Atlus has long been known for creating captivating role-playing experiences, with its most famous franchise, Persona, carving out a unique place in the RPG world. Fans of the Persona series will be excited to explore Metaphor: ReFantazio, a new game that bears some undeniable similarities to the beloved series but brings its own fresh and immersive twist. With the full release set for October 11, 2024, this title by Studio Zero promises to attract both fans of Persona and newcomers to the genre. Let’s explore 13 ways Metaphor: ReFantazio mirrors and diverges from Persona.
1. Familiar Turn-Based Combat – With a Twist
If you’re a fan of Persona‘s intricate turn-based combat system, you’ll find a home in Metaphor: ReFantazio. However, Studio Zero introduces real-time combat, where players can engage low-level enemies in quick skirmishes, finishing them with single strikes if out-leveled. For more dangerous encounters, a Squad Battle system lets players initiate turn-based fights after softening up their enemies, blending strategy and action.
2. Time Management Remains Crucial
In Persona, balancing daily activities is a core mechanic, and Metaphor: ReFantazio continues this tradition. Players must carefully allocate time between gaining democratic popularity, forming bonds with party members, and dungeon crawling. Similar to Persona, missing critical deadlines results in a game over, meaning effective planning is essential.
3. A New, Dangerous World to Explore
Set in the medieval fantasy world of Euchronia, Metaphor: ReFantazio departs from Persona‘s contemporary urban setting. The story unfolds in a kingdom rocked by political upheaval and prejudice, with varied non-human species such as the horned Clemar Tribe, the elven Roussainte, and more, creating a diverse yet perilous environment.
4. Monstrous Humans
In a sharp contrast to Persona, where humans are central to the narrative, the term “human” in Metaphor: ReFantazio is synonymous with grotesque monsters. The blue-haired protagonist may visually recall Persona characters, but he is a rarity among the fantastical races of Euchronia.
5. A Shift in Musical Tone
While Persona is celebrated for its eclectic soundtracks, which include everything from jazz to rock, Metaphor: ReFantazio takes a more orchestral approach. Epic battle themes with sweeping strings, operatic vocals, and dramatic drums contribute to a more medieval and grandiose atmosphere, distinct from Persona’s modern vibes.
6. Archetype Transformations Replace Persona Summons
One of the standout differences is the game’s Archetype system. While Persona features summoning and fusing demons or Personas, Metaphor: ReFantazio focuses on characters transforming into magical, armored beings. Archetypes, linked to characters overcoming personal fears, form part of a job system that includes 40+ classes spread across 14 different lineages, offering players deep customization options.
7. A New Home in Akademeia
Instead of the familiar urban schools and dungeons of Persona, players of Metaphor will find themselves in Akademeia, a mystical library that serves as a hub for learning about Archetypes and unlocking abilities. This sanctuary for exploration provides depth for character progression and lore, yet keeps some of the magic familiar to Persona fans.
8. Striking Visual Flair
Both games feature the signature Atlus visual style, characterized by bold anime cutscenes, colorful battle chatter, and stylish UI elements. While Metaphor: ReFantazio leans more into a classical fantasy palette, it still carries that same Atlus polish and panache, making battles and interactions visually satisfying.
9. A Fully Voiced Protagonist
In Metaphor, players can name the protagonist, but unlike in Persona, he is fully voice-acted, further immersing players in the game’s dynamic story and giving a different feel to the character-player relationship.
10. A Focus on Tribal Diversity
While Persona typically centers on a small group of human characters, Metaphor introduces a diverse cast representing various tribes of the land. Each character, such as the stoic knight Hulkenberg of the Roussainte Tribe, brings different cultural perspectives and abilities to the party, adding new layers to the character dynamics.
11. Relationships, But Not Quite Romance
Fans of Persona’s relationship-building mechanics won’t find the same romantic connections in Metaphor. However, forming bonds is still a key aspect of progression. Time spent with party members helps unlock new Archetypes, and building deeper connections grants more powerful abilities.
12. Travellers’ Voices: A Community Feature
Metaphor introduces a unique online feature called Travellers’ Voices. Similar to Persona 5’s “Thieves Guild” mechanic, this feature lets players see how others navigated dungeons, formed parties, and tackled challenges, providing hints and strategies for overcoming tough obstacles.
13. A Rich Storytelling Meta
One of the game’s strengths is its commentary on imagination and storytelling, explored through the Akademeia hub and the protagonist’s self-narrative. This meta-narrative adds a layer of depth to Metaphor: ReFantazio that fans of the genre will find fascinating, giving players not just a story to play through, but a story to reflect on.
