If you’re a Persona or Shin Megami Tensei fan, then Metaphor: ReFantazio is practically a love letter from Atlus straight to your RPG-hungry heart. From the very first moments, it had me. Imagine walking into a world with all the mind-bending philosophy and existential intrigue of the Shin Megami Tensei series but with that lush, character-driven Persona flair that feels like home. And let’s get one thing clear: this is Persona and SMT in a wild fantasy getup, but with all the familiar quirks, depth, and emotional weight.
I mean, I’m not one to say I’m biased—except I totally am. My love for Persona runs deep. I still have shrink-wrapped copies of Persona 3, Persona 4, SMTIV Apocalypse, and the Digital Devil Saga games, and don’t get me started on Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army. I am one hundred percent That Fan. So, jumping into Metaphor with all its nods and winks to everything Atlus has done before was like being handed a giant nostalgia-flavoured, existentially introspective cookie, except it’s wrapped in the most vibrant fantasy you can imagine.
The world of Euchronia, where Metaphor unfolds, is this stunning high-fantasy realm with a twist: humans here are not the main characters; they’re the enemies. Monstrous, grotesque, almost mythological in their scariness, these “humans” are like physical embodiments of anxiety and societal fear. It’s the kind of storytelling that hits home, especially if you’re someone who’s used to Atlus’ way of making every single metaphor count. Right away, I was in a world where every encounter wasn’t just an enemy to defeat but a deeper, thematic battle, a reminder that these aren’t just monsters—they’re symbols. Symbols of the darkest parts of ourselves.
GAMEPLAY
In Metaphor: ReFantazio, gameplay is a perfect blend of tactical depth and RPG immersion, bringing together elements that Atlus fans know and love with fresh twists that give it a fantasy edge. Unlike typical class systems, Metaphor introduces “Archetypes,” which let characters transform into magical, almost mythical avatars. These Archetypes are the real heart of combat, with each one offering unique skills and strategies that go beyond simple roles like healer or warrior. The Peregrine, for instance, is about quick, targeted strikes, ideal for dealing massive damage in a flash. The Aetherling brings healing abilities to keep the party afloat, while Eidolon brings chaos with high-risk, high-reward spells.
What makes these Archetypes more than just stats is how they integrate with the protagonist’s virtues. Every Archetype represents a facet of the character’s journey—unlocking new abilities and paths as they develop values like Courage, Tolerance, and Compassion. It’s almost like the Persona system but taken to a new level, where each transformation is not just a gameplay tactic but also a piece of the protagonist’s growth. This isn’t just about hitting harder or healing better; it’s about each transformation reflecting the inner qualities of your character and the allies you connect with along the way. It gives every decision an emotional weight, making it feel less like managing stats and more like storytelling through action.
Combat itself takes a classic turn-based approach but with modern twists to keep it exciting. Just like in Shin Megami Tensei, exploiting enemy weaknesses is a huge part of the strategy, granting extra turns that let you chain attacks and buffs together for maximum impact. But it’s not just about offence; enemies will exploit your weaknesses, too, pushing you to strategise not only around what moves to use but when and where to use them. It turns each fight into a puzzle, a dynamic back-and-forth that makes victory satisfying and failure a call to rethink your strategy. You’re not just throwing out attacks—you’re constantly adjusting, using abilities to build synergy with your team, and sometimes switching Archetypes mid-battle to adapt to what the fight demands. This layering of abilities, timing, and character synergy makes the combat deep and endlessly engaging, keeping it from feeling repetitive even as battles ramp up in difficulty.
STORY
Outside of combat, Metaphor excels in its world-building and story. The kingdom of Euchronia is a world where humans have become monstrous, grotesque threats, embodying the fears and anxieties of society. This twist adds a psychological and thematic depth, making each monster not just a battle obstacle but a symbol of deeper issues. The story follows the protagonist, a contender for the throne, who must navigate not just physical threats but also the political and social tension that fills the kingdom. What could easily have been a straightforward fantasy plot becomes a complex exploration of ideals, anxieties, and power, with the protagonist having to earn the people’s support to gain influence. Each area is a mix of politics, culture, and local lore, showing how the kingdom’s communities confront their fears and differences in ways that reflect the real world.
