Metaphor: ReFantazio – Everything We Know

Six years later, since the inception of the Atlus subsidiary studio, Studio Zero, we now get to see what’s been cooking. Metaphor Re-Fantazio is the first title from the studio that has been in the works for years now. All we had going on for quite some time were promotional videos and previews of the concept art. Finally, the developers drew back the curtain on this upcoming title during the Game Awards, and indeed, the game looks stunning.

 As we eagerly anticipate its release, let's peel back the layers to get an idea of what the game is shaping up to be. Without much further adieu, here’s Metaphor: ReFantazio everything we know.

What is Metaphor ReFantazio?

Metaphor ReFantazio is an upcoming JRPG by Studio Zero, Atlus’ third production team. The game was initially dubbed Project Re-Fantasy and appears to be cut from the same cloth as the Persona series. And it's not a surprise, granted, that the titles stem from the same developer. 

The title’s description paints a picture of a fantasy world that mirrors reality, something similar to Jordan Peele’s ‘Us’. This means that the characters have multiple personas, ‘Us'; and ‘they’ in the real and alternate dimensions. Sounds like some complex stuff, right? Well, this is Atlus’ greatest feat: driving meaning to its narrative by integrating symbolism and contextual social issues. 

Ideally, Metaphor will be a peek into a second world of limitless possibilities. The game’s trailer unveils a mind-stirring question, ‘What if the World we Live in is Their Utopia?’. Characters in this mirrored world will have similarities to those in the real world. They’ll be transported to this fantasy world, an element pretty common in Isekai games. 

Story

Amidst the paradoxical theory, Metaphor’s narrative tells the story of a kingdom in shambles, the United Kingdom of Euchronia. Following the assassination of their king, a bizarre entity known as the Royal Magic invokes a special competition for the throne. But this is contrary to the kingdom’s inheritance process. 

The supposed heir is under a curse, and it's up to our hero to free the presumed dead heir. Our protagonist enters the tournament with Galica, the fairy, to buy time. What unfolds is a series of twists and turns as the duo forges alliances and takes down foes. 

Gameplay

Metaphor: ReFantazio will feature turn-based combat like Persona and the Shin Megami Tensei games. The title will also feature a Synthesis mechanic where you can team up with another party member to perform an attack. Keep in mind that this action will consume a resource(s). This technique adds a layer of depth to combat. This means that if two players possess a specific spell, they can combine and transform it into a more potent spell. However, this will cost you two turns. 

Moreover, the title will include a back-and-front row technique in combat. Players in the front row will issue high melee damage but are vulnerable to enemy attacks. Those at the back deal less damage but enjoy being protected. Players can choose which row to position their characters. So, if you relish being the sacrificial lamb, you’ll get your chance to shine. 

Additionally, exploration is an option. From the trailer, we can see the protagonist skating on a sword. There's also the option of the Gauntlet Runner, a hybrid land-and-sky vehicle. This could hint at a vast world that requires a fast means of travel.

Speaking of the world, the environment is stunning, blending both medieval and fantasy architecture. Switching between worlds almost feels like stepping into a Chronicles of Narnia wardrobe.

The new title may also include a time system, as seen in the Persona series. From the trailer, you can see a ticking clock on the screen. It could mean the quests have a time limit, but it's purely speculative. 

Finally, your hard work will not go unrewarded. Magnetite, a currency in the Shin Megami Tensei Games, will return, including archetype experience and experience points.

Development 

Studio Zero is behind this game’s creation. The studio is headed by Katsura Hashino, the man behind the Persona series production. Katsura has also created and directed games for the Megami Tensei series. His motivation behind the game's creation is to have a diverse roster of characters come together as they embark on a perilous journey. This is why the game features an Arche-type technique. The technique is a class of some sort that gives each character unique abilities. We will have classes such as swordmaster, thief, seeker, knight, trickster, paladin, ninja and more. 

Ideally, the Persona series bears a weight of influence over the upcoming article. Amid the excitement surrounding its release, there's been speculation about the game's actual existence, especially since it's been rumored for some time with only scant details emerging. However, with its recent announcement at the Game Awards, we can confidently declare that it is indeed COMING.

Trailer

If you're eager to see what this upcoming title looks like, you're in luck. Studio Zero has unleashed not one but two trailers to give you a glimpse of what's in store. 

The announcement trailer is a cinematic version that hints at the gameplay and paradoxical world. The second trailer sheds light on the Royal Tournament and the quests. I don't want to spill the beans. You can take a look at the links embedded above.

Platforms, Editions & Release Date 

Metaphor: ReFantazio will launch on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, S and PC. The announcement came during the Xbox Games Showcases; however, the live stream didn't reveal whether the game would be available on Xbox Game Pass upon launch. We’ll have to keep you posted on this one. The same goes for special editions. 

Are you interested in keeping up to date with Metaphor: ReFantazio? If so, then be sure to check in with the team over on their official social handle here. If anything changes ahead of its global release, we'll be sure to fill you in on all the key details on gaming.net.

So, what's your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Metaphor: ReFantazio when it comes to its chosen platforms? Let us know your thoughts on our socials here.