Metaphor: ReFantazio Review: Persona-Inspired RPG with a Political Twist

Looking for a game that blends the best of RPGs and social simulation? Metaphor: ReFantazio might just be your next obsession!

Persona-Inspired Fantasy

Developed by Atlus, the brains behind the Persona series, Metaphor: ReFantazio takes cues from its predecessor, but adds a unique twist. You get to experience strategic turn-based combat, similar to Shin Megami Tensei, while also managing social interactions using the "Bonds" system, similar to the Persona Social Links, but with a major difference!

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In Persona games, Social Links often evolve into romantic relationships. But in Metaphor: ReFantazio, the "Bonds" system focuses on something different entirely! Bonds aren't about dating; they're about building political alliances. The gameplay allows you to spend time with characters, watch scenes, and even increase your relationship through careful dialogue selection. Each Bond is tied to a specific Archetype (the equivalent of Personas in Persona), and increasing your Bond levels unlocks new abilities. Each Bond has eight levels.

Think of it this way: you are in a battle, for power, and recruiting people in a kingdom! To gain that victory, building trust and loyalty are your only way.

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Maxing Out Bonds

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In a typical RPG game, your success relies on choosing those key moments to talk to those who can help your cause, just like any great game designer knows, relationships, including those formed during combat, allow for a character to gain additional abilities and special moments with various characters. However, what stands out is that unlike many games, you are recruiting people to help advance your storyline! While you can definitely max out each of these Bonds (all eight levels) you are limited on what happens from it. You can even gain special insight into their personal views! But what you cannot get from this game, unlike Persona are romantic relationships.

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

Why No Romance?

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The reason for the lack of romance in Metaphor: ReFantazio is perfectly logical within the game's narrative. "Bonds", aren't about personal feelings, as those are replaced by political strategies. It focuses on those who've got loyalty. Your characters, including yourself need to master skills that are valued for a person in power! You need some serious leadership potential to reach those ultimate goals. You will gain power using strategic thinking and gaining trust from your followers who really want you to make this world a little better.

In short, improving your Bonds is really more about making your team a truly amazing powerhouse team!

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Royal Virtues

Instead of the Persona Social Stats, Metaphor: ReFantazio introduces "Royal Virtues." These represent qualities valued in a ruler: Courage, Wisdom, Tolerance, Eloquence, and Imagination. Increasing these Virtues helps your character in a unique way; this helps you rank up your Bonds.

The way these virtues help to boost relationships isn't really as simple. For example you need enough Eloquence to impress a good orator. There's certainly enough action for these to shine!

A Unique Approach

Metaphor: ReFantazio delivers an approach that really is distinct and compelling! While borrowing the Bond system from Persona games. It switches things up so that these relationships feel completely unique!

This approach emphasizes how powerful relationships really can be for leadership, allowing for gamers to explore this compelling political adventure!

While Metaphor: ReFantazio is a bit different, it's definitely something worth checking out. It appears the game will launch soon across all major platforms! This may be the perfect addition for you to check out and find new Gaming fun!