10 Best JRPGs Like Metaphor: ReFantazio

At this point, it’s pretty rare to find a game that completely reinvents the wheel. Still, there are a few games that manage to mix several gameplay elements and make them exciting enough to create something truly special. Such is the case for Metaphor: ReFantazio, which, by credits roll, ends up becoming such a blast. While you’ll have at least poured over 80 hours into the game, you probably want to play more of the same. It’s simply so addictive that you may be looking for another JRPG that is just as good. This is where the following best JRPGs, like Metaphor: ReFantazio, come in.

10. Bravely Default II

Follow four new heroes in Bravely Default II as they try to stop the elements from unleashing and causing world destruction. While the heroes come equipped with powerful skills and abilities, they rely on your guidance to lead them to victory.

Seth is your sailor who must journey with the exiled princess Gloria to get back the Crystals. Meanwhile, Adelle, the mercenary, guards Elvis, a scholar who searches for a special asterisk that can unlock his master’s last spellbook. But it’s the way the job system works that resembles Metaphor: ReFantazio in the classes you choose and continue to unlock as you progress.

9. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth can be a great way to challenge yourself to intense action. The enemies never stop coming. Well, unless you’re out and about saying Aloha to people in the streets. Going out of your way to say hi counts toward your progress, too, allowing you to build stronger relationships with the people you meet.

In this way, the game adapts the social aspect of Metaphor: ReFantazio. If only goes further to add an Animal Crossing-like minigame, among many more fun ways to keep yourself busy.

8. 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim comes from the same studio as Metaphor: ReFantazio: Atlus. It excels at storytelling, crafting a sci-fi mystery. However, the unique aspect of this game is that there are 13 different story paths you can take. Even more exciting, you can rewind time to try out a new storyline.

7. Etrian Odyssey

Etrian Odyssey, also an Atlus game, is among the best JRPGs like Metaphor: ReFantazio. It does stray away from the norm, delving into the dungeon-crawling sub-genre. While the gameplay is entirely different, you’ll find references that cross over from one game to another.

So, if you’re the type of gamer who gets excited over collecting easter eggs, then this game is perfect for you. Otherwise, it’s still an engaging game with a compelling story you’ll have fun unraveling.

6. Eternights

Eternights quickly redeemed itself once it launched, and it had quite a worthwhile playthrough you should definitely check out.  It has solid dating and combat mechanics that sync seamlessly together. You’ll be switching from going on a date to surviving an apocalypse, all in a heartbeat.

Despite the seemingly far-fetched ideas, they work great in tandem, allowing for moments of intense action and socializing. As you build stronger connections, your efforts pay off during combat with your synergies and abilities reaching epitome level.

5. Visions of Mana

Elemental spirits abound in the world of Visions of Mana. But more so, the classes you can experiment with to the tune of 45. Better still, you can quickly switch between classes mid-combat, giving you room to practice different synergies and settle on the best one for you. Battles also take place in real-time, which adds an extra sense of urgency and pressure to get it right.

4. Soul Hackers 2

Soul Hackers 2 may be set in Japan, but the world is soaked in neon and flourishing with supernatural activity. Additionally, the world is like the Matrix, where you enter complex dungeons seeking devils.

Interestingly, it’s a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise, and so has quite similar gameplay. So, you can expect to engage in turn-based battles, among other gameplay like dungeon-crawling and resource gathering.

3. Persona 5 Royal

Personal 5 Royal also has similar turn-based gameplay. But it also puts heavy emphasis on socialization. Both gameplay elements feed into one another, especially when you’re managing your party. The story here is also quite interesting, following a group of thieves sworn to only steal from the bad guys.

I guess the fact that Persona 5 Royal and Metaphor: ReFantazio have the same developer, Atlus, shouldn’t come as a surprise that the gameplay is nearly exactly the same.

2. Gravity Rush: Remastered

Perhaps you want something a little more different. Well, Gravity Rush: Remastered is a good choice. You explore a more open-ended world and engage in more frantic action. Also, your gravity-defying powers are a game-changer, allowing you to move and fight in all sorts of crazy directions. Exploration feels more freer, while combat has no bounds.

Meanwhile, the story is just as engaging, taking you on a wild steampunk adventure.

1. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

Unsurprisingly, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is at the top of the best games like Metaphor: ReFantazio. Angels and demons go head-to-head as you strive to recruit as many demons as you can. Once you start to build your collection, you can start summoning your demons to the battlefield. Although it seems as though you’re getting the help of other fighters, the combat remains a tough ordeal to beat.

The combat system is so good it influenced major franchises like Persona and Metaphor. You have systems like limited turns carrying over, as well as exploiting an enemy’s weakness in exchange for using up only half of your turn. While the Shin Megami Tensei series has been around for a while, you might want to start with Vengeance, the most recent.

So, what’s your take? Do you agree with our best JRPGs like Metaphor: ReFantazio? Are there more JRPGs we should know about? Let us know over on our socials here.