Metaphor: ReFantazio (PS5) review: This could be Atlus' boldest JRPG yet

Note: This review was first published on 23 October 2024.

Metaphor: ReFantazio. A name that feels as layered as the game itself. When I first sat down with this roleplaying game, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Atlus has long made a name for itself with RPGs that blend heavy psychological and philosophical elements into their narratives, with Persona being the obvious benchmark. So, when I heard Metaphor was to be Atlus's next grand experiment, my curiosity was immediately piqued. Would this be more of the same? Or could they actually break the mould they've perfected over decades?

I quickly found out the answer was a bit of both and that’s not a bad thing at all. From the very start, Metaphor: ReFantazio makes it clear that you, the player, are not just going through the motions. Instead, you're living through the book your character is reading. It's such a strange but enthralling concept, like stepping into a mirror and realising the reflection holds a world all its own. The plot works on many levels – sometimes it's a commentary on society, other times it leans into surreal, almost dreamlike adventures.

Much of the game’s story revolves around a political popularity contest, with a looming election at the heart of its narrative. Your group’s main antagonist is a chilling character, who is endlessly manipulating everything behind the scenes and leveraging every twisted opportunity to maintain his hold on power. The church stands as the other force in play, clamping down on anything that threatens to upset the order of things. As the story progresses, you see the complexities of political manipulation, and it even prompted me to think back on real-world political analogies. There’s something pointed and uncomfortable in seeing such raw social commentary in what is essentially a fantasy JRPG.

Gameplay-wise, anyone familiar with Atlus titles like Shin Megami Tensei or Persona will find a lot to love here, but they'll also find their fair share of twists. Combat has that frenetic, turn-based goodness Atlus is known for, but it comes with its own unique mechanics. There’s something satisfying about wiping out weaker enemies instantly on the overworld map, especially if you've been grinding through dungeons for a while. At the same time, though, it threw me off balance more than a few times. The game’s system of scaling rewards based on your level compared to your enemies adds a layer of strategic tension that makes you pause before getting too grind-happy.

It’s all well and good until you start running out of SP mid-dungeon – a limitation that effectively gates how much progress you can make in one go. It's frustrating, sure, but there's a tactical elegance to knowing when to push forward and when to retreat. And maybe that’s the point; Metaphor wants you to think about every decision, even something as seemingly straightforward as which enemies to fight.

The archetype system deserves a proper shoutout, too. It’s like a class system on steroids. Not only do you choose a role for each character, but mastering an archetype gives permanent stat bonuses and opens up advanced forms of that class. This is where Metaphor shines, as the synergy between different archetypes and how your bond with other characters directly influences what you can unlock keeps you deeply engaged. You’re never just slogging through the motions. Every decision builds towards a future payoff, even if it’s not immediately clear.

Speaking of bonds, the relationship-building aspect of Metaphor is incredibly satisfying. It's impossible not to see the influence from Persona, but it goes beyond simple imitation. Spending time with other characters feels crucial, not just for the gameplay benefits but because the writing makes you genuinely want to see them grow. These aren’t cookie-cutter JRPG stereotypes – they're layered, conflicted, and far more human than I was expecting.

One area where Metaphor absolutely soars is its music. I mean, Atlus’ reputation for stellar soundtracks precedes them, and here they’ve once again hit the mark. The use of vocalised throat singing, of all things, gives some tracks an otherworldly, almost hypnotic feel. It’s fitting for a game that spends so much time straddling the line between reality and fantasy. And the battle theme? An absolute banger that more than lives up to the legacy of Atlus' musical hits.

The societal themes here are not what I would call subtle. Racism, classism, and religious extremism are front and centre, explored in uncomfortable depth. I appreciated that the game didn't shy away from showing just how flawed this world truly is. It adds stakes to your quest and makes your journey feel like it's about more than just beating the final boss. But that said, some of the themes could have been handled with a bit more nuance. There’s an attempt to delve into deep-rooted prejudices, but at times it feels like the game is offering naive solutions to complex problems.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a deeply ambitious game, and it shows. It’s not perfect, as some of its pacing issues, especially with the dungeons, can make the grind feel tedious. But there’s so much to love here, from the thought-provoking (if occasionally blunt) narrative to the engaging archetype system and the sublime soundtrack. Atlus has crafted something that feels familiar yet fresh, a blend of the best parts of its previous titles and some genuinely bold new ideas.

If you’re a fan of Atlus’ games, you’ll find a lot of what you love here – twisted enemies, complex relationships, and a philosophical core that’ll keep you thinking long after the credits roll. And if you’re new to this style of JRPG, Metaphor might just be the gateway that pulls you into Atlus' sprawling library of wonderful games. It’s worth the time investment, and if this marks the start of a new franchise, I’ll be more than happy to see where Atlus takes us next.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is available on PlayStation 5 (reviewed here), Xbox Series X|S and Steam. To purchase the game, click here.

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