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

95%

Audience ScoreBased on 12,373 reviews

story1,915 positive mentions

grinding369 negative mentions

story
4,932 mentions
39 % positive mentions
58 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The story of "Metaphor: Refantazio" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its engaging narrative and character development, while others criticize its predictability and pacing issues. The game explores complex themes such as discrimination and political intrigue, often drawing parallels to real-world issues, which some players found compelling and thought-provoking. However, the story's execution has been described as uneven, with some plot twists feeling forced or clichéd, leading to a sense of disconnection in the latter parts of the game. Overall, while the story captivates many players, it also leaves room for criticism regarding its depth and coherence.
- “The story, music, characters, artwork--everything--are so well designed and put together.”
- “The story is super engaging and the voice acting is on point.”
- “Metaphor: Refantazio is a stunning JRPG that elevates the genre with its rich fantasy world, gripping story, and innovative gameplay.”
- “The story is poorly paced and feels overdone; the characters aren't anywhere near as developed as those in Persona 3 or 4, and the villain is one you've definitely seen before.”
- “The story is filled with plot contrivances, characters are one-dimensional, and the main antagonist has absolutely nonsensical motivations.”
- “The story is a grind, and the grind is a story man.”
gameplay
2,113 mentions
34 % positive mentions
63 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Metaphor: Refantazio" has received a mix of praise and criticism, with many reviewers noting its strong foundation in familiar mechanics from the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei series. Players appreciate the refined turn-based combat, the introduction of the archetype system for character customization, and the engaging integration of social elements, which enhance the overall experience. However, some critiques highlight issues with pacing, repetitive dungeon design, and a reliance on established formulas, suggesting that while the gameplay is enjoyable, it may not offer enough innovation to stand out as a wholly unique title.
- “Metaphor: Refantazio is a stunning JRPG that elevates the genre with its rich fantasy world, gripping story, and innovative gameplay.”
- “The gameplay is extremely reminiscent of SMT and Persona, and carries some details from Etrian Odyssey, allowing for great customizability and variety.”
- “The gameplay is fantastic, the art direction might be one of the best ever, up there easily with Elden Ring.”
- “Overall a regression in gameplay compared to the Persona games.”
- “The typical dungeon gameplay is frequently interrupted because you run out of MP and are forced to rest for the day, which wastes time and day management is crucial in this game.”
- “The gameplay loop itself becomes repetitive: you travel to a town, pick up a bunch of quests, take on hunts, explore dungeons that all look the same, finish the main quest, and move on to the next town.”
music
1,822 mentions
51 % positive mentions
46 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The music in "Metaphor: Refantazio" has garnered mixed reviews, with many praising its orchestral and choral elements, particularly the unique incorporation of Buddhist chants. While some tracks are described as exceptional and fitting for the game's atmosphere, others feel repetitive and less memorable compared to previous Atlus titles like the Persona series. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a strong point of the game, though it may not reach the iconic status of earlier works by composer Shoji Meguro.
- “The music is incredible, with Shoji Meguro integrating a theme of religious zeal in this soundtrack.”
- “The soundtrack perfectly complements the emotional tone of the game, enhancing key moments and enriching the overall atmosphere.”
- “The music, the atmosphere, the characters! Everything about it is amazing to me from the characters to the music to the story.”
- “Music was also sadly completely forgettable, which Atlus is known for having the best soundtracks.”
- “The music is a downgrade from any Persona game; it fits well into the environment of the game, but I would never listen to any of the tracks outside of the game like I would for a lot of Meguro's other work.”
- “By the end, it was reusing songs from the main menu, for crying out loud.”
graphics
1,044 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 reminiscent of previous Atlus titles, particularly the Persona series. However, criticisms highlight that the technical aspects, such as graphical fidelity and performance, often feel outdated, resembling PS3-era visuals, and lacking in anti-aliasing and detail. Overall, while the art direction is celebrated for its creativity and charm, the game's graphical performance leaves room for improvement.
- “The graphics are amazing, and I thought I wouldn't be a fan of the turn-based combat system, but everything went smoothly once I got the hang of it.”
- “The game is visually stunning, with breathtaking environments, character designs, and an aesthetic that feels unique yet familiar for fans of Atlus games.”
- “The art style is beautiful and the story is very intriguing.”
- “The graphics are bad and it runs bad, too.”
