ATLUS’ next big JRPG Metaphor: ReFantazio’s is right around the corner, releasing on October 11. The game is slowly shaping up to be a Game of the Year contender with fresh and familiar mechanics that ooze style similar to the Persona series. Only this time, it takes place in a fantasy world without the teenage cast.
If you're just as excited as us for ATLUS' next big RPG or are still on the fence about it, here are six reasons why you should be excited for it.
Persona 3, 4 and 5 Creators
Even by just looking at the gameplay, the art style and listening to the soundtrack, avid Persona fans can tell that it’s made by the same people behind Persona 3, 4 and 5. It marks the first original game from Studio Zero since its formation back in 2016.
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+ 7Katsura Hashino, the Persona series director, will once again take the helm whereas Shigenori Soejima will continue working on character designs. A staple in Persona games is also its rich and energetic soundtrack, which is exactly why Shoji Meguro makes a return composing the game’s fantasy tunes.
This makes Metaphor a passion project from these talented creators, culminating into this jam-packed fantasy adventure.
Familiar Turn-Based Combat (with a twist)
Metaphor: ReFantazio retains Persona’s original and flashy turn-based combat but it comes with a slight twist. Unlike Persona where we have to take turns killing every enemy in a dungeon, Metaphor actually mixes real-time with turn-based mechanics.
click to enlarge + 7Remember in Persona where you get so overleveled enemies don’t mean a thing anymore? In Metaphor, you can actually abuse that power fantasy. With its streamlined real-time combat, you won't have to worry about that. Instead of taking turns, you hack and slash lesser enemies, quickly making dungeon explorations bearable.
This surprisingly balances gameplay, making enemy encounters less of a slog especially on longer dungeons. It also acts as a double-edged sword, since you can’t always punch your way against stronger enemies.
Archetype System (just like Persona!)
Metaphor: ReFantazio’s biggest feature is none other than its Archetype system. It essentially serves as the game’s ‘Class’ system and the game contains more than enough to make your party a powerhouse of diverse heroes.
click to enlarge + 7Archetypes include powerful melee classes like the Warrior, an all rounder Seeker, the Mage who calls upon the elements, and so much more.
Think of the Archetype system as Persona’s... from Persona.
As the protagonist, you are capable of getting more than one Archetype. Being the Wild Card grants you the ability to swap between multiple Archetype mid-battle. This is ideal for exploiting enemy weaknesses, enabling you to get that satisfying coup de grace.
Forging Relationships
It’s not a Katsura Hashino game without light visual novel elements. Like Persona, Metaphor is packed with interesting characters from different facets of life. From your little fairy companion, Gallica, to the strong and stern, Strohl. These cast of heroes are emboldened by your ‘Main Character’ energy, following you to the very ends of the earth to confront destiny and taking down an ancient curse.
click to enlarge + 7Each of these characters have their own unique stories to tell. Forging relationships enables you to acquire their Archetype, further enhancing your combat capabilities. Unfortunately for anyone expecting romance, the game strictly limits all relationships as platonic.
Multiple Dungeons
Dungeons play a major role in Metaphor: ReFantazio’s campaign, in fact there’s a lot of them you can’t explore everything in one playthrough. Dungeons are scattered throughout its world. Sometimes they serve the story while others are useful for grinding levels and fulfilling requests.
click to enlarge + 7These labyrinths offer their own unique puzzles and challenges, encouraging you to mix and match Archetypes and party members to overcome it.
The game follows Persona’s calendar system where you can only make enough choices for one day. Missing out on extra content is optional as player preference matters.
Massive Fantasy World
Metaphor’s fantasy world is a direct ‘mirror’ to our own reality. It blends what we know of our own society with magic and mysticism. You can even see someone vaping in one of the towns.
click to enlarge + 7This shift in perspective brings mythological and legends into commonality. You get to see NPCs with pointy ears, fairies, and even a rodent throughout your adventures.
The protagonist needs transportation to explore this massive fantasy world. With the Gauntlet Runner, traversal is a cakewalk. Whether it’s south, north, west or east, your trusty roaming guardian is essential to your adventures.
Using the Gauntlet Runner advances time, encouraging players to make good use of their limited hours across this magical expanse.
click to enlarge + 7Fans of lengthy JRPGs can feel right at home in Metaphor: ReFantazio. According to series director, Katsura Hashino, the game offers over 100 hours playtime, even more for completionists. This brand new IP from ATLUS launches this October 11 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows and Xbox Series X/S.
You can also download playable demo that is currently available for PlayStation, Xbox and Steam users. Save data will carry over to the full game.