When Atlus revealed Metaphor ReFantazio as the first original project under its new Studio Zero division, I was licking my chops in anticipation. An all-star team of ex-Persona devs with series director Katsura Hashino at the helm, working on a post-medieval acid fantasy turn-based RPG? Get in me. Having rolled credits after spending just over 80 hours uniting the kingdom of Euchronia, I can confidently assert that Metaphor is so much more than the Persona reskin many feared would materialize and that this bold, beautiful adventure might be Hashino’s finest project yet.
Initially, Metaphor ReFantazio has all the telltale signs of a classic succession thriller after Euchronia’s monarch is murdered, promising bloody conflict between its myriad factions – chiefly the crown theocracy, led by his holiness Sanctifex Forden, and the young upcoming military superstar Count Louis. However, just as the threat of civil war palpates, the royal magic wielded by the late king kicks in, forcing the throne’s candidates to lay down their arms (sort of), pick up their picket signs, and start campaigning. If you were looking for an escape from election season, I’m sorry to say this thrilling RPG isn’t it.
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Is Metaphor ReFantazio on Game Pass?
Atlus “actively working” to improve the Metaphor Refantazio Steam demo
Metaphor Refantazio is already a hit on Steam, though it isn’t out yet
