Metaphor: ReFantazio Review - A Persona-like JRPG That Does Its Own Thing

The world of JRPGs is huge, but Atlus has created something special!

Metaphor: ReFantazio - A New JRPG

This brand-new game, Metaphor: ReFantazio, is being called the JRPG of the year, and some think even game of the year, for 2024! What makes this title special? It’s totally original, from the world and characters to its storyline! No sequels, reboots, or remasters here!

It’s a huge change, and it gives this JRPG a major advantage over the popular Persona series, particularly Persona 5, one that made a really impressive name for itself over several sequels and really impressed many!

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How ReFantazio Differs From Persona

Cloud from Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on the left, Ichiban from Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth in the middle, and Noah from Xenoblade Chronicles 3 on the right. Image

What really makes this game special is how incredibly unique it is. For the Persona series fans. That’s one big change. It really does show itself as totally independent from any Atlus past titles! It means there is no requirement to play other games. You could totally just dive right in without the knowledge that's associated with prior game history! This makes it more welcoming. Anyone can start without feeling lost or unprepared and this is pretty great, allowing players to fully enjoy this game without worrying about other games.

However, that does mean that Metaphor: ReFantazio still keeps some similar game mechanics.

There's a change from its monster lineup and archetypes!
Combat has more action.
The visuals give you a new, painterly feel while staying true to the typical anime aesthetic

But there are big, meaningful departures. The show is able to do its own thing! So it creates a really epic story!

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Why Persona Fans Should Check Out ReFantazio

The protagonist of Metaphor: ReFantazio shaking hands with a pink-haired woman with animal ears. Image

Even if Persona 5 was a great hit. It created many, many great games. The impact continues and there are tons of games coming out because it has inspired so many!

What ReFantazio borrowed from the Persona series, is its cool in-game calendar that keeps the player busy but on their toes!

Fans will be able to see the game uses its cool calendar that manages your time!
There is this impending doom, giving ReFantazio a great thrill!
What keeps the Persona vibe, though. Is this weakness system that lets players get extra turns!
What's even cooler, are those unique archetypes that make a game like ReFantazio even better.

There’s even more similarities, so if you are a huge Persona fan there's lots to enjoy!

However, this show has taken its own direction. They kept the important, key elements but gave the series so many changes that you may not expect to see!

Social Stats are renamed to Royal Virtues.
Confidants become Followers.

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ReFantazio For Those Who Dislike Persona

Persona 3 Reload protagonist, Makoto, centered between two personas Image

Some people didn’t love Persona 5. For those that didn't appreciate the Persona games there is some relief! This title may give people a better sense of what this franchise is. It’s so different! Even if you hated Persona 5 (or Shin Megami Tensei) this game is great! There’s even a demo available!

One major improvement, removing the romance system, is noteworthy! Getting rid of one of the more outdated, cliche elements gives players a fresh start! Even if Persona fans might find this lacking, there’s plenty that replaces it and it creates something for those who aren't looking for this system to find even more.

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A Bold JRPG:

It seems that there is truly something here for everyone. This original story will be unforgettable! Its setting, the game mechanics make this a big title for Atlus and should definitely have fans keeping an eye out! What may be worth considering, Metaphor: ReFantazio might just become even bigger than Persona 5. The crowded JRPG market might find itself with a major new challenger and may just end up in a race for one of the best-selling JRPGs to be out in the years to come!