Atlus and STUDIO ZERO came together after their collaborations on Persona projects to create a new experience, Metaphor: ReFantazio. Explained as a version of Persona 5 where the word “no” was never uttered near the art department, the fantastical elements of the turn-based JRPG are coming to fruition with a story about breaking a curse on a prince. It is a completely new universe for director Katsura Hashino, as previous Persona titles were set in similar modern settings.
Unlike previous titles in Hashino’s repertoire, the plot of Metaphor: ReFantazio follows a story of unification to elect a new king. Using a gauntlet runner to travel to dungeons and towns across an expansive map, players take place in a Royal Tournament to help determine the new king and break the curse on the prince, the protagonist’s childhood friend, and a character vital to all the main characters’ development.
Available Platforms Are PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and PC
Metaphor: ReFantazio is scheduled to release on October 11, 2024, 8 months after the release of Persona 3 Reload, the remake of Persona 3. It will follow the same model as other games by Atlus, with it being available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
There is no information regarding the release of Metaphor: ReFantazio on the Nintendo Switch from Atlus developers. However, several rumors suggest that Persona 3 Reload and Metaphor: ReFantazio will be among Atlus’ first ports for the next upcoming Nintendo console release.
Steelbooks & In-Game Items Are Up For Grabs
Pre-orders are currently available for Metaphor: ReFantazio and purchasing any version of the game comes with a set of useful pre-order bonuses to start adventuring. The current pre-order bonuses include an Archetype EXP Chest and an Adventurer’s Journey Pack, both containing vital resources to begin exploring dungeons and other areas. These bonuses come with every edition of the game, meaning that players need not shell out for collector’s editions immediately for these additional benefits.
Three editions are currently available to pre-order: a Deluxe Edition, a Collector’s Edition, and a Steelbook Edition for PC. The digital and physical standard editions on every platform are priced at $69.99, although only digital copies are available on PC.
As a step-up, the Deluxe edition of Metaphor: ReFantazio is available as a digital purchase for $99.99, which adds additional uniforms that are inspired by past Persona games and Atlus games. The physical collector’s edition is priced at $149.99 and comes with additional pins, a cloth map, various 35th Anniversary celebratory items for Atlus, stickers, and a steel box.
Edition | Contents | Pre-Order Bonuses |
Standard |
| |
Digital Deluxe |
| |
Collector’s |
|
A third edition has been seen on Amazon as a Steelbook Edition for PC, allowing a smaller collector’s bundle to be purchased that includes a digital Steam code, a paper map of Euchronia, and a Steelbook. This is available for £59.99 exclusively in the UK, giving collectors a lower-budget option for unique materials.
Cast & Story Details Explained
There is a new protagonist in Metaphor: ReFantazio who hasn’t been in any previous game, allowing for a new start in the universe. The demo is available and has shown an initial view of the characters that show off the anime-style cutscenes and character designs.
The current reviews of the demo and previews of Metaphor: ReFantazio have said that the story seems well-written and compelling, with players being given a chance to bond with characters like the fairy, Gallica, early on. Unlike previous titles by Atlus, Metaphor: ReFantazio does not have a backlog of characters that players will recognize as returning characters.
Related
16 Best Personas In Persona 3 Reload
With over 170 Personas to fuse in Persona 3 Reload, it can be hard to figure out which ones are the best to use in your fight through Tartarus.
The official website for Metaphor: ReFantazio includes a list of characters and a short description of their importance in the story. Although there is nothing that has currently revealed the name of the protagonist like other Atlus titles, it is not entirely sure that this one will require it yet.
If Atlus and Katsura Hashino have plans to expand the Metaphor: ReFantazio story in the future, it can be assumed that they will hold off on immediate over-telling. A series of other characters have been announced, including knights, a new animal companion, and an army recruit:
- Gallica
- Strohl
- Hulkenburg
- Heismay
These characters are full of deep backstories that will be available to explore and show their tumultuous connections with the death of the king of Euchronia and the cursed prince. Gallica the fairy has joined the protagonist as a magical, and probably annoying ally, acting as the guide on his journey.
Strohl is a nobleman who chooses to enlist alongside commoners and meets the protagonist through the recruitment center. Hulkenberg is a knight and previous protector of the prince, giving her a difficult relationship with failure and acknowledging her faults. Heismay is a knight of the eugief tribe who contributes with his incredible sense of sound.
Atlus has a prime opportunity to expand its repertoire of abilities and push the boundaries of their previous work with Metaphor: ReFantazio and the expansion of a more fantastical element might pay off in the end. Many long-term fans of Persona and Shin Megami Tensei are looking forward to new storylines, stunning art styles and interesting game-play mechanics.
Source: Atlus West/YouTube, Atlus
