
Advertisement
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a recently released 2024 role-playing game developed by Studio Zero and published by Atlus, released on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, and Microsoft Windows. This highly anticipated title marks the first original release from Studio Zero, the team behind Persona’s iconic director, Katsura Hashino, character designer Shigenori Soejima, and composer Shoji Meguro. Known for its rich storytelling and immersive worlds, Metaphor builds on these strengths while bringing new twists to the familiar RPG formula.
Set in a vibrant, anime-inspired world, Metaphor: ReFantazio tells the story of an Elda, a rare and discriminated race, who must navigate a deeply unfair and divided society. Players take on the role of the Elda protagonist as they enter a power struggle for the throne, set in motion by the betrayal and curse of a prince. The game’s narrative tackles themes of racism, social inequality, and the corrupting influence of power. Its story is a blend of fantasy adventure and political intrigue, promising a deep exploration of its world and characters.
In terms of gameplay, Metaphor offers a more dynamic experience than its predecessor, Persona 5. Combat is faster-paced with real-time elements, allowing players to defeat weaker enemies without resorting to turn-based battles. The game’s structure is also less repetitive, offering more freedom and variety in both exploration and combat. The quest system introduces new layers of interactivity, such as traveling between cities, solving fetch quests, and battling powerful bounties. A standout feature is the Gauntlet Runner, a ship with legs, which adds a unique twist to the adventure and exploration segments.
While Metaphor: ReFantazio offers plenty of exciting combat and a compelling story, it may lack the emotional connection and quirky charm of the Persona series. Despite this, it remains a well-rounded RPG with strong presentation, strategic depth, and an engaging plot that will appeal to fans of the genre. Whether you’re a fan of Persona or just looking for a grand new adventure, Metaphor is one to watch.