Metaphor: ReFantazio

Release Date: October 11, 2024

Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, PC

Metaphor: ReFantazio wasn’t quite what I was expecting. I went into my demo thinking it would have more real-time action flavor, but it is very much Persona in a fantasy setting. There’s a calendar system and social interactions to build deeper relationships with your party (but no romances), and transformations in battle to cast spells or use extra powerful attacks that feel a lot like summoning Persona in suits of armor.

You can perform attacks out in the world, but only against weaker enemies. The stronger ones still require a familiar turn-based battle to defeat. None of this is bad. In fact, with Persona 6 nowhere in sight at the moment, Atlus RPG fans are lucky to have something so meaty and stylish to dive into this fall. I was just hoping to see the formula shaken up more. Metaphor: ReFantazio plays like a great, if conservative, Persona spiritual spin-off. — Ethan