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Metaphor: ReFantazio - A Fantastical Triumph in JRPG Excellence

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a dazzling new entry from Atlus, blending their tried-and-true JRPG formula with innovative gameplay and a rich fantasy world. It offers a deep story, tactical combat, and a beautifully crafted world that’s sure to draw in both veterans of the genre and newcomers alike. But does it live up to the lofty expectations? Let’s dive in.

Gameplay and Mechanics

The heart of Metaphor: ReFantazio is its hybrid combat system, blending real-time action with turn-based strategy. You can engage enemies on the field with real-time attacks and, if you hit them before they hit you, seamlessly switch into the turn-based "Squad" mode for deeper strategic combat. It’s an innovative twist on classic JRPG mechanics, allowing for both fast-paced action and methodical planning.

The game's signature feature is its Archetype system, which allows characters to take on different roles or classes, each with their own skills and abilities. What makes this system stand out is the flexibility it offers—characters can inherit skills from other Archetypes, allowing for highly customizable builds. This encourages experimentation and keeps combat fresh throughout the lengthy campaign.

However, the game’s pacing can be an issue, particularly in the early stages. It takes about 20 hours to gather a full party, and the story doesn’t really kick into high gear until later, which can make the first few chapters feel a bit slow.

Graphics and World Design

Visually, Metaphor: ReFantazio is stunning. The game’s anime-inspired art direction is vibrant and imaginative, with lush, hand-drawn environments that make the world feel alive. From grand castles to ethereal floating cities, every setting looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a dream.

The characters are equally well-designed, each with unique outfits and visual flair that reflect their personalities. The world-building is also rich, with various cities and cultures contributing to a sense of depth and immersion. However, the game’s segmented world design, with short loading screens between areas, can sometimes break the flow of exploration.

Story and Characters

Metaphor offers a rich, character-driven story that explores themes of identity, loss, and fate. The protagonist, a nameless wanderer, is thrust into a conflict that spans multiple nations and mythological realms. The story unfolds across a calendar system, similar to the Persona series, with deadlines for certain quests and events that help drive the narrative.

The characters are where the game truly shines. The relationships you build with your party members—through conversations and side quests—add emotional depth to the adventure. Unlike Persona, the game opts not to include romantic options, instead focusing on platonic bonds, which feel more appropriate given the often tragic backstories of the cast.

This choice enhances the storytelling by grounding character relationships in shared struggle rather than romance.

Music and Sound

No Atlus game would be complete without a stellar soundtrack, and Metaphor doesn’t disappoint. Shoji Meguro returns with a haunting and emotional score that perfectly complements the game’s atmosphere. From epic battle themes to more somber, introspective tracks, the music elevates every scene.

Voice acting is also strong, though not all dialogue is fully voiced. While this might feel like a missed opportunity, the performances are so powerful that the partially voiced sections still manage to convey the characters’ emotions.

Value and Replayability

Clocking in at around 80–100 hours depending on how much side content you engage with, Metaphor: ReFantazio offers tremendous value for JRPG fans. The sheer amount of customization, side quests, and character interactions ensure that no two playthroughs feel exactly the same. And for those looking for an extra challenge, the game features a New Game+ mode.

For:

Innovative Combat System: The mix of real-time and turn-based combat keeps encounters fresh.
Stunning Visuals: A beautifully crafted world that’s a feast for the eyes.
Deep Character Development: Emotionally resonant character arcs and strong relationships.
Customization: The flexible Archetype system allows for endless experimentation with party builds.

Against:

Slow Pacing: The story takes a while to hit its stride, particularly in the early game.
World Segmentation: Frequent loading screens between areas can disrupt immersion.

Final Score: 9.5/10

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a captivating and ambitious JRPG that combines the best of Atlus' past work with new, exciting ideas. Despite a few pacing issues, its deep combat, stunning visuals, and emotional storytelling make it one of the best games of 2024. Fans of the genre should not miss this one.