Metaphor: ReFantazio Reviews
Graphically lagging behind, but supported by a masterful art direction, Studio Zero's work immediately imposes itself as a title destined to walk a prestigious path, whose treacherous terrain, stemming from its being too anchored to the past, could sink a gem that, with more courage and innovation, could have shone like the crown of a king.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Metaphor ReFantazio isn't a high flyer like Persona V, but with the unique Fantasy setting, the pleasant swift round-based combat and the deep Archetype system it's still a good RPG that's worth playing. Despite all the differences, especially for gamers who love JPRG series like Persona and Shin Megami Tensei.
Review in German | Read full review
In a year filled with already great JRPGs like Persona 3 Reload, Visions Of Mana, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Metaphor: ReFantazio still manages to stand out and be a masterful game worthy of the highest praise. This is a clear GOTY candidate for 2024 and it's also perhaps what I could even arguably be Atlus' magnum opus to date.
In so many ways Metaphor: ReFantazio brings the Persona formula to the next level. By blending a captivating narrative, deep characters that grabs players without letting go. This is furthered thanks to the Archetype, and Synergy systems, which add some much needed strategy. In addition to that, it's a Visually stunning experience that offers beautifully designed environments, and a stellar soundtrack. All of this makes for an amazing experience that RPG fans absolutely must experience.
The only aspect that might disappoint you about this debut work from the team led by Katsura Hashino is that it doesn't take enough risks and doesn’t bring a true novelty to Atlus' lineup. At the same time, considering Metaphor: ReFantazio as merely a fantasy reskin of Persona 5 would be equally simplistic and unfair. In an era where far too many studios tend to chase trends at the expense of guaranteed quality, the distinctive authorial touch and the attention to detail from Studio Zero, both in terms of art and game design, are certainly something to be praised. Whether you’re a fan of Persona or new to Atlus titles, you’ll find Metaphor: ReFantazio to be a high-quality JRPG with exceptional depth
Review in Italian | Read full review
Its endearing cast of characters populate a fascinating fantasy world with fictional layers that I just want to peel back until I see everything there is to see. Enhanced turn-based combat with real-time elements, combined with wholesome friendship mechanics and great road trip vibes, all work to seal the deal for me.
Metaphor: ReFantazio demonstrates that the Persona system remains vibrant and versatile, extending beyond an urban high school setting. Its high fantasy environment significantly transforms the gameplay, and Studio Zero delivers a refreshing take on the popular formula. This new approach offers a breath of fresh air for Persona players seeking something different yet familiar and addictive. You could say it’s basically fantasy Persona, but that doesn’t even encompass half of what Metaphor really is. Metaphor: ReFantazio stands out as one of the best RPGs of the year, thanks to its unique concept and addictive gameplay, and something that cannot be missed if you love RPGs and fantastical settings. Let Studio Zero guide you into a world of conspiracies, mysteries, and wonder as you journey through this fantastic realm with new protagonists and a new story, all wrapped in the same quality trappings of an Atlus title.
Metaphor ReFantazio feels like Atlus' Final Fantasy 7 moment. It's an evocative, empowering, near-perfect JRPG which people will be talking about for years to come.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is amazing, that’s really all there is to it in my eyes. It deftly and expertly brings in elements from SMT’s main titles and spin-offs and turns them into something new and wonderful.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is an ode to fantasy, to imagination, a game full of metalanguage, with a story and fascinating characters within a world as complex as it is wonderful. There are no words to define the magnitude of this game and the perfection with which each and every one of the systems that compose it work and behave with each other and with the player. It is a declaration of intentions, it is a slap in the face with an open hand to all those who think that evolving is breaking with the past and it is once again the benchmark against which the next games of the genre will have to be measured.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Persona's design has been adapted into a truly mesmerizing medieval fantasy that you won't want to put down. Drama, politics, social intrigue and much more mark out a game whose characters, art, plot, combat, systems and music win you over.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a once-in-a-lifetime RPG. Despite how stacked the genre is, it goes out of its way to innovate it while keeping the familiar feel. Even if you've never played a game as lengthy as this one, you'll surely find yourself immersed in this intricate fantasy world.
A fantastical adventure full of themes that can apply to the real world. While its takes are hit or miss, the smooth battle system and charming characters more than make up for the story issues in this epic tale.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is the almost perfect evolution of the studio's earlier games. It takes everything familiar from the genre to an incredibly high level of quality, surprises with its story and direction and impresses throughout with its presentation and accompanying soundtrack. The loop of great battles and the motivating calendar system will eat up your free time in an instant.
Review in German | Read full review
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a stellar role-playing game and one of the best to be released this generation. Atlus’ latest foray into fantasy provides familiar trappings for Persona fans while changing the formula up enough for it to fully be its own thing.
Metaphor’s world design is almost dreamlike, down to the very storybook of irony that Will carries around with him all the time. The cast bonds together incredibly well and I love how everyone has a part to play in this fantasy land of pixies, a race for the throne, dog and box-headed races, and the like. The artwork is gorgeous, the music is splendid. Mixed in is a simple yet fun combat system, complete with unique overworld encounters in the dungeons and out about in towns. I’ve no metaphors for this—Metaphor: ReFantazio is a fantastic RPG for all. ∎
I’m not going to beat around the bush, Metaphor: ReFantazio is my game of the year. Atlus and Studio Zero have taken the best bits of the Persona series and somehow made them work within a medieval fantasy setting. But it’s no mere Persona 'holiday special'. The new IP enhances and evolves the formula, becoming a shining example of how to do JRPGs right. When it comes to my games, I value story and character above all else, and Metaphor delivers that in spades.
Metaphor: Refantazio is the culmination of everything that came before it. It’s a mixture of Atlus’ RPG track record crafted into something bold and new. It takes stock of the fictional stories Atlus has told in the past and how people have resonated with them for years.
Metaphor: ReFantazio combines tactical combat, social interactions, and exploration into a rich experience set in a unique fantasy world. The flexibility provided by the Archetype system encourages the creation of varied strategies, while the progression structured in days adds a layer of planning that enriches the journey. With so many options for activities, from side quests to moments of socializing, it is difficult to have two days the same. However, there are some limitations, such as the repetition of activities and the lack of creativity in some optional dungeons, making the experience tiring at times. In addition, the inconsistent graphic quality and the drop in performance are points that weaken the immersion. In the end, with an extensive campaign and a competent localization, Metaphor: ReFantazio offers a robust and memorable RPG. The title does not revolutionize the studio's formula, but it is still an immersive and engaging experience.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a fantastic experience, built on the foundation set by Persona but becoming something all of its own. The story is great, the characters are interesting, and a brand-new combat system delivers one of the most exciting games this year.