Atlus has done it again. Metaphor: ReFantazio launches today to a Metacritic of 94, the highest-rated JRPG since Persona 5 Royal, and widely considered director Katsura Hashino’s masterpiece. Set in a fantasy kingdom following the assassination of its king, Metaphor weaves together the social mechanics of Persona, the political intrigue of a George R.R. Martin novel, and the visual identity of a Yoshitaka Amano fever dream.
The narrative depth of Metaphor: ReFantazio is noteworthy; it engages players not only through its compelling storyline but also by allowing them to make dialogue choices that can influence plot progression and character relationships. This feature is reminiscent of previous Atlus entries, yet it enhances the immersive experience in ways that feel fresh and innovative. The kingdom has rich lore, where players must navigate the tumultuous landscape left by the king’s death, forge alliances, and uncover secrets that will shape their journey.
The combat system builds on Persona’s strengths with a seamless blend of real-time action and turn-based strategy, presenting an exciting challenge to both veteran players and newcomers. Unlike many traditional JRPGs that often feel overly convoluted, Metaphor strikes a balance between complexity and accessibility. The Archetype system, effectively a job-class structure, creates extraordinary build depth without sacrificing accessibility, allowing players to experiment with different character builds and strategies that suit their playstyle.
The soundtrack, composed by the renowned Shoji Meguro, is already being hailed as one of the finest in JRPG history. Each track complements the game’s emotional undertones, enhancing the atmosphere and drawing players deeper into the experience. Fans of Meguro’s previous works, known for their unique blend of genres, will find much to appreciate here as well.
Metaphor is available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. The day-one accessibility is remarkable for an Atlus title that historically has been PlayStation-exclusive. Over 1 million copies were sold in the first week, signaling a strong reception and a bright future for the franchise.
2024 has already delivered phenomenal titles, including Elden Ring DLC, Black Myth: Wukong, and now Metaphor: ReFantazio. Gaming in 2024 is extraordinary, and with such standout releases, the year promises to be a remarkable one for both developers and players alike. Each of these games contributes to a growing narrative about the evolution of storytelling and gameplay in the medium. As Metaphor takes its place among these notable titles, it may very well redefine expectations for what modern JRPGs can achieve.
Source: Atlus