Metaphor: ReFantazio, the next RPG from Persona developer Atlus, now has a confirmed release date: the 11th October. And to properly kickstart our march towards launch, we've been treated to a 25-minute presentation, which features a load of fresh gameplay footage.
Metaphor has always seemed incredibly promising — especially since Persona 3, 4, and 5 director Katsura Hashino is spearheading it — and this latest showcase just solidifies our belief that Atlus is onto another winner. In essence, this is a fantasy RPG with Persona-influenced gameplay systems — some of which are clear to see in the above presentation.
We've got turn-based battles that hinge on exploiting enemy weaknesses and time-gated story quests, but there's also a real emphasis on travel, as the protagonist gets to spend time with his allies while their mobile base of operations rumbles from place to place.
And of course, the art direction is ridiculously good, while the music — from legendary Persona composer Shoji Meguro — already sounds immaculate. Needless to say, we can't wait to get our hands on this one.
What do you think of Metaphor? Are we in for another amazing RPG near the end of the year? Traverse the wastes in the comments section below.
Comments 35
Sold.
Sold on the full price 2025 re-release as well. Damn you, Atlus.
Absolutely stunning. I was telling myself that after P3R, I was gonna try to keep away from buying $70 games (I haven’t even bought Rebirth yet and I loved Remake). But this just looks a class above every recent Atlus title since P5. Nothing was as big of a flex as when the original trailer revealed that the team was made up of people who worked on Nocturne, Persona 3-5, NieR, and Evangelion of all things.
@Deoxyr1bose I never expected this project to be as significant as it quite clearly is. It's becoming clear that this is Atlus trying to hit Persona levels of success with a new IP.
Which, to be honest, is great to see. The fact a new game is getting what looks like the budget and resources of a mainline Persona title is huge.
I cackled at "terrifying monsters called "Humans"
"but turn based games obsoleeeeete"
My only complaint with it is p5, p3r, and this all look way too similar in gameplay and design. It would have been nice to see this branch out more and be a little different. Plus along with smtv that's a looot of One More battle system games at once.
@ShogunRok what about the 2028 expanded release with a new dungeon in chapter 28 that you need to play the whole game again for $80 on PS6? And will you pre-order the $110 deluxe edition that only has cat maid swimsuit school uniform armor and exp boost?
Oh man. They know how to get my money🥲
Hashino is at the helm of the project with the Persona team, and after watching bits of the gameplay, I can tell this is going to be a damn good game.
Looks great but I’ll wait for a sale. Hard to tell if it’s just a Persona reskin or not, and the fact that it’s yet another cross gen release is concerning. Don’t get me wrong I’m happy ps4 owners are able to play these games, but I also feel we’re past the point where it’s not ok to be frustrated at the lack of next gen material. Still looks good!
@NEStalgia yep that’s my big issue. Persona doesn’t evolve anymore. Same game copied and pasted, just different characters. SMT loves introducing new mechanics and new narratives, but persona is always the same these days. This one looks great, but it still feels like persona. Reviews and sales are my go to for this one.
N.i.c.e. the gameplay is amazing.and it looks like the story is extraordinary.and the art style is so stylish.word up son
Least they didn't screw over their actual consumer base this time like the last game. Still won't be buying this, Atlus are slimy con men.
Yep, this is a day one purchase for me.
This looks great, but I always struggle with the time sink of Persona games. Perhaps if the rest of the year stays this quiet though, I may convince myself to finally complete an Atlus title…
Probably not gonna get this just because I'm not exactly interested in the art style so far.
Rebirth finally has some competition this year then! Looking forward to it, hopefully I can get my hands on the collectors edition.
Atlus have been horrible with their money grabbing tactics but gotta admit this looks incredible! This likely straight up Art Direction winner - 2024 Game Awards. P3 Reload is a remake, this looks like what's next after P5. Considering preordering.
@Nepp67 Wow you actually don't like this art style... interesting...
