Metaphor: ReFantazio's Music: It's Different, Not Bad!
ReFantazio's Soundtrack: A Fresh Take, Not a Flop
Let's be real, Metaphor: ReFantazio's music has gotten some serious hate. People are comparing it to Persona, and that's a HUGE mistake! This game’s score comes from the legendary Shoji Meguro, the genius behind every Persona game's soundtrack (and many Shin Megami Tensei games too!). He's famous for pulling inspiration from everywhere: jazz, soul, you name it. Remember Persona 5's amazing soundtrack? That's all him! That's one seriously awesome history and it has created an enormous fanbase.
ReFantazio's music is unique. The criticism isn't really fair because those people expected a Persona soundtrack –which doesn’t match ReFantazio's style. And while critics had some real criticisms regarding some plot points; there is very little objectively “bad” about it overall. It simply isn't the type of music typically expected of similar video games – thus causing some issues.
A Soundtrack with a Purpose: Fitting the Fantasy World
This game uses a fantasy setting vastly different from Persona 3, 4, and 5's modern world! That sleek, poppy sound simply wouldn’t make sense in that new environment, the gritty medieval fantasy world where technology is only slightly advanced beyond that industrial revolution level; the world-building alone is what drives much of those plot decisions made in this game! The context surrounding its development alone could explain much of why this is different from those expected genres.
This soundtrack uses various instruments. The use of instruments and sound are actually really smart and intelligent creative decisions. The intense battle themes emphasize the key civil war storyline while those choral pieces convey those heartfelt emotional feelings; expressing sentiments felt by those who are oppressed and striving toward the hope for their mutual freedom – showcasing artistic vision with that intended mood. It’s a powerful, highly emotionally moving blend.
And that in-game language is amazing! The fictional language, heavily inspired by Esperanto (a universal second language designed to improve communications), adds a neat storytelling layer, showing themes relevant for a globalized setting, reflecting its creators' focus upon unity in a divided world. This detail’s significance is tied into the storyline itself. This ties into ReFantazio's goal. The protagonist works to achieve peace between those nine warring tribes. It is a really creative vision!
Re-evaluating Persona's Music
Critics frequently compare ReFantazio's soundtrack to Persona's, misremembering how much generic filler those games have. Sure, Persona has amazing hits (think “Last Surprise”, “Your Affection”, “Burn My Dread,” “Beneath the Mask”). But each Persona game also has those repeated filler songs, creating musical redundancy that often gets conveniently overlooked. Why does this happen? Because the emotional hits remain, unlike some weaker, lesser quality, frequently repeated tracks. The same criticisms applied toward ReFantazio's music do apply toward many tracks in Persona.
Those same musical conventions appear within ReFantazio's soundtrack, although through a completely unique set of expressions, conveying similar emotions in ways appropriate toward the unique genre: those battle themes totally rock; exploration tunes provide excellent musical value; and there is just so much to say about those incredible tracks featuring Akademeia. That said; those generic tunes aren’t exactly unforgettable but easily forgivable.
Conclusion: ReFantazio's Soundtrack Is Its Own Masterpiece
ReFantazio's music isn't a Persona copy. It shouldn't be! It creates a totally fresh soundscape – and a critically praised one! Its thoughtful music; created through those diverse themes expressed and the creative use of language shows immense creativity, a testament to Meguro’s talent!
