Metaphor: ReFantazio

A beautiful, 100-hour-long journey from beginning to end, Metaphor: ReFantazio takes the best elements of Persona 5 and somehow improves on them.

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Metaphor: ReFantazio Atlus 35th Digital Anniversary Edition is a role-playing game that includes a digital base game, artbook, soundtrack, history book, all-time best soundtrack, and over 50 DLC costumes and music sets. The game offers various high school uniforms and samurai garb, with Spanish-Latin America language support added in a post-launch patch.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

96%

Audience ScoreBased on 10,565 reviews

story1,578 positive mentions

grinding299 negative mentions

story
4,081 mentions
39 % positive mentions
58 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The story of "Metaphor: Refantazio" has received widespread acclaim for its engaging narrative and well-developed characters, often drawing comparisons to the Persona series while exploring deeper themes such as racism, political struggle, and personal growth. Players appreciate the blend of fantasy elements with a mature storyline, though some critique the pacing and predictability of certain plot twists. Overall, the game is praised for its rich storytelling, emotional depth, and the ability to keep players invested throughout its lengthy playtime.
- “Unlike most forgettable JRPG characters or party members, Metaphor: Refantazio’s characters are unique – every party member’s development is fleshed out so well towards the game’s story.”
- “The game boasts a richly immersive world, unforgettable characters, and a story that tugs at your heartstrings while challenging your mind.”
- “The story is impactful, imaginative, and gripping.”
- “The story is overall better paced.”
- “The story starts strong but ends anticlimactically, leaving many plot threads unresolved.”
- “The story is a grind, and the grind is a story man.”
gameplay
1,777 mentions
34 % positive mentions
63 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Metaphor: Refantazio" has been widely praised for its blend of familiar mechanics from the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei series, enhanced by new features like the archetype system and streamlined time management. Players appreciate the engaging turn-based combat, which incorporates strategic elements such as the press-turn system, while also enjoying the lighter, more accessible social mechanics compared to previous titles. However, some critiques mention that the gameplay can feel repetitive and that certain mechanics may not innovate enough beyond what fans have come to expect from Atlus games. Overall, the game is seen as a solid evolution of the genre, offering a rich and enjoyable experience for both newcomers and veterans.
- “Let me just start off by saying, this game is beautiful. I love this game, I love its music, the scenery, the towns, how the gameplay is a mixture of Persona with the good aspects of SMT's point allocation on level up, while also having its own little spin on things with the synergies.”
- “Beyond excellent game from story, music, gameplay and its unique systems despite being similar to the Persona and SMT games; it has its own identity.”
- “Metaphor: Refantazio is a remarkable game that beautifully blends art, storytelling, and gameplay into a cohesive experience.”
- “The gameplay is so tedious and unfun I cannot recommend the game.”
- “Nearly all of its mechanics are lifted so immediately from its big brother, without any care of whether they would work in the new high-fantasy setting, that it actively hamstrings what should’ve been a perfect opportunity to innovate upon an RPG formula that hasn’t moved an inch for the past two decades.”
- “The gameplay loop of exploring dungeons (which are sometimes a bit lackluster in design) and spending time with your followers/friends can be a bit tiring.”
music
1,527 mentions
52 % positive mentions
46 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The music in "Metaphor: Refantazio" has received widespread acclaim for its orchestral and choral compositions, crafted by renowned composer Shoji Meguro. Many players highlight the soundtrack's ability to enhance the game's atmosphere, with standout battle themes and unique elements like chanting monks, although some feel the overall variety is lacking compared to previous Atlus titles like the Persona series. While opinions vary, the music is generally regarded as a high point of the game, contributing significantly to the immersive experience.
- “An amazing RPG, with a very gorgeous art style, and probably the single best OST of the year.”
- “The music is absolutely stunning, the visuals and UI are masterfully crafted, and the turn-based combat is both challenging and highly customizable.”
- “The soundtrack is beautiful, it's just top shelf in terms of RPG games in recent history.”
- “The soundtrack, although composed by Shoji Meguro, feels somewhat limited and could benefit from more variety to enhance immersion.”
- “While the combat songs are remarkable, the rest of the music goes practically unnoticed, failing to generate the atmosphere or emotion that would be expected from a role-playing game.”
- “The music is a huge downgrade compared to Persona 5, and graphically it barely made any improvements.”
graphics
900 mentions
43 % positive mentions
52 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Metaphor: Refantazio" have received mixed reviews, with many praising its unique and beautiful art style that evokes a vibrant, storybook aesthetic. However, numerous players have criticized the technical aspects, noting that the graphics often appear outdated, resembling those from the PS3 era, with issues like low-resolution textures and poor anti-aliasing. While the artistic direction is celebrated, the overall graphical fidelity and performance have left some players wanting more, especially given the game's 2024 release.
