Though Metaphor: ReFantazio is the former Persona team's first foray into high fantasy, it might also be the most grounded and deeply human game they've ever created. By weaving magical elements with universal topics--such as prejudice, poverty, grief, cycles of violence, anxiety, and the role religion and politics can play in both oppressing and empowering the people--Metaphor is able to examine humanity with some distance and through a unique lens. It poses countless questions to its players, all while admitting the answers might not be simple or absolute. And yet, it places special emphasis on one question in particular: Does fiction have the power to shape our world?
By the time the game comes to a close, the answer is a resounding yes. Metaphor: ReFantazio is a beautiful exploration into how fantasy is a vessel for ideas and humanity even in the darkest of times. It understands the impact that art and the ideas transferred through it have on society, and asks us to both believe in and scrutinize the media we consume.
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The game's cast of characters--from bubbly, blonde pop star Junah and the wisened ninja Heismay, to the disgraced-yet-beloved Louis--are all well-designed, well-voiced, and utterly engaging, making them instantly appealing (or detestable) to players. Each offers their own exploration into the various aforementioned themes, weaving stories that are equal parts heart-wrenching and heartwarming. This depth is also afforded to the game's numerous side characters, which comprise the greatest and most fully-realized roster of social links in an Atlus game thus far.
The studio handles all these narratives with nuance and precision, demonstrating a respect for its players' intelligence as well as immense conviction in its own beliefs. In a time when games are all too often criticized for being too political, Atlus takes a firm stand on the side of compassion and makes it clear that there is virtue in addressing social issues, taking collective action, standing up for your ideas, and believing in a better future for both yourself and those around you. Living in fear and giving into hatred is easy, Metaphor reminds us. It is remaining hopeful and caring that takes strength.
Despite being a lengthy game, Metaphor is phenomenally paced, with an appropriate amount of time dedicated to each area, character, and story arc. These arcs are all particularly memorable, too, as the game is filled with spectacle, off-the-wall situations that ward off monotony, and compelling plot twists. In that sense, the game often reminded me of the late '90s JRPGs I grew up playing--the ones filled with theatrics, humor, and a keen sense of adventure. It's an almost intangible and indescribable quality, but one that Metaphor undoubtedly possesses.
And yet, Metaphor markedly improves old-school, turn-based combat, addressing the most common complaints with the system--namely its slower pace--through smart button mapping, superb party flexibility, and the addition of light action-style combat. This all makes for battles that are strategic yet breezy, and dungeon traversal that doesn't overstay its welcome or begin to feel more like a chore than an adventure. The game's other systems, from its calendar and Royal Virtues to its Archetype tree, perfectly fit within the combat, creating dynamic gameplay that feels interconnected and immensely satisfying.
Remarkable art direction and music further elevate the experience, as rather than use a single color palette, as Persona typically does, Metaphor leverages several different colors to convey various themes, tones, and amplify its sense of journey. Its music is similarly complex and juxtaposing, as it bounds between angelic choirs to frenzied chanting. Though its stories might be universal, there is an otherworldly quality to its visuals and music, reminding players that this world is dark and fantastical.
Regardless of when Metaphor: ReFantazio was released, it would remain an exceptional title. But in the year 2024--a year marred by political unrest, growing inequality, fear, distrust, misinformation, and division--no game feels quite as apt and essential. While not every work of fiction can change the world, or instill within it a goodness that has seemingly been stripped away, Metaphor: ReFantazio is a reminder that art can change us.
Curious if your favorite game of 2024 made it in our top 10? Check out our list of GameSpot's 10 best games of 2024.
