From the creators of the renowned Persona series, Metaphor: ReFantazio emerges as a dazzling entry into the genre of JRPGs, bringing with it an enthralling blend of intricate storytelling and striking artistry. Set in a rich fantasy world that straddles the line between dreams and reality, the game invites players on a captivating journey through the complexities of the human mind and societal issues.
Narrative Depth and beyond
True to the legacy of the Persona series, Metaphor strongly emphasizes storytelling, both in the large overarching story and in the smaller stories surrounding the main characters. The game explores themes of identity, societal issues such as racism, and emotional struggles, often drawing players into a web of existential questions. The narrative unfolds through a captivating blend of dialogue, cutscenes, and choice-driven interactions, something we´ve come to expect from the Persona series. The writing ranges from whimsical and lighthearted to dark and introspective, providing a compelling narrative arc that keeps players invested from start to finish.
The move from real-life issues in today’s Japan to a rich fantasy world with its own issues drawing from real life is the perfect move for Atlus to make. The story in short follows our antagonist in search of a cure for his friend the prince, in that search, he is drawn into the competition to become king himself. In this search and competition, we get to follow him and his companions all around the varied and beautiful map.
Visuals beyond beautiful.
One cannot help but be immediately drawn in by the game’s artistic direction. The visuals in Metaphor: ReFantazio are nothing short of breathtaking. Each locale – from bustling urban centers to serene, dream-like landscapes – is beautifully rendered with vibrant colors and intricate designs. The character designs balance a playful charm with a sense of deep emotional resonance, ensuring players feel a connection to those they meet along their journey.
The persona games have always been very stylized in both gameplay and especially in its menus, something which Metaphor: ReFantazio takes to a new level. Every time I open the menu, whether it is to save the game or change my gear, I am constantly stunned by how great they look and feel to move around in. Even the loading screens between areas or between days are amazing.
Tied to the emotional gravity of the game’s narrative is its music, which deserves special mention. The score of Metaphor: ReFantazio beautifully complements the on-screen action. Each track evokes a range of feelings, from tension during battles to nostalgia in quieter moments, immersing players deeper into the experience.
Gameplay and quality of life improvements
Metaphor: Refantazio plays a lot like the Persona games, but still, not like them. Instead of collecting and combining personas you unlock different classes that all characters can learn and play, and leveling up a class unlocks new skills for that class, when you switch classes you can bring unlocked skills from other classes. If you have played Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (You really should play it), you will be familiar with the system. You can also switch your, classes, right on the go before battles, making it possible to tackle bosses’ weaknesses without starting over a dungeon. At first glance, I thought this felt simplified compared to the Persona games, but the more I played, the more I realized it is as customizable, but easier to learn and I get much more satisfaction from it.
Perona games have always been slit between the combat part and the social part, Metaphor: ReFantazio is no exception. During your journey, you meet a lot of people and some stay as followers, which are the people you can hang out with, all with their well-written storylines. All followers add one class each, and growing a stronger relationship with them evolves that class in different ways, even more directly and clearly than the Persona games previously have done. They have also made it much simpler to know which characters relationship will level up and made it so you with a few clicks can teleport to their location, so no need to go out looking for people anymore, a feature I have only dreamed about before.
Aside from raising relationships, you also have different traits to level up, very much like in earlier Persona titles, leveling up traits makes it possible to say new stuff and evolve relationships further. But instead of being traits connected to school and teenage life, they are connected with the life of a regent. Even if these are very much like from earlier games, they feel more coherent with the story, world, and the game itself.
Conclusion
Metaphor: ReFantazio not only lives up to the high expectations set by its creators but also carves out its own identity in the vast landscape of JRPGs. With its stunning visuals, intricate narrative, and engaging gameplay. Fans of the Persona series and newcomers alike will find something profoundly poignant and entertaining in this mesmerizing journey. In a world filled with conventional RPGs, Metaphor: ReFantazio stands out as a poetic exploration of the psyche, reminding us that the lines between reality and dreams can indeed blur, leading to wondrous discoveries about ourselves and the stories we tell.
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