Anyone have any idea if they’re going to have a steelbook edition outside the Collector’s Edition? Hard to justify buying a CE for a franchise I haven’t played (but I know I’ll love it)
I hope they add more “weaknesses” to the combat. I’m fine with the basic fire/wind/ice/electric/light/dark (and nuke/psi) but I’d love another weakness triangle or two that corresponds with the fantastical theme of the game
It has so much potential. Day 1 buy for me automatically!
Saw the japanese video just to check the physical and collectors editions announcement. SEGA really made the announcements with box renders without the PS layout even when it says that those editions will only release for PS in Japan LOL.
That weird *ss deal with xbox-chan (because xbox is otaku like the cool kids) never fails to amuse.
still no confirmation of a western ps4 physical release? looks great. might be the last notable game to release on the ps4 in fact, but i think i'll wait it out to see what atlus has in store with dlc and the inevitable complete edition first. i can wait until mid 2026 if i have to. got enough to catch up on in the meantime
I'm not buying much full price these days as my backlog is exploding, but this I'll probably get Day 1 or 2 xD
@TheArt I was surprised too,but then I remember some people just don't like anime like artstyle.
@DeathlySW That's fair,but I see it more like a refinement of the persona gameplay loop, with other new things added.
Like how Legend of Heroes games play similar,but you can see that the newer titles are more refined with newer mechanics.
Looks really good, will definitely be renting day one but also want to play SMT Vengeance first so hopefully I don't get burnt out on things SMT.
@NEStalgia Tbf this game also has a hack and slash fighting style to it to mix things up. Overall I do think traditional turn based games are on the decline apart from the exception being Pokémon. Let's see how Eiyuden Chronicles does sales wise and SMT Vengeance.
I'm thinking this game will get a place in the top 5 this year, maybe even GOTY for some people. I can't wait to get my hands on it, going to take a full week of from work to dive fully inside this magical world.
Looks like they smushed SMT and Persona together so of course I'm going to be getting it.
Don't like how homogenised all their games are beginning to look personally. Same features (calendar, social links etc too). Probably wait for a sale or eventual Re-release with more content.
@GymratAmarillo It is a really bizarre marketing deal though it is doing its job as people on twitter seem to think it is a Xbox Exclusive.
In Atlus we trust. I know I will pplay it someday, as I did with the fantastic Persona 5. One of the best JRPGs ever made!!
Take all my money. Also DAMN that UI is gorgeous!
@UltimateOtaku91 This is very much a turn based game. It has that hack and slash element as an expanded version of "walk up to enemy in dungeon and smack with sword" Persona and SMT have had for a long time, to make it more interesting. P5 added interest by having you hide in cover and strike while hidden. This one has that semi hack and slash approach. It makes the game feel less static, while still being little more than window dressing for the real turn based battles. I.E. it's additive, not subtractive to the turn based system. It basically mixes the "walk up and smack with sword" that's been there for ages, with the "use catmobile to steamroll weak enemies" function Mementos had to keep the game pace up and keep grinding from dragging like the old random encounter days. Enemies of turn based gaming will not find very much to enjoy about this, lol.
It's just nice that Atlus thought to give us a proper FFXVI-2. Talk about knowing how to serve a need in the market.
Edit: Eyuden is a different beast, being intentionally retro, both visually and in it's unapologetic embrace of the dated aspects of RPG design. I don't think sales of a game that intentionally looks like a PS1 game turned HD with a purposefully retro gameplay design is a good gauge for measuring the success of a whole genre while actual modern samples like this are being made. Nintendo's raised the Switch generation on a diet of Pokemon, FE, Advanced Wars, etc, and Persona's never been bigger. Turn based will be just fine. Outside Square's walls, anyway.
It looks really good but it also looks more of the same and I am growing extremely allergic to formulaic games. Could end up being my GOTY but also one of those game everybody loves but I find incredibly boring.
does the graphics not look completely ps2?? its extremely blurry! is it a switch version they are showing or what? i love persona but hoping we finally get one that even looks like a ps4 game soon
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...