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This article is about a media that has yet to be released. As such, some of the information might be inaccurate, and may change substantially as more information becomes available. Please do not add speculation to this article, and cite a published source when necessary. |
Metaphor: ReFantazio is an upcoming role-playing game developed by Studio Zero and published by Atlus. It will be their first wholly original game since the studio's establishment in 2016, and is being led creatively by director Katsura Hashino, character artist Shigenori Soejima and music composer Shoji Meguro, all of who have previously contributed to various titles in the Megami Tensei franchise.
The game takes place in a medieval European-inspired fantasy setting that is considered the "mirror" to the contemporary backdrop of the real world, and follows a non-silent protagonist who must embark on a journey to protect their kingdom, while overcoming numerous obstacles and forging alliances with many companions he meets along the way.
The game was announced under its codename, "Project Re Fantasy" in December 2016 alongside the establishment of Studio Zero, a new development team within Atlus comprised primarily of alumni who were formerly associated with P-Studio, the primary development team responsible for the modern Persona games. The game was officially unveiled in June 2023.
The release date was announced in April 22nd, 2024 for a release date of October 11th, 2024 for Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4/5, and Steam.
Gameplay[]
Metaphor: ReFantazio incorporates social mechanics from the Persona series, such as the Followers and Royal Virtues systems, both descendants to the Social Link and Social Stat systems, and a calendar. There are also a variety of activities that function virtually the same way in Persona, with other similar mechanics like the weather that instead differ by location. Additionally, Metaphor: ReFantazio utilizes combat mechanics from the Shin Megami Tensei series, such as the Press Turn system.
The Archetype system, although similar to Personas, is the game's job-change foundation, and the Archetypes in themselves are equippable entities with their own unique skillsets and stat boosts. Any party member can equip any Archetype, including use the same class multiple times, though they first awaken to a specific one; however, Archetypes cannot be switched mid-battle. Archetypes can also evolve 2 times from their original form, and are connected to a lineage. Also, Synthesis allows to combine the powers of 2 or more Archetypes to deal one powerful attack, at the cost of multiple turn icons.
While exploring dungeons, the protagonist can switch between and mix real-time and turn-based combat. It is recommended to attack enemies in real time to initiate player advantage while switching to turn-based battle, but at the risk of letting the enemy attack first via the same method. Otherwise, it is possible to play it safe and jump straight to turn-based combat. In real time, the Archetype the protagonist has equipped determines how they attack.
The game also has a party formation system, where combatants can stay in either the front or back row, which determines whether the combatant and enemies can reach each-other or not. There are methods to change the party formation mid-battle, and there are Archetypes, like the Gunner, that specialize in attacking from a distance. Some skills can only be cast in the back row.
Playable Characters[]
- Protagonist - he takes on a journey to lift a deadly curse placed on the prince of the United Kingdom of Euchronia, his childhood friend. He is of the elda tribe, branded as "tainted" by the state religion who believe they have inherited dangerous and heretical magic. Due to their rarity, they are detested and discriminated against throughout the kingdom.
- Gallica - the protagonist's guide and partner. Too weak to participate in combat, she specializes in various magic and knowledge. She's outspoken, but reassuring.
- Strohl - a smart young man of the Clemar tribe with a strong sense of justice, but has complicated circumstances, as he's a noble that has enlisted in the army alongside commoners.
- Grius - a master of both martial arts and magic, of the Rhoag tribe. The protagonist has been assigned to send a confidential message to Grius in the beginning of the story whose contents only Gallica is aware of.
- Hulkenberg - a Roussainte tribe knight who excels in the use of weaponry, she was driven to wander in guilt after failing to protect the prince she was assigned to.
- Heismay - former knight of the Eugief tribe with acute perception, due to his tribe being sensitive to sound. He and his tribe are discriminated against, and has a painful past he carries like a burden.
- Junah - a songstress of the Nidia tribe known for having the most beautiful voice in Euchronia, making her more famous than even the royal family. She joins the protagonist on his travels at one point in the story.
- Eupha - a priestess of the Mustari tribe. She has heightened senses that succeed the already excellent ability of the rest of the tribe.
Development[]
PROJECT Re FANTASY コンセプトビデオ
Following the release of Persona 5 in Japan, Atlus' new production company "Studio Zero" was established to develop the game. The game was first announced under the moniker "PROJECT Re FANTASY" in December 2016.[1][2][3]
According to director Katsura Hashino, the theme of the game surrounding fantasy wasn't immediately decided upon; only after many discussions among staff would Hashino notice that the word "fantasy" was brought up many times. In spite of Megami Tensei and Persona being set in the modern world, Studio Zero decided on unraveling the fantasy genre in their own way, in addition to its overall long-lasting popularity.[4]
One of Metaphor: ReFantazio's themes is "utopia," and the fantasy world loved by many is filled with ideals that can never come true in reality. With that perspective in mind, one can interpret what the main characters are trying to do and what they dream of by partaking in the alternate world, in spite of the fact they're supposed to be in a completely different world at first glance. Additionally, Hashino wondered about the idea of bringing back a certain experience from the fantasy world back to the real world.[4]
Upon creating a fantasy world, Hashino wondered about developing a fantasy world that has nothing to do with reality, and whether it'd be a waste to completely have it cut ties with the real world. Hashino believes that fantasy has attracted many followers in both the past and present because its roots lie in something that does not end with mere fantasies. One point of note is that Metaphor: ReFantazio was designed differently from classical fantasy RPGs: Hashino asked staff members of another development team to try out their game, and they responded with initial worry about it being an orthodox fantasy game, but were relieved when it turned out to be different.[4]
It would later be announced over six years later, with a confirmed release set for 2024.
