while a select few incorporate unique gameplay mechanisms associated with them.
In Metaphor: ReFantazio, upgrading each Archetype doesn’t feel like a tedious task. Unlike some RPGs with multiple job options, where switching characters to fresh level 1 jobs after fully leveling up several others can make it difficult to find reward or satisfaction, in this game, an upgraded Archetype continues to earn Archetype Experience (A-EXP). Once a character has earned 1000 A-EXP for a mastered Archetype, they receive a consumable item that can be used on any other Archetype equipped to any character. This design choice allows players to keep their party formation and synergy while investing the A-EXP however they choose, making the process more rewarding and enjoyable.
In Metaphor: ReFantazio, an aspect that took me by surprise was its deep dive into dungeon exploration – and let me clarify, this isn’t a negative surprise at all. The significant story dungeons are not just lengthy, but they also offer a level of diversity I hadn’t anticipated. I won’t reveal any spoilers; however, I will mention that the initial presentation of the format is somewhat misleading about how it evolves throughout the game.
I was glad when Atlus went back to their traditional style, offering expansive dungeons filled with intricate puzzles and concealed paths leading to extra loot-rich areas. More modern games from Atlus like Shin Megami Tensei V and Soul Hackers 2 didn’t quite satisfy my craving for immersive dungeon exploration; however, ReFantazio came closer, even if it didn’t quite match the heights reached by Etrian Odyssey and Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey. I did find myself wishing that its dungeons were a bit tougher in comparison.
Besides the larger story-driven dungeons, there are numerous smaller ones that can be accessed through side quests. These aren’t as time-consuming, but they offer unique map layouts that are fun to explore and map out. However, do note that these minor dungeons may have repetitive environments; you’ll encounter similar-looking caverns and forest areas in many of them.
I really like how enemies are grouped in the dungeons of Metaphor: ReFantazio. They don’t hesitate to have groups of enemies roam together or lines of creatures marching to show that there might be a self-formed hierarchy within the dungeon. Given the real-time combat system, the game feels confident in filling its dungeons with many enemies, making it feel more immersive and challenging.
In the intricate design of Metaphor: ReFantazio, Atlus skillfully integrates tavern informants as a key element. These informants offer valuable insights to players, such as guidance for side quests, details about the types of monsters in various dungeons, and sometimes clues about a boss’ vulnerabilities. Essentially, they serve as a partially active “Analyze” function, providing enough information to prepare players without revealing all the secrets hidden within each dungeon.
The harmonious design of Metaphor: ReFantazio seamlessly blends elements together. Characters from various medieval fantasy species are adorned in attire reminiscent of the fashion styles prevalent during the UK’s vibrant 1960s. Creatures typically found in fantasies, including goblins, minotaurs, griffins, and dragons, traverse the terrain. The Gauntlet Runner landships are unique vessels that incorporate a giant beast’s legs and tail as part of their structure, allowing them to move across the land much like a lizard crawls. Akademeia, akin to the Velvet Room, takes heavy cues from Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, particularly in its Archetype Tree interface. This imaginative reinterpretation questions and refreshes several established ideas about what a medieval fantasy realm might appear like.
Following the revolution initiated by Persona 5, demonstrating that a fashionable user interface can significantly enhance a game’s enjoyment without compromising functionality, numerous games across the gaming industry have adopted similar designs. Atlus carried this design philosophy into Persona 3 Reload, and it’s also evident in Metaphor: ReFantazio.
Initially, I had worries about it appearing cluttered, but upon playing, I found it all pulls together quite harmoniously. The menus are swift and clear in their purpose, making it easy for players to understand each screen’s function. This time around, the theme of the menus has a painterly feel that sets it apart from Persona 5 and Persona 3 Reload; it’s stunning and crucially, user-friendly. However, navigating through the Archetype Tree menu was somewhat confusing when I needed to recall which Archetype possesses a specific skill I want to learn for my character – that interface could be more intuitive.
In addition, I’m captivated by the artistic style used for all character portraits in Metaphor: ReFantazio, which sets it apart from their previous projects. The painted technique gives it a unique aesthetic that can at times clash with its game models due to the intense vibrancy. I understand that Atlus encountered a lengthy development process with Metaphor: ReFantazio, and unfortunately, time hasn’t been gentle on its graphical quality.
The user interface and artistic style are commendable aspects, but the character models and town aesthetics are just acceptable. Some open outdoor environments are particularly lackluster, with the Gauntlet Runner’s deck being particularly problematic due to poor graphics. I was taken aback by its visual quality each time I visited it. Fortunately, this issue is minor compared to the rest of the game, so it doesn’t interfere with meaningful content. However, it’s undeniable that this aspect falls short when compared to the overall presentation of the game.
In my review of ReFantazio on Steam, I encountered persistent aliasing issues, which made it run smoother if I set the rendering scale at 100% with a resolution of 1440p. Increasing the rendering scale to double (200%) improved the edges but significantly dropped my performance to as low as 25fps in specific areas. This performance drop is regrettable, but it seems solvable on PC since people have devised solutions for its demo’s performance issues. I’m unsure about the console versions and whether Atlus has addressed these concerns with patches.
As a devoted gaming enthusiast, let me share my personal experience with an extraordinary game titled Metaphor: ReFantazio. I immersed myself completely in this game for 75 hours, relishing every moment of the journey. While it may have some minor flaws like subpar visuals in certain areas and performance hiccups, its strengths are nothing short of captivating. This game offers an expansive RPG adventure that honors Atlus’ rich history by blending elements from numerous prior titles into a mesmerizing fantasy landscape. The level of detail poured into Metaphor: ReFantazio’s world-building and character development is truly captivating. Moreover, the combat system’s interplay with the diverse Archetype job classes provides an engaging and enjoyable experience. I always appreciate it when developers take on a fresh IP, and Atlus has certainly delivered with Metaphor: ReFantazio.
9
Versions tested: PC. Metaphor: ReFantazio is also available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Xbox Series X|S.
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2024-10-07 17:28