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Metaphor: ReFantazio is a wildly impressive new JRPG from long-time veteran Persona developers, which is more than enough reason to be excited about it. Released on October 11, 2024, Metaphor: ReFantazio is definitely one of the best new games of 2024 and will probably keep you busy for the rest of the year.
Announced under a codename in 2016 before its full reveal last year, Metaphor: ReFantazio is a medieval fantasy adventure where players "must fight their own anxiety," according to Atlus's description, in a world constantly torn between reality and fantasy. You're accompanied by companions in a typical Persona-like style, meaning you can expect lots of social sim aspects alongside the squad-based combat. Sounds like the makings of one of the new best JRPGs if you ask us!
Metaphor: ReFantazio news
- Metaphor: ReFantazio borrows Persona's iconic calendar system, but devs say players don't need to "worry about missing out on activities due to time constraints"
- Persona veterans’ new JRPG Metaphor: ReFantazio bumps a major series staple by excluding romance
- Metaphor: ReFantazio dazzles with seamless switching between exploration and JRPG combat
Metaphor: ReFantazio release date and review
The Metaphor: ReFantazio was released on October 11, 2024, across all platforms.
Metaphor: ReFantazio undoubtedly launched in one of the busiest times of the year, which is somewhat unusual for Atlus games - all the best Persona games releases tend to fall in the first half of the year, which can also be said for other Atlus titles like Unicorn Overlord.
Still, the busy period aside, the game has been doing well with critics and fans. In our Metaphor ReFantazio review, Catherine Lewis described the title as a "triumphant evolution of Atlus' best." High praise indeed.
Metaphor: ReFantazio platforms
Unlike former Atlus releases like Persona 5 and 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Metaphor: ReFantazio launched simultaneously across all platforms. You can now play it on PC, PS5, PS4, and Xbox Series X/S systems.
Metaphor: ReFantazio collector’s edition
Yes, there’s a Metaphor: ReFantazio collector’s edition, but it looks to have sold out virtually everywhere. Just in case it does come back in stock, though, the collector’s edition arrives with a physical disc for the JRPG, a steelbook case, both a soundtrack disc and physical art book, several metallic pins, a sticker sheet, and a cloth map of the kingdom of Euchronia.
Veteran Atlus fans probably won’t be surprised to learn that the Metaphor: ReFantazio collector’s edition also comes with a background music and costumes pack. You’ll get costumes and music themed around Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 4, as well as Etrian Odyssey and Shin Megami Tensei.
Metaphor: ReFantazio story
The story of Metaphor: ReFantazio begins with the assassination of the King of Euchronia, which brings about a struggle for succession.
Us, the protagonist, along with our fairy companion Galica, must find a way to succeed in the royal tournament for the throne, as well as breaking a curse placed upon a prince the kingdom believes to be dead. There’s a lot going on here.
Metaphor: ReFantazio trailers
Just above, you can check out the latest story trailer for Metaphor: ReFantazio. It does a great job at establishing the primary setup for the overarching story of the Atlus game, showing you how you’re going to go about gathering allies and preparing for the royal tournament, as well as some of the enemies you’ll be facing off against.
Is Metaphor: ReFantazio turn-based or real-time combat?
The answer is, somewhat intriguingly, both! Metaphor: ReFantazio employs real-time action-packed combat for when you’re fighting lower level enemies, and traditional turn-based RPG combat for when you’re going up against enemies who are both closer to and above your level.
It’s a really novel approach to grinding through low-level enemies, and Metaphor: ReFantazio looks to have made the grind a whole lot easier. This is the case whether you’re out in the open world, or exploring dungeons found throughout the vast RPG.
Is there romance in Metaphor: ReFantazio?
Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your view), there is no romance in Metaphor: ReFantazio. In a big change from the Persona games, the new Atlus title is entirely ditching romance, so although there are typical ‘bond’ levels with your allies and other close characters, you won’t be able to romance anyone.
For more fresh picks, read our lists of all the upcoming PS5 games and upcoming Xbox Series X games heading our way.
