As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that Metaphor: ReFantazio has truly left me spellbound! Having grown up on the enchanting world of Persona, it’s a joy to see Atlus’ Studio Zero take familiar elements and breathe new life into them. The action-oriented twist in this turn-based RPG is nothing short of exhilarating, making dungeon crawls more engaging than ever before.
In a new twist, ReFantazio, crafted by Atlus’ Studio Zero, can be likened to a fresh incarnation of the Persona series. While it shares similarities, it notably introduces action-oriented gameplay and a transition to a magical realm. This unique blend makes it one of Atlus’ most innovative and personalizable role-playing games to date.
As a fan, I must say that while this game maintains its roots as a turn-based RPG, it has introduced more dynamic action sequences that feel seamless. My character can swiftly dodge attacks, dispatch weaker foes with powerful sword swings, and chain combos to stun tougher adversaries before entering the next phase of turn-based combat. This blend works exceptionally well, as it opens up dungeons for a mix of diverse enemies, big and small, and offers me more control over how I traverse these expanses.
In the central fight scenes, long-time Persona fans will recognize a similar feel, given that all the same actions are present, such as team-up attacks or standard melee strikes. However, instead of employing a persona during battles, characters unleash an “archetype.” This form offers customization opportunities for each party member, allowing you to classify them into various roles, level them up according to your preferences, and choose which abilities they retain. This system provides an enjoyable means of revamping an already impressive framework, encouraging experimentation since players can devise creative strategies that are then applicable in combat.
In a creative twist, ReFantazio skillfully exploits its imaginary universe, incorporating various species and weaving a narrative that critiques the underlying issues in its stratified, race- and class-driven society. The plot gains momentum following the king’s assassination, culminating in the historic first election. From beginning to end, the story is captivating, with Atlus again delivering an exceptional script brimming with compelling characters. Certain sections are bitingly written, particularly those that challenge our assumptions, such as labeling the main antagonists “humans” and depicting the characters yearning for a utopia strikingly similar to our own society, serving as a stark reminder of our failures.
Following numerous Shin Megami Tensei games featuring similar demons, it’s refreshing to witness Atlus pushing boundaries within the fantasy genre. Although they’ve previously created the Etrian Odyssey series, this isn’t exactly uncharted territory for them. However, the unique and imaginative designs of the human characters truly stand out. Studio Zero has done an impressive job in creating a captivating world and intriguing dungeons that are consistently engaging and visually stunning to explore. A sense of wonder permeates the game, making it one of its most compelling aspects.
While it’s a bit reductive to constantly compare Metaphor: ReFantazio to Persona, it’s also hard not to do as there are so many parallels. From the in-game calendar that counts down until quests need to be completed to managing your days to improve your stats, any Persona fan will feel right at home. You’ll also find equivalents to social links and requests that you can undertake, and there’s even a system that measures your popularity, similar to how the public’s belief in the Phantom Thieves’ came into play. This isn’t a critique, though; it’s great to see these already fleshed-out systems used in another game with a very different style and setting.
Metaphor: ReFantazio Review: Final Verdict
In simpler terms, “ReFantazio” is an exceptional role-playing game, among the best this generation has seen. Atlus’ newest journey into fantasy offers comfortable elements for Persona fans while subtly altering the formula to establish its unique identity. Studio Zero has crafted a refined and thrilling RPG that consistently delights with both its gameplay and narrative.
SCORE: 9.5/10
According to the review guidelines on ComingSoon, a rating of 9.5 signifies “Excellent.” Such entertainment stands out as the cream of the crop, setting the highest benchmark that all creators aspire to achieve.
Note: We were given a PS5 code for our evaluation of Metaphor: ReFantazio, which we played on version 1.001.000.
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2024-10-07 17:11