- “The sheer attention to detail in the visuals is breathtaking, immersing you in a vibrant, fantastical world at every turn.”
- “The art style strikes a perfect balance between stylized and detailed, with a painterly aesthetic that makes every location feel like a dream.”
- “The graphics are gorgeous, with the art style and music creating an unforgettable RPG experience that sets a new standard for the genre.”
- “I just wish they'd start upping the graphics budget; some of those textures were pretty bad.”
- “The graphics are unacceptable for a high-end 2024 game, with bad shadows and PS2-level textures.”
- “The graphics feel dated; it isn't an 'art style', it's a lack of innovation.”
grinding
314 mentions
1 % positive mentions
4 % neutral mentions
95 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback from players. While some find the grinding to be straightforward and enjoyable, with mechanics that allow for quicker leveling and less tedious battles, others criticize it as excessive and tedious, particularly in the late game where significant grinding is often required to progress. Overall, players agree that while grinding is a common element in JRPGs, the balance and design of this game can make it feel either rewarding or frustrating, depending on individual preferences and play styles.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Combat feels good, not that grindy because I can skip the squad combat if I'm a certain level higher than the enemies, but I honestly don't like all of the archetype system, since most of them are just not worth using.”
- “Grinding becomes necessary halfway through the game.”
- “The gameplay is so tedious and unfun; I cannot recommend the game.”
- “The game does get pretty grindy, though there are ways to offset this.”
optimization
214 mentions
21 % positive mentions
64 % neutral mentions
15 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players experiencing performance issues, particularly in larger battles and open areas. While some users report smooth gameplay on high-end systems, others note significant stuttering and frame rate drops, especially on lower-end hardware and the Steam Deck. Overall, while there have been improvements since launch, further optimization is still needed to enhance the gaming experience.
- “For an Atlus game, Metaphor is surprisingly well-optimized.”
- “The game is super creative with plenty of things to do and it is extremely well optimized.”
- “I was a bit worried about the game's technical performance after playing the demo, but the final version runs buttery smooth!”
- “The gameplay is lengthy and boring, the art style is exaggerated and quickly becomes tiresome, and for an anime-style game, its performance is surprisingly poor.”
- “I haven't even mentioned the myriad of bugs at launch and performance issues on PC.”
- “The performance, by the way this game looks, it should have run much better.”
emotional
181 mentions
99 % positive mentions
-1 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Metaphor: Refantazio" is widely praised for its deeply resonant storytelling and character development, often eliciting strong reactions from players, including tears during pivotal moments. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to blend humor and heartache, creating a captivating narrative filled with touching scenes and complex themes that resonate on a personal level. While some critiques mention pacing issues and underdeveloped side characters, the overall consensus is that the game delivers a powerful emotional experience that stands out in the JRPG genre.
- “The story is the most gripping it's ever been and that second main dungeon is the most emotional I've felt in an Atlus game.”
- “Due to such emotionally impactful writing, it left me in tears a multitude of times throughout the journey.”
- “This was simultaneously the most gut-wrenching yet heart-warming story I've ever experienced in a video game.”
- “The overall quality is mediocre, and the story is dull, lacking any excitement that would leave a lasting impression on players for years or even decades.”
- “The emotional depth of the game feels shallow, making it hard to connect with the characters or their struggles.”
- “I found the narrative to be uninspiring, which diminished any potential emotional impact it could have had.”
character development
148 mentions
41 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its depth and emotional resonance, particularly in comparison to previous Atlus titles like Persona. While some characters are noted for their compelling backstories and growth, others are criticized for being shallow or underdeveloped. Overall, the game is recognized for its strong character design and engaging narrative, though it may not reach the same heights as the Persona series in terms of character depth.
- “This game features the best writing and character development out of all the Persona games I have played (3, 4, & 5).”
- “Character development is a real highlight; every hero and companion feels alive with personality, making it easy to become invested in their journey and growth.”
- “The character development is exceptional, and its thoughtful exploration of themes related to different races and cultures was really outstanding.”
- “For a whole game and hardly any character development.”
- “[b]character development[/b]: most characters are shallow, with only a few gaining depth later in the game.”
- “The character development here is not nearly as strong as it is in the persona games.”
humor
64 mentions
98 % positive mentions
-3 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a standout feature, blending absurdity and wit with serious themes, resulting in a narrative that is both heartfelt and hilarious. Players appreciate the clever banter among characters and the satirical elements that provide comic relief amidst heavier topics. While some critiques mention uneven humor and a desire for more comedic moments, the overall consensus is that the game successfully balances humor with emotional depth, making for an engaging experience.
