It’s a sad fact, but original IPs are really becoming a rarer sight these days in gaming. Remakes, remasters and sequels are seen as the safer bet, much the same as has happened with film and TV. So, when something new and fresh comes along I feel at least it should be credited, applauded even, for being brave enough to take the leap of faith. One such game deserving of applause is Metaphor: ReFantazio, the first outing of a brand-new IP from legendary developer Katsura Hashino.

Sega and Atlus took a gamble and have been truly rewarded – Metaphor: ReFantazio is a contender for the title of Game of the Year 2024. The role-player has been met with love (and sales) from hordes of fans of Hashino, Sega, RPGs, and video games in general.

Euchronia in the UK

The game is set in the United Kingdom of Euchronia, a medieval fantasy realm that really does mirror the contemporary real world in more bad ways than I would like to admit. You hop into the story after the assassination of its former king. Years earlier, an assassination attempt on the Prince resulted in him being cursed and falling into a long slumber.

With no clear leader, you and your fairy companion Gallica end up participating in the Royal Tournament, held to decide the throne’s successor. This goal just so happens to see you engage in an epic journey across Euchronia to rally the support from the people.

But, a group also reaches out to you to help save the young Prince from his eternal sleep. Which, if rumour is to be believed, will see you having to track down the person who cast the spell and kill them.

Metaphor: ReFantazio lore story tale side quests

Cue all the lore and depth you could hope for. Metaphor: ReFantazio offers a gripping and engaging 90-plus hour epic with many twists and turns. And, even better, it all moves at just the right pace to keep you wanting more. From the core beats to the side missions, the game never sags or rushes.

Persona Charm

Metaphor: ReFantazio features a strong core cast. Honestly, there are no real weak links to be seen or heard. Your player character is also fully voiced character, which adds weight to conversations..

turn-based combat in games real-time Japanese role-playing games

Metaphor: ReFantazio comes from the man best known for the Persona series, and there is a strong vibe and undertone of that series here. And, this is not at all a bad thing.

Tendencies like having sections that are story heavy, only to be followed by what could be called ‘down days’ are something that fans of Persona will know well. You’ll be clearing dungeons or doing side missions or activities on these ‘down days’. And side content is, indeed, the best way to fill out each member of the cast’s backstory.

Freshening Up the Formula

Metaphor: ReFantazio does mix the formula up a bit, though. Each stopping point on the journey is in a brand-new area, and this means you have new NPCs to talk to, shops to find and quests to undertake.

Studio Zero Atlus Sega JRPG PS5 Xbox Series

It also means you never hang around the same backdrop for too long. And coupled with the fact that old locations rarely see new content dropping once you’re done with them, there’s not much backtracking.

When not talking or walking, you’ll be getting stuck into some turn-based combat. Combat is structured so each member of your party has their moment to shine. There is even a little real-time element to battles, and Metaphor: ReFantazio keeps you on your toes.

Metaphor: ReFantazio overworld dungeons map design

You can stun or dispatch an enemy with real-time actions before jumping into the turn-based system. It’s similar to the system seen in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, but it’s more risk/reward as knowing when to use real-time options is vital.

Archetypes of War

Combat is all based around 47 different archetypes. You will unlock these mostly through the tale or doing bonding missions with your party members. These are at the core of the game’s spin-off classes, determining the Archetype you hail during the turn-based battles.

Archetypes work best through synergy, and there is a deep combat system. You can even swap attacks abetween Archetypes, but at a cost.

To say there is a lot to learn is an understatement, but it’s never overwhelming, and learn it you will. In the last third of the game, the combat steps up a level or two. Metaphor: ReFantazio becomes a true challenge, and requires you to dig deep to overcome.

Metaphor: ReFantazio review Persona team

Visually, Metaphor: ReFantazio is jaw dropping. At times, it looks like a proper animé that you are controlling in real time, . The art style is unified and consistent, and there are some aesthetic nods to the legendary Persona series.

Audio is similarly top tier. The rich and grand tracks, composed by Shoji Meguro, frame the epic quest perfectly. But, given this is the same maestro who scored the Persona series, I would expect nothing less.

Metaphor: ReFantazio weapons archetypes damage synergy

Metaphor: ReFantazio features outstanding voice acting. The English dub nails each character; each nails the oration and tone of these deistic beings. It all feeds the sense of grandness and gravity.

What the World Needed

Metaphor: ReFantazio may be a new kid on the block, but it comes from a house of legends. And, their past victories have bled into even pore of their new offering. The tale, the combat, the look and feel, are all familiar in the best of ways. Yet, what it adds to the formula or presents in new ways elavate the game to a ‘must play’ for fans of the genre and newcomers alike.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is, without question, one of the best fresh titles of 2024. Sega and Atlus have crafted something truly special by taking a risk, but doing so in safe hands.