Metaphor: ReFantazio

Metaphor: ReFantazio is the team behind the best of the Persona series at the very top of their game. We were a little concerned we were in for a quick reskin of Joker's past glories, if we're being fully honest (we'd probably still have gobbled that up, let's face it), but what we've actually ended up with is a monumental JRPG. This is a coming together of everything that's been learned, honed and perfected over the years, presented through a phenomenal core narrative that's full of emotion and hope, amazing characters, some of the most warped enemy designs we've ever seen, and enough slick combat and style to do us until they make the next one. They better be making the next one already.

Persona's design has been adapted into a truly mesmerizing medieval fantasy that you won't want to put down. Drama, politics, social intrigue and much more mark out a game whose characters, art, plot, combat, systems and music win you over.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is, in the simplest of terms, a Persona game in a fantasy setting. While it would have been exciting to see a few more risks taken to separate itself from that beloved franchise, I can’t deny how thoroughly enjoyable this game is. Studio Zero bundles its world-class narrative and combat design to create an immersive RPG experience that I wished would never end.

The greatest RPGs are experiences that stick with the player long after the credits roll and warrant repeat playthroughs in the future, and even at 80-100 hours, Metaphor is a game I can easily see myself returning to time and again as one of my new favorite role-playing games.

Every individual strand weaves together to form something utterly exceptional in Metaphor. It may well be Atlus’ masterpiece; well-presented, well-realised, and totally unashamed to be a big, silly, fantastical piece of role-playing genius. Don’t be put off by the fact it isn’t wearing the Persona moniker; chances are, if you love anything about the Persona games, you’re going to find it in Metaphor - but better. As a foundation for a new IP, I don’t think the developer could have done better.

Metaphor: Refantazio has managed to meet and defend itself against the high level of expectations that have been growing among gamers over the last few months. With a rich and expansive story and world, memorable characters, a timeless soundtrack and game design praised by some of the best developers in the genre today, I can only recommend jumping into this fantasy.

With an excellent political plot that brings impactful reflections into dialogue with contemporary reality, a cunning villain, magnificent soundtrack, Homeric combat and captivating characters, Metaphor has established itself as one of the masterpieces of the fantasy JRPG and one of the candidates for the 2024 Game of the Year (GOTY) award, as well as bringing back memories of Final Fantasy 9 and other emblematic titles in the genre.

Metaphor: ReFantazio breaks the rules of Persona to deliver a smart reinterpretation of a genre that propelled Atlus to the top. The universe of Metaphor serves as the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable story, a game with finely-tuned mechanics, and an experience that establishes it as a new benchmark for the genre.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a new peak for Atlus. It takes so much of what was great about Persona, refines it, and throws that powder into an exciting fantasy setting with incredible lore, well-developed characters, and a fresh new battle system.

Metaphor ReFantazio stands out as a next-generation RPG, combining elements from previous ATLUS games without losing its own identity. With a variety of mechanics and missions that invite continuous exploration, and a majestic soundtrack by Shoji Meguro, this game promises to be one of the best JRPGs of the year, rivaling Persona 3 Reload. The integration of social and combat systems from other ATLUS series creates an unforgettable gaming experience, raising expectations for future releases like Persona 6.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is presented as the clearest candidate for the GOTY 2024 with a proposal that combines the best of JRPGs and raises to a new level thanks to its archetype system and a complete and innovative gameplay.

Nowadays, it seems like a fantasy for a JRPG to recapture the magic and spirit of yesteryear: to live an unforgettable journey through a new world, with a memorable story, memorable characters and turn-based combat that keeps us glued to the screen for hundreds of hours. But Metaphor is no fantasy; it is pure reality.

Metaphor’s world design is almost dreamlike, down to the very storybook of irony that Will carries around with him all the time. The cast bonds together incredibly well and I love how everyone has a part to play in this fantasy land of pixies, a race for the throne, dog and box-headed races, and the like. The artwork is gorgeous, the music is splendid. Mixed in is a simple yet fun combat system, complete with unique overworld encounters in the dungeons and out about in towns. I’ve no metaphors for this—Metaphor: ReFantazio is a fantastic RPG for all.

The new beginning of Katsura Hashino and his team is a triumphal return to the heart of the JPRG and the very concept of the Hero's Journey.

Despite the overly drawn-out final act and the poorly tuned final boss, Metaphor: ReFantazio’s journey is well worth embarking upon.

Metaphor: ReFantazio isn’t a revolutionary RPG but rather an evolution, blending the best of Persona and Shin Megami Tensei with a strong story focus and immersive atmosphere. Despite its somewhat outdated technical foundation, it stands as one of the year’s top JRPGs.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is one of this year’s best games and another home run for the Persona team. Though technically a new IP for the studio, Metaphor feels like a refinement of the heady blend of tight turn-based combat, superb world-building, and clever time management systems their spellbinding JRPGs are known for. Even more important though, it’s a game with heart and something worthwhile to say. Though it may be Fantazio, Metaphor successfully holds a mirror up to our world and all its injustices, while proposing that a better, fairer, kinder one is within reach if only we dared to take hold of it.