- “The graphics are unacceptable for a high-end 2024 game, with bad shadows and PS2-level textures.”
- “The graphics look like a remastered PS3 game and graphical options are sparse.”
grinding
386 mentions
1 % positive mentions
4 % neutral mentions
96 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback from players. While some appreciate the quality-of-life improvements that make grinding more manageable and even enjoyable, many others find it tedious and time-consuming, particularly in the late game where significant grinding is often required to keep up with enemy levels. Overall, players note that while grinding is a staple of JRPGs, the game could benefit from better pacing and less reliance on repetitive combat encounters.
- “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. However, I honestly don't like all of the archetype system, since most of them are just not worth using.”
- “Grinding becomes unavoidable, but grinding requires MP—and without MP, combat is virtually impossible.”
- “The game doesn't give you nearly enough archetype experience unless you spend a bunch of time grinding.”
- “Towards the end, the game itself gives up, throws up its hands and just says, 'eff it, it was all for nothing' and throws a towel into the ring, making players gain experience by running up and down on the same towers while one-hitting enemies, gaining XP and thus boosting every class to their maximum level after hours of grinding.”
optimization
241 mentions
20 % positive mentions
64 % neutral mentions
16 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players experiencing significant performance issues, particularly on lower-end systems and the Steam Deck, where frame rates can drop dramatically. While some users report smooth performance on high-end PCs, others note that the game struggles with graphical fidelity and inconsistent frame rates, especially during cutscenes and large battles. Overall, while there have been improvements since launch, many players still feel that the game requires further optimization to meet modern standards.
- “For an Atlus game, Metaphor is surprisingly well-optimized.”
- “The game runs smoothly when you're in combat and dungeons for the most part, but regretfully the cities seem to give the game trouble in regards to performance.”
- “I was a bit worried about the game's technical performance after playing the demo, but the final version runs buttery smooth!”
- “The game's optimization leaves a lot to be wished for as well; it uses Persona 5's engine, yet runs much worse with inconsistent FPS because you need to have a higher rendering scale than 100% if you want to remove pixels and jagged lines.”
- “The performance is really bad (I have a 7800X3D and a 4080), some textures are super low quality and the game doesn't even have anti-aliasing.”
- “I really hope Atlus fixes Metaphor, because while the game remains playable despite its numerous performance and optimization issues, it’s still completely unacceptable.”
emotional
216 mentions
99 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised, with many players expressing deep investment in the characters and their journeys, often leading to tears during poignant moments. The narrative is described as rich and touching, tackling mature themes with a blend of humor and heartache, while the soundtrack enhances the emotional experience. However, some critiques mention that certain character arcs and side stories lack the same depth, occasionally diminishing the overall emotional impact.
- “Watching their growth unfold alongside the main narrative was both rewarding and emotional.”
- “The emotional payoffs in the latter parts of the game were incredibly rewarding.”
- “This was simultaneously the most gut-wrenching yet heart-warming story I've ever experienced in a video game.”
- “Boring characters, boring designs, lackluster combat system, boring story, and horrible scaling.”
- “The OST quality is mediocre, aligning with a boring story, offering nothing exciting that would remain in a player's memory for years or even decades.”
character development
183 mentions
41 % positive mentions
52 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its depth and emotional resonance, particularly in how it explores themes of identity and relationships. While some players found the character arcs to be compelling and well-integrated into the narrative, others criticized certain characters as shallow or their development as rushed. Overall, the game is noted for its strong writing and character design, though it may not reach the heights of previous titles in the genre, particularly the Persona series.
- “This game brings you on such an incredible journey with fantastic writing, great character development, and a world that you get sucked into immediately.”
- “The character development is exceptional, and its thoughtful exploration of themes related to different races and cultures was really outstanding.”
- “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 aspect also left a lot to be desired, especially the interactions between our team members.”
- “Our character development especially, I feel, is way too forced and crammed into the late game.”
- “The character development here is not nearly as strong as it is in the Persona games.”
humor
73 mentions
99 % positive mentions
