Metaphor: ReFantazio Reviews
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a must-play for fans of the genre, offering over 70 hours of engaging gameplay. It's an excellent introduction for newcomers, with a compelling, Westernized narrative and an exciting combat system. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer, this game is highly recommended and won't disappoint.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a refinement of the Persona formula with the simplicity and virtue of other Atlus titles. By simplifying the social aspect, without neglecting its importance in characterizing this environment, it allows the player to immerse themselves in this world in a more intuitive way. The combination of gameplay elements from Persona, with the Narrative of Shin Megami Tensei, along with an extraordinary soundtrack makes the player stay hooked on this adventure for hours on end. With Metaphor: ReFantazio, Atlus managed to create a brilliant new IP capable of standing out within the genre, not only for old but also new fans. The future is bright and smells like Fantasy!
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Metaphor: ReFantazio is definitely going to be in the game of the year conversation. Time management nuisance aside, the game has it all; great environments/locale, enjoyable cast of characters, addictive combat system thanks to its combination of real-time and turn based; not to mention the Archetypes mechanics. Gamers looking for something diverse that will keep them busy for the foreseeable future absolutely need to get their hands on Atlus’ latest opus.
Despite its outdated and confounding design choices, there's something deeply engaging about Metaphor: ReFantazio. The story pulls you in and the combat is excellent, making for an experience that's highly enjoyable - though at times incredibly frustrating.
Review in Unknown | Read full review
A wonderful game from Atlus, Metaphor: ReFantazio is the perfect start for a new series of high quality JRPG's.
If you're not a fan of Persona, I strongly doubt this title is for you, as it shares the same strengths and weaknesses as the series. But for those who appreciate it, it’s practically a must-have that will not fail to surprise and entertain the player.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Metaphor: ReFantazio is to the Persona series what Elden Ring was to Dark Souls or Pokémon Legends: Arceus was to the classic installments. The skeleton of the gameplay remains virtually the same, with minor changes and setting in a different world and universe. Despite a few flaws and numerous imperfections, I had a great time with this game. It's a title that I can recommend not only to Persona fans. Nevertheless, I can't help feeling that this production was created mainly to satisfy the hunger of the developer's biggest fans in anticipation of the upcoming release of Persona 6.
Review in Polish | Read full review
As you can see, I didn't really have anything negative to say about Metaphor: ReFantazio. The new work from the Persona makers carries the DNA of the main series, but presents it in a very fresh guise that is independent enough to stand out from Persona. Particularly noteworthy are the exciting story, the atmospheric game world, the many creative ideas of the developers, the great soundtrack and the all-round successful battle system, in which the lack of Persona is definitely compensated for by the archetypes. I would call the option of eliminating weak enemies directly in the dungeon with a single blow absolutely groundbreaking. This simply makes for even smoother and more fluid gameplay and can also be adopted by other turn-based representatives. If there is anything to criticize, then perhaps a few tiny technical imperfections, which are hardly significant considering the size of the game. All in all, Atlus establishes a new heavyweight in the role-playing game cosmos with Metaphor: ReFantazio, deserves unconditional recognition for having created a completely new brand and delivers an all-round successful JRPG with a whole host of fresh ideas. Rating: Outstanding!
Review in German | Read full review
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a step forward for ATLUS, of which I am a huge fan. The story and characters are both fantastic and engaging, while the combat and the new changes from them are wonderful. I love the entire archetype system and the new fantasy world that they built. It still has the deep story and meaning behind it that we have come to know from the Persona series, but with a new fantasy angle that I dig. There are a couple of areas that feel a bit monochrome or textures that don't look amazing, and I do wish getting around was a bit easier, but these criticisms are far few compared to just how enjoyable the game is.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is now my favorite title from the Persona team by far. It’s one of those rare games where its main pillars work harmoniously, and you get lost in its charm. It’s a pristine JRPG, with enough style and substance to satisfy hardcore JRPG fans, Persona fans, and even those who rarely touch JRPGs.
Metaphor ReFantazio is one of the best games of 2024 and everything you'd want in a JRPG. Although the world can be a bit dated at times, this 80 hour epic is a joy throughout thanks to its story, mechanics and characters that shine in combination with one another.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a title that combines excellent ideas, managing to stand on its own due to the undeniable quality of its original elements. However, it suffers from optimization issues and outdated graphics, which hinder its ability to present these ideas effectively. While this may deter some players, for true RPG fans, Metaphor is still one of the greatest, most entertaining, and in-depth games ever created by Atlus.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Metaphor: ReFantazio is an excellent combination of Persona's time management and classic Japanese fantasy RPG structure
Review in German | Read full review
With the end of the year approaching, Metaphor: ReFantazio easily joins the race for Game of the Year, effortlessly securing its place as one of the best RPGs in recent times.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Metaphor ReFantazio feels like a home run for Atlus. Especially considering the fact this is their first new IP that does not rely on already existing stories or brand association in a very long time. To me, they were able to take risks and execute new ideas without forgetting what they excel at and brought people together for a new and beautiful fantasy tale that I cannot recommend enough, even with some shortcomings. This game and its tale filled with grandiose surprises and a satisfying finale will be something that will stick with me for years to come.
For me, Metaphor: ReFantazio is an instant classic. We’ve had another stellar year of video games in 2024, and whilst it’s hard to look past my love for Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, Metaphor could easily walk away with Game of the Year at The Game Awards in December. I have loved every aspect of the game, from its story to its characters, its combat to its world-building. Small grievances with some of the audio ticks and my stress from the time management aside. I’ll be fondly reminiscing on this experience for a while.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a mesmerising RPG experience that further establishes the team at Atlus as the kings of the genre. Between the fascinating storytelling, the deep and strategic combat, the engrossing time-management, and the wonderful presentation, Metaphor: ReFantazio really does have it all. I simply loved my time with the game, and even after beating it, I’m ready to get stuck in for another run and see what changes I can bring to my playthrough. It’s simply an unmissable experience, and you know what? I wouldn’t be surprised if you see Metaphor: ReFantazio topping a LOT of ‘Game of the Year’ lists for 2024.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is genuinely a genre-defining release. Atlus has once again proven that they are kings in the genre (get it?), showcasing decades of effort and development history culminating in what I think is a deserving Game of the Year contender.
Metaphor: Refantazio expertly nails what it means to do. Its narrative and cast of characters shine in a wondrous fantasy setting that provides a ton of opportunity for a continuing series. While it doesn't stray too far from the Persona foundation, it is unique enough to satisfy both camps of players who may or may not get on with their previous work. While the pacing can drag on in some moments with the calendar system, and a final encounter I found to be exhausting, I am still a huge fan of what Studio Zero has crafted here, and am eager to see what they work on next.
In no uncertain terms, Metaphor: ReFantazio is a masterpiece. Studio Zero has poured every lesson accrued from the main Persona chapters into its first medieval adventure, crafting an experience that is both fresh yet familiar. Some of the most famous features of the ATLUS series can be found here as well, however placed in a quite different context and with an unprecedented flair capable of making them relevant and magnetic. It is impossible not to celebrate the boldness of the art direction, as well as the rich soundtrack or the kaleidoscopic and multifaceted combat system. A title of absolute excellence that impresses even more thanks to an astonishing writing that sets no limits in dealing with sensitive and topical subjects. In a word: unmissable.
Review in Italian | Read full review