With the credits rolling as I write this verdict, Metaphor: ReFantazio has cemented itself as the best game I've played this year so far. While the long periods of time with no gameplay and the divisive art style may not be to everyone's taste, Metaphor: ReFantazio makes a compelling argument for the "game of the year" title with its evocative and passionately crafted narrative, loveable and believable characters, incredible RPG, combat, and social simulation elements, and an art design that truly brings to life this unique world.

2024 is a true El Dorado for fans of Japanese RPGs, and Metaphor: ReFantazio is the icing on the cake of phenomenal titles in the genre. Atlus proves once again that it is a master of its niche, and that the developers still have inexhaustible reserves of creativity. The new IP is not afraid to draw from it, and elements known from other games of the Japanese studio have been skillfully chosen and polished almost to perfection.

Rather than revolutionizing the Persona 5 formula, Metaphor ReFantazio refines it to offer a memorable and addictive journey that is so hard to let go of the controller. In this baroque fantasy universe, Metaphor still stands out from its predecessor by the richness of its gameplay, its original artistic direction and its more political message than ever. But above all, the new title from the Hashino-Soejima-Meguro trio looks like the culmination of the Persona formula with its mastery of rhythm and its additions of comfort of life such as its real-time combat. The result is one of the best role-playing games of 2024 that has everything to be the Persona 6 that does not say its name that we have been waiting for eight years.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is Atlus' new bet to bring us a high quality JRPG. Their experience with the Persona saga is poured into this fantasy world that captures you with its great story. Its political and philosophical load, excellent art direction and simple but deep gameplay mechanics make it one of the best exponents of the genre of the last decade.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a wonderful new IP from previous Persona stalwarts. Sure, a few of the similarities are a little on the nose, but Studio Zero has executed enough tweaks for it to fly its own flag... and boy does it do that! It's a charming fantasy RPG with a lot of heart.

Metaphor ReFantazio is another truly amazing game from a developer who rarely put a foot wrong. Everything from the recognisable mechanics to the broad variety of themes marks this experience as one I’ll remember for years to come. While it doesn’t reach the heights of Persona 5, it’s certainly biting at its heels and becomes a brilliant entry in an already staggering lineup of video games.

Metaphor ReFantazio feels like Atlus’ Final Fantasy 7 moment. It’s an evocative, empowering, near-perfect JRPG that people will talk about for years to come.

If it weren't for the medieval environment and the fact that it goes by another name, Metaphor: ReFantazio could easily be called Persona 6, and it would still be a fantastic JRPG of the type that only Atlus can deliver. This game is very enjoyable, with a political plot, an impressive artistic section, new gameplay elements, particularly in combat, and so-called Archetypes. All this makes this game a memorable proposition.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is an excellent combination of Persona's time management and classic Japanese fantasy RPG structure.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a bold new IP from Studio Zero and Atlus, and one of the best at that. Familiar yet innovative, mature but not without moments of levity, with a slew of very functional new systems, this is one of the best JRPGS of the last years and surely GOTY material for this one.

Graphically lagging behind, but supported by a masterful art direction, Studio Zero's work immediately imposes itself as a title destined to walk a prestigious path, whose treacherous terrain, stemming from its being too anchored to the past, could sink a gem that, with more courage and innovation, could have shone like the crown of a king.

Metaphor: ReFantazio has undoubtedly carved out a place for itself among the best proposals from ATLUS, which this time has finally found the courage to break out of its usual patterns and propose something vaguely different, especially in terms of setting and narrative structure. With a brand new job system, the combat system halfway between Persona and Shin Megami Tensei is one of the most successful elements of the package, as it offers a level of customization never seen before in an ATLUS game. Unfortunately, the eight years of development weigh like a millstone on the visual rendering of the product, which however defends itself with a valuable artistic direction and a musical accompaniment of the highest level. It will not be the authentic revolution that many expected, nevertheless Metaphor: ReFantazio remains a must-see for anyone who professes to be a lover of the JRPG genre.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a deep, stylish, and rewarding adventure, but it's not for the faint of heart.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a narrative-engaged RPG with a familiar and well-structured DNA. A few flaws here and there don't undermine its solid foundations.

All in all, Metaphor: ReFantazio is fun, colorful, meta, and openly questions why we should accept a cruel and unfair world. Whether it's Earth or Euchronia, it argues that everyone deserves to be safe and happy. If that theme and the gameplay of Persona appeals to you, check it out.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a startling, insightful RPG that succeeds far more than it struggles. This genuinely feels like a massive step up for Atlus in terms of storytelling and writing, and the genuine way the game tackles its themes feels important.

In many ways, Metaphor: ReFantazio feels like the next mainline entry in the Persona series in all but name. In others, it carves out an identity all its own. The strategic turn-based combat system is just as satisfying as ever, while Archetypes and globe-trotting put a new perspective on an otherwise familiar experience. I could see the plot twists coming a mile away, but the endearing cast of characters made the journey worthwhile. It’s not perfect, but Atlus has earned my vote of confidence. Consider me a follower.