Metaphor ReFantazio review

Video games often serve as portals to alternate realities, offering not only escapism but also impactful storytelling. Atlus, a renowned developer in the RPG genre, continues to prove this point with their latest release, Metaphor: ReFantazio. This politically charged fantasy RPG seamlessly binds a compelling narrative with engaging gameplay, bringing life to a world fraught with challenges eerily reminiscent of our own. Through its robust storytelling, distinctive mechanics, and mesmerizing audio-visuals, Metaphor: ReFantazio stands as a testament to the power of interactive storytelling.

The Kingdom on Edge

In Metaphor, players find themselves in the tumultuous Kingdom of Euchronia, a land deeply entrenched in socio-political turmoil following the sudden assassination of its king. The game puts you in the role of a young protagonist linked mysteriously to the king's comatose son. A twist of fate places you in the center of a high-stakes election where magic-infused politics dominate, and the very fabric of society is at risk.

The kingdom's dire state is not just a backdrop but an active participant in the story. Themes of racism, inequality, and exploitation are at the forefront, and Metaphor doesn’t shy away from addressing them head-on. The narrative mirrors the complexities of real-world issues, making the experience both immersive and thought-provoking.

A Progressive Tale

Metaphor's storytelling is bold and clear, unmasking the harsh realities that plague its world. The game's progressive stance is woven intricately into its narrative, manifesting through every character you meet and ally you gain. As you journey across its diverse societies, each one teaches you more about the dynamics of power, privilege, and prejudice.

This RPG isn't interested in subtext. Instead, it aims to firmly establish its position on social issues, using its narrative to engage players in a politically charged discourse. It's a game that doesn’t just tell a story, it communicates a message – one that resonates with our world today, making it both timely and timeless.

The Atlus Legacy

Metaphor builds upon the proven foundations of Atlus' Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series. By using the daily calendar system popularized by the Persona games, it allows for both an exploration of expansive storylines and personal player-driven actions. This mechanic creates a sense of urgency and importance in your decisions, as you navigate daily life while preparing for the upcoming election.

The familiar systems are given new life within Metaphor. Both the Bond/Follower and Royal Virtue systems redefine the traditional social links and stats from previous Atlus games. They offer clearer progression pathways, welcoming players to engage with Metaphor's full spectrum of characters and their stories.

Venture into Sidequests

Sidequests provide a rich layer of content beyond the central narrative, propelling players into optional dungeons filled with formidable adversaries. Each quest adds depth to the world and showcases the complexities of life within Euchronia, featuring bounties and tasks presented by NPCs that crave fulfillment in the shadow of societal collapse.

These side missions are not mere filler. They offer tangible rewards such as stronger gear, substantial experience points, and social standing enhancements, contributing meaningfully to your progress. More than that, they allow players to delve deeper into the intricate web of Metaphor’s world, each quest extending the game’s intricate lore.

Time is of the Essence

The calendar system ensures that every in-game day feels significant, whether you're pursuing main objectives, forging bonds, or diving into dungeons. Unlike the more relaxed approach seen in Persona 5's Momentos, Metaphor’s structure demands strategic planning for undertaking sidequests.

Your home travels as a Gauntlet Runner, a steam-powered marvel with mechanical legs. This ingenious base acts as more than just a means of transportation – it serves as the hub for strengthening relationships and improving stats between locations, maintaining momentum and coherence in a fast-paced narrative.

Mastering the Art of Combat

Combat in Metaphor takes cues from Atlus' signature SMT press-turn system, rewarding strategic thinking and tactical prowess. Combining familiar mechanics with new elements, such as Archetypes, the game offers varied roles and abilities within your party of four, encouraging exploration of diverse strategies.

Archetypes introduce flexibility, allowing party members to specialize in different classes and combine skills from others. This dynamic approach injects excitement into battles, especially when leveraging advanced Archetypes and Synthesis attacks that unleash powerful spells or strategic advantages.

Enhancements and Battles

Metaphor diminishes the tedium inherent in lengthy RPG battles by incorporating action mechanics. Initiating combat with a preemptive strike gives players the upper hand from the outset, and once-dreaded encounters with low-level foes become effortlessly swift.

Strategic growth comes from well-placed leveling systems, where items generously level up Archetypes, rewarding experimental party compositions. This thoughtful design underscores the intelligent evolution of traditional RPG frameworks into a streamlined, engaging experience.

Presentation with Style

Artistic flair is present in every nook of Metaphor’s world. Its gothic-inspired menus and user interface exude a distinctive style while the vibrant character and environment designs breathe life into the fantasy genre under Atlus’ unique lens.

Visually, Metaphor draws inspiration from Bosch’s famous Garden of Earthly Delights, blending grotesque elements with beautiful landscapes. The rich visuals are accompanied by anime cutscenes that accentuate pivotal story beats, crafting a visually engaging journey.

Soundtrack with Gravitas

Long-time Persona composer Shoji Meguro scores Metaphor with an orchestral soundtrack punctuated by opera-style vocals. This musical tapestry imbues each scene with an epic quality, complementing the game’s narrative weight and immersion.

While the soundtrack leans towards classical compositions, veering from Meguro's previous emotionally charged albums, its melodies are unforgettable. The music becomes a pervasive element of the experience, embedding itself as an integral part of the game’s identity.

The Heart of Metaphor

At its core, Metaphor has soul. It speaks of defying circumstances and emphasizes collective action to uplift the marginalized. Yet, it embraces the difficulty of such ideals, acknowledging the struggles and imperfections of a journey towards justice.

The game offers a nuanced take on belief systems, advocating for the distinction between faith and its potential misuse by those in power. Its examination of political manipulation is insightful, illustrating the potency of tyrannical figures and their rhetoric.

Diverse Characters, Unified Dreams

Metaphor’s party is a memorable ensemble, each character driven by personal motives, histories of sorrow, hope, and an unyielding sense of purpose. The group encapsulates the overarching theme of diversity as humanity's strength, embodied within their journey.

Amidst its epic narrative, Metaphor finds space for camaraderie among its cast, nurturing friendship and alliances that resonate deeply. The game isn’t merely preaching diversity, it actively demonstrates its power in forging a hopeful path forward.

Conclusion: A Timely Message

In a year filled with personal narratives in gaming, Metaphor: ReFantazio stands out with a special place in the hearts of its players. It not only provides a resonant experience through its narrative moments but also serves as a reminder of our capacity to envision and build a brighter world.

Metaphor challenges you to consider how fiction can inform and inspire real change. Its message aims to resonate beyond the screen, aspiring to evoke a sense of hope and action in those who engage with its story. As such, Metaphor: ReFantazio is an extraordinary blend of storytelling, gameplay, and art that speaks to our human condition and the possibilities of a united tomorrow.