Eight years ago, renowned Japanese director Katsura Hashino, best known for his work on the Persona series and Catherine, set out to create something new. Last summer, the fruits of his labor were revealed with Metaphor: ReFantazio, a game that has drawn both comparisons to and distinctions from his previous works. This RPG, though bearing similarities to Persona, seeks to carve out its own unique identity.
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Metaphor: ReFantazio – A Fresh Fantasy with Familiar Roots
Metaphor retains several core elements from Hashino’s past projects. It employs a turn-based command system where exploiting enemy weaknesses is crucial. The protagonist, an outcast wielding forbidden magic, bears a striking resemblance to Persona 3 Reload’s hero, thanks in large part to the art of Shigenori Soejima. Some terminology, like the attack-boosting spell Tarukaja, is also shared between the two games, despite Hashino’s denial of any direct connection.
The game has generated considerable excitement within RPG circles, with some enthusiasts naming it their most anticipated game of the year. However, the broader gaming community has met it with mixed reactions due to its similarities to Persona and its unconventional name. So, what sets Metaphor: ReFantazio apart, and can it stand on its own?
A New World with Familiar Mechanics
The name Metaphor: ReFantazio might seem unusual, but Hashino has his reasons. He explained that “Metaphor” reflects his desire for players to relate the story to their own lives. “ReFantazio” stems from the team’s ambition to rethink fantasy, resulting in a memorable, if not particularly smooth, title.
The demo shown at Summer Game Fest included three segments: a story sequence, a dungeon crawl, and a boss battle. The narrative is introduced by Gallica, a fairy companion with an 80s D&D vibe, who recounts a legend reminiscent of New York City, highlighting themes of discrimination and prejudice.
Hashino emphasizes that Metaphor’s story focuses on “changing the world for the better” and explores themes of inner strength and overcoming limitations. Unlike Persona, Metaphor doesn’t feature romance, opting instead for a follower system that emphasizes character interactions and personal growth.
Breaking Away from Persona
Despite its similarities to Persona, Metaphor strives for its own identity. The game features a faster battle system and strategic positioning of characters in combat. Its narrative structure is more flexible, resembling a road trip rather than the linear daily school calendar of Persona.
The fantasy world of Metaphor draws heavily from 80s and 90s fantasy influences. Shigenori Soejima, the game’s artist, cites the “fantasy boom” of that era, with works like Record of Lodoss War and Dragon Quest shaping his artistic vision. This nostalgic influence is evident in the game’s aesthetic and storytelling.
A Promising New Franchise
Atlus is treating Metaphor as the launch of a new franchise, with a global release planned for October. Hashino’s confidence in the game’s vision suggests a bright future. He believes that their distinct approach will resonate with players, ensuring Metaphor doesn’t merely live in the shadow of Persona.
In conclusion, Metaphor: ReFantazio is shaping up to be a fascinating experiment. It blends familiar mechanics with new ideas and a fresh setting, promising a unique experience for fans of Hashino’s work and newcomers alike. Whether it can fully escape Persona’s shadow remains to be seen, but it’s certainly poised to make a significant impact.
For more details and updates, you can follow the latest news and reviews on gaming sites like IGN and GameSpot.
news source : me.ign.com
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