With some of the brainchild’s behind the highly acclaimed Persona franchise at its helm, including director Katsura Hashino, character designer Shigenori Soejima and composer Shoji Meguro — Metaphor: ReFantazio is shaping up to be a game which highlights some of the elements which made the Persona franchise such a hit, but also against the backdrop of a world inspired by many of the other ‘Megami Tensei’ RPGs released throughout ATLUS’ 35-year history in the gaming industry.
ATLUS West has today shared more information about the upcoming game, including the game’s new key visual (to the left, illustrated by Shigenori Soejima), a comprehensive physical collector’s edition and a tonne of new screenshots.
For those looking to spend a wee bit of extra money and are looking to purchase Metaphor: ReFantazio on the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S, you have the option of purchasing a physical Collector’s Edition of the game through select retailers. In addition to the base game, it comes with a range of goodies including a SteelBook case, physical soundtrack, physical artbook, Homo Tenta Metallic Pins, a sticker sheet, and a Kingdom of Euchronia Cloth Map. On the digital side of things, you will also receive a pre-order bonus voucher (Archetype EXP Chest Set & Adventurer’s Journey Pack), ATLUS 35th Digital Anniversary All-Time Best Soundtrack and History Book, and a download code for 8 different DLC costume and music sets from various ATLUS franchises, mainly Persona, including:
- Shujin Academy School Uniform, Battle BGM & Battle Jingle Set
- Yasogami High School Uniform, Battle BGM & Battle Jingle Set
- Gekkoukan High School Uniform, Battle BGM & Battle Jingle Set
- Seven Sisters High School Uniform, Battle BGM & Battle Jingle Set
- St. Hermelin High School Uniform, Battle BGM & Battle Jingle Set
- Jouin High School Uniform, Battle BGM & Battle Jingle Set
- Samurai Garb, Battle BGM & Battle Jingle Set
- Etrian Odyssey Series Classes Costume & Battle BGM Set
Screenshots
ATLUS West has released their third major batch of screenshots for Metaphor: ReFantazio, outlining different gameplay systems players will have access to come 11 October 2024 when the game is released.
Fast & Squad – A New Take on Command Battles
Fast & Squad introduces a novel battle system that blends real-time action with turn-based strategy, allowing players to engage in dungeon battles in unique ways. This system, termed “Fast & Squad,” gives players the flexibility to toggle between “Fast” for real-time dungeon navigation and “Squad” for turn-based command battles – aiming to provide the best of both worlds.
Fae Sight
Within the game, the protagonist’s fairy partner, Gallica, possesses an ability known as Fae Sight. This ability enables players to gauge the strength of enemies in dungeons, providing strategic insights into whether to engage enemies quickly or with tactical command battles.
Fast Mode
“Fast” mode is designed for swiftly dealing with lower-ranked enemies previously encountered by the player. It incorporates a lock-on function, along with capabilities for dashing and evading attacks. Mastery of “Fast” depends on the Archetypes equipped by the player, encouraging customization to enhance dungeon navigation.
Squad Mode
For more formidable foes, indicated in yellow or red by Gallica’s Fae Sight, “Squad” mode is recommended. Engaging enemies in “Fast” mode until they are stunned can lead to a tactical advantage when switching to command battles.
Command Battle Features
Command battles in Fast & Squad support up to four party members. The number of members in your party increases to seven as the story progresses, making it possible to
create a variety of party configurations that fully utilize each character’s individuality. The game streamlines command selection for a faster-paced turn-based experience. Additionally, players can transform into powerful Archetypes with specialized skills, tailored to exploit enemy weaknesses. Each Archetype has its own unique strengths, weaknesses, advantages and disadvantages.
Moreover, command battles require strategic management of party positioning and turn order, enhancing the tactical depth of encounters. The game’s higher difficulty level aims to provide a challenging yet rewarding experience, emphasizing strategic decision-making to achieve victory in battles which hopes of giving players a great sense of accomplishment.
Labyrinthian Dungeons Infested with Powerful Foes
Metaphor: ReFantazio will see players take on the role of a protagonist on a quest to ascend to the throne, navigating through a series of increasingly challenging dungeons. These dungeons are central to the gameplay, filled with formidable enemies and various obstacles that players must overcome. The allure of valuable treasures and powerful weapons serves as a significant incentive for players to explore these treacherous environments.
There are two primary types of dungeons featured in the game: main dungeons and side dungeons. Main dungeons are integral to the progression of the main storyline, guiding players through the core narrative. Side dungeons, on the other hand, are optional and typically found in side quests and additional challenges. These offer opportunities for players to gain extra rewards and experience outside of the main storyline.
Awaken the “Archetype”, Heroic Images Residing in Your Heart, and Fight
What is an “Archetype”?
In Metaphor: ReFantazio, the protagonist confronts their own fears, creating bonds with allies to awaken the power of Archetypes—heroic images within them. By forging a strong relationship of trust, the protagonist can activate these Archetypes. Once awakened, players can transform into their Archetypes during command battles, provided they are equipped. Each Archetype has unique abilities and personalities, ranging from the versatile Seeker, the Mage with potent offensive magic, to the Thief who can steal resources. Players must strategically select which Archetypes to awaken to assemble a more formidable team.