Euchronia’s story isn’t just about facing enemies; it’s about exploring these tensions, forging alliances, and building relationships that matter. Characters aren’t just static companions; they have stories, opinions, and their own battles. This is where Metaphor really shines. Building bonds isn’t just a side quest; it’s core to the experience, and it’s handled with the same care as the Social Links in Persona. Each conversation, each decision impacts these relationships, bringing you closer to companions who feel real, with their quirks, flaws, and dreams. It’s a world where every encounter feels important, where even a simple side quest adds to the story and the stakes.
And then, there’s time management—an element Persona fans will recognise but adapted to fit Metaphor’s fantasy setting. Time is always ticking, and you have to decide how to spend it. Whether you’re training for a dungeon, bonding with a character, or exploring cities, every decision costs time, adding urgency and weight to each action. It’s not just a mechanical choice; it makes each moment in Euchronia feel precious. Fast-travel and tracking systems help keep things manageable, but there’s still that constant pressure to make the most of every day, especially with story deadlines pressing in. It’s a fine balance, but one that makes every step forward feel meaningful, making you really think about how you’re investing in your journey.
With every hour, Metaphor: ReFantazio builds a world that feels both sprawling and personal. From strategic battles to heartwarming bonds and a story with real emotional stakes, this game delivers on every front. And while I’m only a few hours in, I’m excited to keep going and see how it all unfolds. For now, Metaphor is everything I hoped it would be—an RPG that’s not just a game but an adventure that leaves you thinking long after you put down the controller.
OVERVIEW & VISUALS
Now, I’ve only sunk about six hours in so far, and I already feel like Metaphor is doing something special. It’s captured the thrill and depth of classic Persona but cranked it up with fantasy stakes and a world that feels both vast and deeply personal. I’m all in. But hey, it’s early days. I know how RPGs like this can surprise you (or sometimes stumble), and I’ll be streaming as soon as the embargo lifts so we can all find out together if the game’s back half holds up. If the pacing falters or the story slips, expect me to dive back in and give it another look. But right now? I’m hooked.
Visually, Metaphor is pure eye candy. Every city, dungeon, and character is crafted with so much love and attention to detail. It’s got that lush, anime-inspired look we know from Persona, but with a fantasy edge that makes it feel like stepping into a dreamscape. Character designs are stunning, each one instantly memorable, and the environments are a joy to explore. It’s not just pretty; it’s immersive. You’re in this vibrant world filled with magic and intrigue, and every new area feels like a reward for exploring. And the soundtrack? Perfectly matched. It’s moody and intense where it needs to be, but then it’ll hit you with these sweeping, epic scores that make even the quiet moments feel grand.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is more than just an RPG; it’s an experience that, even this early on, feels like it’s here to leave a mark. It has all the elements I love: tactical combat, layered characters, a deep and thought-provoking world, and that sense of magic that only Atlus seems to be able to pull off. The Archetype system adds this thrilling layer of strategy and personal growth that I didn’t even know I was missing until now, and every single battle and conversation feels purposeful. It’s an RPG lover’s dream, especially if you’re a die-hard fan like me with a soft spot for everything Persona and Shin Megami Tensei.
So, yes, maybe I’m biased. Maybe I’m more than a little obsessed with everything Atlus does. But if you’re like me, if you’ve ever found yourself immersed in the beautiful weirdness of Persona, if you’ve spent countless hours strategising your way through SMT’s hellish dungeons, then Metaphor is for you. It’s a celebration of everything we love about these games, but with enough newness to keep you on your toes. Even if I’m only partway through, Metaphor has reminded me why I fell in love with this genre in the first place, and I can’t wait to see what it throws at me next.
Whether the game holds up all the way to the end remains to be seen, but I’m in it for the long haul. For now, Metaphor: ReFantazio feels like a near-perfect blend of everything I love about RPGs, with enough depth, charm, and heart to make even a seasoned fanboy like me grin from ear to ear.