- “The narrative in Refantazio is a swirling mix of humor, drama, and absolute nonsense.”
- “The story has a nice mix of humor and serious points, and has kept me invested thus far.”
- “There are heartbreaking moments, but also genuinely hilarious banter between the cast.”
- “The humor in this game falls flat; it tries too hard to be funny but ends up being cringeworthy.”
- “I expected some clever jokes, but most of the humor feels outdated and forced.”
- “The comedic elements are so weak that they detract from the overall experience rather than enhance it.”
atmosphere
55 mentions
47 % positive mentions
47 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and captivating qualities, enhanced by a stunning art direction and a well-composed soundtrack that complements the emotional depth of the gameplay. Players appreciate the diverse environments and unique settings, which contribute to a surreal and otherworldly experience, although some note that certain music tracks may not stand out as much. Overall, the combination of atmosphere, music, and storytelling creates a rich and engaging world that keeps players invested.
- “It's an auditory masterpiece that perfectly complements the atmosphere, whether you're exploring serene landscapes or battling fierce foes.”
- “The atmosphere here is more than window dressing—it is an immersive, world-building feat that leaves you constantly wondering about the secrets that lie beyond the horizon.”
- “The vibrant art direction and atmospheric soundtrack really do elevate the experience, making each moment feel significant.”
- “While the combat songs are remarkable, the rest of the music goes practically unnoticed, failing to generate the atmosphere or emotion that would be expected from a role-playing game.”
- “It is also unpleasant that in important cutscenes, in particular the 'awakening' of the main characters, half of the atmosphere is lost due to inexpressive music.”
- “The story is stupid and silly at times, very generic world and atmosphere.”
stability
35 mentions
60 % positive mentions
3 % neutral mentions
37 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while many players report it runs smoothly with minimal bugs, particularly on the Steam Deck, others have encountered significant issues such as graphical glitches, freezing, and crashes, especially in specific areas or during certain events. Frequent updates have improved performance for some, but persistent problems remain for others, particularly on lower-end hardware.
- “Great game, great story, runs great (little to no bugs in my playthrough)!!”
- “A 3070, SSD, and 32GB (Win10) I can run the game at 1080 to 1440 fully maxed with a constant locked 60; 0 crashes, no stutter, very short loading times, no glitches I could see/find.”
- “My PC is not the best and I was worried it would not run the game at my max graphics with good framerate, but it runs great, much better than Warhammer 40K: Space Marine and many other triple-A titles from this year which I've had to run on lower settings and still would get FPS drops/stuttering.”
- “I'm sure this game is great, I don't doubt it, but I can't play it since the graphics are buggy and I get black screens during every cutscene.”
- “The final dungeon and the last dozen or so hours of the game are so buggy.”
- “Four hours in and started getting a lot of crashes to desktop and game freezes and hangs.”
replayability
29 mentions
14 % positive mentions
69 % neutral mentions
17 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players noting a lack of significant new game plus content and diverging story paths, which diminishes the incentive to replay. While some appreciate the depth of character customization and the rich story, others feel that the experience can be fully explored in a single playthrough, leading to limited replay value. The absence of romance options and meaningful choices further contributes to the perception that replayability is not as enticing compared to other titles in the genre.
- “Very enjoyable game with replay value.”
- “A very rich story with massive amounts of replayability through the use of the different archetypes.”
- “The amount of in-depth character building and replayability this system adds is absurd.”
- “Currently, replayability is limited, as there is minimal new game+ content aside from one superboss.”
- “I have experienced all that the game has to offer in my 80 hours spent with it, and I found it lacking, especially given the minimal replayability and lack of new game+ content.”
- “A game being at 70 is a game I expect to love from start to end and to have some replayability to it, and to put it simply... I cannot find one reason to play this game again other than to play it when they add the classic golden package to their games a few years down the line.”
monetization
10 mentions
10 % positive mentions
30 % neutral mentions
60 % negative mentions
The monetization of this game has drawn mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the lack of aggressive microtransactions and advertisements, while others criticize it as a cash grab, particularly in relation to its DLC offerings. Many feel that the game feels unfinished and reflects a trend of predatory practices from the developer, leading to disappointment among fans of the series. Overall, the monetization strategy is seen as a significant drawback, overshadowing the game's initial strengths.
- “This game is so refreshing in 2024 when every big game release is full of microtransactions and the always-online BS.”
- “One of the worst monetizations when it comes to DLC.”
- “This game, in its current state, feels unfinished and reflects Atlus at its worst—essentially a cash grab built on the goodwill of the Persona series.”
- “It’s not an innovative masterpiece; it’s derivative, created by a multi-million dollar company that has been tuning this genre of game for decades, a company notorious for predatory monetization, milking of titles, recycling material, and unfinished releases.”