Metaphor: ReFantazio

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.

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.

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

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.

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.