-3 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as a delightful blend of absurdity and wit, often juxtaposed with serious themes, creating a unique narrative experience. Players appreciate the clever banter among characters and the unexpected comedic moments that arise, making the game both entertaining and emotionally resonant. While some critiques mention a lack of depth in certain humorous elements, the overall consensus is that the humor effectively enhances the storytelling and character development.
- “They all make sense in the grand scheme of things, and yet they still manage to slip in some hilarious moments.”
- “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.”
- “The humor in this game falls flat and feels forced, lacking any real wit or charm.”
- “I expected a lot more laughs, but the jokes are stale and often miss the mark.”
- “The attempts at humor are so over-the-top that they become cringeworthy rather than funny.”
atmosphere
61 mentions
44 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Metaphor" is widely praised for its immersive and unique qualities, enhanced by a beautiful and memorable soundtrack that complements various scenes and settings. Players appreciate the game's distinct art direction, which blends traditional fantasy with surreal elements, creating captivating environments that evoke a range of emotions. While some critiques mention a lack of standout music tracks and occasional disconnection during key moments, the overall consensus highlights the game's ability to create a rich, engaging atmosphere that draws players into its world.
- “The music is beautiful, never gets annoying, and is perfect at capturing the atmosphere at each of the different scenes.”
- “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.”
- “The class/job/combat mechanics are fine, but with highly constrained map traversal and constant time pressure, I found the overall atmosphere to be claustrophobic.”
- “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 reason I think the characters and social links are weak in this game is because the kill-or-be-killed atmosphere on the continent doesn’t leave much room for them to display more relatable, mundane aspects of their personalities, as Persona does.”
stability
41 mentions
61 % positive mentions
2 % neutral mentions
37 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is generally praised, particularly on lower-end systems and handheld devices like the Steam Deck, where it runs smoothly with minimal bugs. However, some players report occasional visual glitches, frame rate drops in specific areas, and issues with cutscenes, particularly on PC. While many enjoy a stable experience, a few users have encountered significant technical problems, including crashes and unresponsive gameplay during certain sections.
- “Runs great on lower-end systems and performs well on handheld PCs.”
- “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 (didn't try higher fps...I mean for what?); 0 crashes, no stutter, very short loading times, no glitches I could see/find.”
- “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.”
- “I usually do not give a damn about FPS drops, but here, the game turns into a PowerPoint slideshow with 0.2 FPS whenever there's more than a couple of enemies on screen - that is to say, the entire game freezes, and every 5 seconds you get to see the next frame.”
- “Four hours in and started getting a lot of crashes to desktop and game freezes and hangs.”
replayability
34 mentions
15 % positive mentions
68 % neutral mentions
18 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the variety of builds and character customization that encourage multiple playthroughs, while others criticize the lack of meaningful choices and content in New Game Plus modes. Many feel that the story can be fully experienced in a single playthrough, limiting the incentive to replay, especially compared to other titles in the genre. Overall, while there are elements that support replayability, significant limitations dampen the experience for many players.
- “This game has replayability; I am currently on NG+ and trying to experiment with another build.”
- “The amount of different builds and their relative synergies is vast, making this a game with much potential for replayability.”
- “A very rich story with massive amounts of replayability through the use of the different archetypes.”
- “Replay value: 1/10 - due to being able to have access to all archetypes by all characters at all times sounds great, but offers little reason to replay the game.”
- “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.”
monetization
12 mentions
17 % positive mentions
25 % neutral mentions
58 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many reviewers labeling it a cash grab that feels unfinished and derivative. While some appreciate the absence of aggressive microtransactions and advertising within the game, others express disappointment over the presence of DLC and the overall perception of the game as a product of a company known for predatory practices. Overall, the monetization strategy has contributed to a negative reception, overshadowing the game's artistic achievements.
- “This game is so refreshing in 2024 when every big game release is full of microtransactions and the always-online BS.”
- “I'm so glad this game won the best RPG, best narrative, and best art direction as this project shows that games are more than monetization or for mindless fun but are art that can be used to fuel and inspire others to make changes.”
- “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.”