While JRPG fans may take delight at the announcement of both Persona 3 Reload and Persona 5 Tactica at the Xbox Games Showcase, the real JRPG highlight of the event was none other than Metaphor: ReFantazio, formerly known as Project ReFantasy.
For the uninitiated, the crown jewel of Atlus, the Persona series, has been a hotbed of successful spin-offs like Persona 5 Strikers and the recently announced Persona 5 Tactica.
Now, Atlus is trying something new with a bunch of familiar faces.
The trailer of Metaphor: ReFantazio gives a tantalizing glimpse into the RPG, revealing elements of turn-based combat and enigmatically stylish enemy designs. The preview takes us on a rollercoaster ride, showcasing character bonding systems, fairies, bunny girls, and a sword-surfing sequence that teases an outer space setting. Despite the trailer leaving much to the imagination, the uniqueness and creativity of Metaphor: ReFantazio is not lost on its viewers.
Born out of Studio Zero, a new internal team at Atlus, Metaphor: ReFantazio stands as a testament to the evolving nature of Atlus. This project breaks the mold of Persona and Shin Megami Tensei’s legacy and brings a fresh perspective to Atlus and its storied portfolio. However, veterans Katsura Hashino and Shigenori Soejima’s influence permeates through the project, evident from the unmistakable traces of Persona 3, 4 and 5.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a vibrant blend of both Persona and the Shin Megami Tensei series. It offers an amalgamation of the social aspect of the former and the RPG combat stylings of the latter, all under the guidance of a veteran team from the Persona series.
The game is set to launch in 2024, currently announced for release on PC and Xbox Series X/S. PlayStation fans may have to hold their breath a little longer as there has been no announcement for a PS5 edition as of yet. However, let’s not cast aside our hopes yet, for no explicit exclusivity was mentioned during Metaphor’s Xbox trailer, and Atlus is slated to host a Japanese livestream for Metaphor on the 20th June.
The arrival of Metaphor: ReFantazio on the Xbox Series S/X, which might be part of an unannounced exclusivity deal, comes at an opportune time for the Xbox. Phil Spencer recently confirmed good news about the company’s improved sales within Japan, which traditionally has been the territory of PlayStation and Nintendo.