Party Configuration
The party configuration heavily relies on the unique characteristics of each party member. The Archetypes they possess and the combination of these Archetypes can significantly alter the strategy required in turn-based battles.
Archetype Configuration
As party members awaken new Archetypes, these become available for configuration and can be swapped with others. Players are encouraged to analyze the upcoming dungeon and its resident enemies to equip their party members with the most suitable Archetypes for that environment.
Bonding with Followers Will Be Your Source of Strength
Form Bonds, Earn Supporters
In Metaphor: ReFantazio, the main character will encounter numerous individuals throughout their adventures. By forming and nurturing relationships with these characters, they transform into vital allies. The gameplay emphasizes the importance of these interactions, as they not only enhance the protagonist’s capabilities through ‘Archetype awakenings’ but also unlock additional skills.
Followers’ Stories
Players can access unique side stories by engaging with their followers, enriching the overall narrative. Each character brings a distinctive background and personal tale, enhancing the depth of the game.
A Journey Around the World
The “Gauntlet Runner,” a Leg of the Journey
The gauntlet runner is a large, armored vehicle equipped to navigate through hazardous wastelands where bandits and monsters are prevalent. This self-propelled, magic-powered mobile base allows the protagonists to safely traverse various terrains as they gather support throughout the country.
Spending Time in the Gauntlet Runner
Inside the gauntlet runner, which functions similarly to a campervan, protagonists can engage in various activities such as cooking, reading, conversing with friends, or resting. The vehicle includes several designated areas like a war room, kitchen, and lounge. Access to an outdoor deck provides a panoramic view of the vast landscapes encountered during their journey, enhancing the travel experience.
Destination: Martira, Old Castle Town
The Old Castle Town Martira
Martira, Old Castle Town, offers a significant change of scenery from the Royal Capital. The town is well-known for its local cuisine, which includes dishes made with a specific type of larvae, popular among tourists. Although Martira seems peaceful, the nearby desert poses a threat with the presence of a monster known as the Giant Sandworm, which instills fear in the residents.
Recruitment Centre and Bounties
In Martira, as in other towns, there is a facility known as the Recruitment Centre. Here, residents post requests for dealing with threats such as monsters. Completing these tasks can yield valuable items and bounty rewards. However, these requests often involve significant danger, so careful consideration is required before accepting them.
Tavern and Informant
Each town the protagonists visit contains a tavern, a central hub for relaxation and gathering. During their travels, the protagonists are likely to visit these taverns for meals. Additionally, informants found in taverns sell various pieces of information, ranging from local specialties to details about the demons plaguing the area. While this information can be costly, it is crucial for preparing for dungeon exploration and optimizing the party’s effectiveness.
Weapon & Armor Shops
Besides dungeons, equipment for the party can also be acquired at local weapon and armor shops. These shops offer services for buying and selling gear, as well as appraising unidentified items collected during dungeon explorations. Visiting these shops is essential before and after any dungeon ventures.
Inn
Inns provide a place for rest after the day’s travels and challenges. They serve as a checkpoint for adventurers to review completed activities and plan future endeavors. In this game, staying at an inn marks the end of a day and the beginning of a new one.
Complete Quests, Help Those In Need
While the protagonists must complete the main quest within their designated period in each region, side quests play a crucial role in achieving this goal. These quests, which can be accepted from various characters encountered during the journey, involve tasks such as hunting, exploring, and investigating. Completing side quests not only provides rewards but also strengthens the party, making it easier to tackle the main quest within the set timeframe.
Town Map
Opening the map allows you to check the places you have visited previously. The map shows the player’s location, and the player can instantly move to their desired spot by selecting a registered location within the town their currently in.
And more….
Traveling Around the World
In Metaphor: ReFantazio, protagonists must embark on a global journey to save a cursed prince believed to be dead. To ascend to the throne, they must participate in the “Royal Tournament” and gain popularity within the kingdom. Facing stiff competition from powerful rivals, the protagonists aim to win over the public’s trust. With a six-month deadline to determine the next ruler, players will navigate challenges and opportunities to gather support and achieve their objectives.
Realistic Daily Life on the Road
Metaphor: ReFantazio introduces a concept of “dates” to simulate a realistic daily life on the road, mirroring modern travel experiences with fixed itineraries, like spending three days and two nights at each location. As players traverse through the Royal Capital, pastoral towns, and waterfront cities, they encounter various situations, including meeting local residents, exploring unique facilities, sampling local specialties, and confronting monsters that pose threats to the communities.
Royal Capital Grand Trad
Set in the Kingdom of Euchronia, the Royal Capital serves as the primary setting of the game. This bustling city is home to diverse Tribes and features well-maintained streets and vibrant markets, exuding an air of splendor. However, the backstreets reveal a darker side with an execution site and marginalized individuals struggling to survive. The city is marked by significant social disparities and widespread discrimination, contributing to a general sense of unease among its inhabitants.