Connections to Megami Tensei[]
- Multiple skills from the Megami Tensei series like Matarukaja and Tetra Break appear in the game.[5]
- A calendar system similar to the one in the Persona games.
- A Followers system similar to Social Links/Confidants in the Persona games and the Fate System in Devil Survivor 2. It has no romance options, however.
- A system similar to Social Stats of the Persona series.
- During the game’s trailer, there are multiple references to the modern world. This in combination with the previously listed connections to Megami Tensei, has led some fans to theorize that this modern world is connected to the world of the Megami Tensei games. While this has been neither confirmed nor denied, it was acknowledged as a possibility on an official live stream about the game.[6][7]
Gallery[]
Videos[]
Trivia[]
- Metaphor: ReFantazio is the first game in the Megami Tensei series to be localized in Latin American Spanish.
- Though planned since the beginning of the promotional process of the game, it would be temporarily removed as an option and planned to be added in a later patch.[8]
In Other Languages[]
| Language | Title |
|---|---|
 Japanese
|
メタファー：リファンタジオ |
 Korean
|
메타포: 리판타지오 |
  Traditional Chinese
|
暗喻幻想：ReFantazio |
| Simplified Chinese
|
暗喻幻想：ReFantazio |
 French
|
Metaphor: ReFantazio |
 Italian
|
Metaphor: ReFantazio |
 German
|
Metaphor: ReFantazio |
 Spanish (Spain)
|
Metaphor: ReFantazio |
 Spanish (Latin America)
|
Metaphor: ReFantazio |
 Portuguese (Brazil)
|
Metaphor: ReFantazio |
 Russian
|
Metaphor: ReFantazio |
External Links[]
- Official Japanese Website
- Official Japanese Website (English)
- Official Western Website
- Official Traditional Chinese Website
- Official Simplified Chinese Website
- Official Korean Website
- Steam page
References[]
- ↑ 緊急発表：【先出し週刊ファミ通】アトラスが新たなプロダクションを立ち上げ、王道かつアトラスらしい“ファンタジーRPG”を作る！ コンセプトアートを最速公開！（2016年12月22日発売号） Famitsu. (川島KG; December 20, 2016)
- ↑ アトラスの新規王道ファンタジーRPG“PROJECT Re FANTASY”の公式サイトがオープン コンセプトビデオも公開 Famitsu. (December 23, 2016)
- ↑ アトラスが「PROJECT Re FANTASY」で目指す“真なるファンタジーへの回帰”とは。プロデューサー 橋野 桂氏が新たなRPGへの挑戦について語る 4Gamer.net. (February 3, 2017)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 https://www.famitsu.com/news/202306/20306736.html
- ↑ Metaphor: ReFantazio Megami Tensei skills
- ↑ https://www.youtubetrimmer.com/view/?v=iztWrST0R1M&start=1700&end=1730&loop=0
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iztWrST0R1M&ab_channel=atlustube
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/2679460/Metaphor_ReFantazio/
Metaphor: ReFantazio
| |
|---|---|
| Characters | |
| Main Characters | Protagonist - Gallica - Leon Strohl de Harieitas - Grius - Hulkenberg - Heismay - Junah - Eupha - Basilio |
| Followers | More - Neuras - Maria - Catherina - Bardon - Brigitta Lycaon - Alonzo |
| Candidates | Forden - Louis Guiabern - Gideaux - Glodell - Milo Maurizio - Loveless O'Shea - Rudolf Krause - Lina Kayden - Goddard - Roger Ward - Jin - Julian - Edeni |
| Other | Prince - Hythlodaeus V - Fidelio - Joanna - Batlin - Fabienne - Moris |
| Locations | |
| United Kingdom of Euchronia | Principality of Oceana - Principality of Montario - Royal Capital of Gran Trado - Martira, Old Castle Town - Port Brilehaven - Virga Island - Midnight Sunsands - Sands Camp - Giant Sandworm's Nest - Komero - Akademeia |
| Music | |
| Albums | N/A |
| Songs | N/A |
| Archives | |
| Terminology | Gauntlet Runner - Tribes - Sanctism - Magla - Humans |
| Mechanics | Archetype - Party Formation - Synthesis - Fast Battle Followers - Royal Virtues - Calendar - Weather Travellers' Voices |
| Activities | Cooking - Fishing - Cleaning - Laundry - Reading - Bathing - Pantry - Chess - Weapon Maintenance - Cliff Jumping - Milking |
| Lists | |
| Other | |
| Other Media | |
| Promotion | Daily Journal |