In the past few years, the gaming industry has witnessed an interesting dance between console manufacturers and gaming publishers. The rhythm is set by exclusive partnerships, sudden announcements, and unexpected multi-platform titles. One such announcement that recently took the stage is the multi-platform release of Metaphor: ReFantazio, a new fantasy RPG developed by Atlus’ Studio Zero, on the Xbox and the PC.
Originally revealed during the 2023 Xbox Games Showcase, Metaphor: ReFantazio was initially only confirmed for Xbox and PC. However, a subsequent and promptly deleted Tweet from Sega Korea unveiled that the game would be making its way to the PlayStation and Steam.
This statement was later confirmed by the official South Korean branch of ATLUS, thus reinforcing the game’s multi-platform release policy.
Metaphor: ReFantazio, formerly known as Project Re: Fantasy, has been in development for six years. The game is a massive departure from the Persona series, one of Atlus’ most successful franchises, and aims to mark a return to the roots of the Japanese games industry, where fantasy role-playing games were born.
However, it’s clear that Metaphor: ReFantazio will still feature the distinct “Atlus flavor” — in terms of character designs, unique creatures, and a richly crafted user interface.
The game is set to feature a host of characters, each with their distinct roles or Archetypes. The blue-haired Travelling Boy, Strohl, Hulkenberg, the fennec fox-like creature Heismay, and the fairy Gallica, are among the ones unveiled so far. Drawing parallels with Persona, it appears that the game will enable players to form bonds with others, potentially to progress story elements and level up teammates.
Speaking on Metaphor: ReFantazio’s outlook, Atlus provides a rather vague description, saying:
Write your destiny and rise above fear as you step into a fantasy world unlike anything you’ve seen before. Fraught with unsettling mystery, the kingdom stands on a precipice. Now, you must embark on a journey, overcoming obstacles and forging bonds with friends.
While some gaming enthusiasts have hailed the multi-platform release strategy, others have criticized the initial misleading exclusivity. The internet has been rife with debates on the notion of third-party games being exclusive, and many argue that such games should indeed be multiplatform.
The gaming community’s response to the console exclusivity of Japanese games has been particularly intense. Critics argue that limiting a Japanese game to Xbox platforms would not result in commercial success similar to what happened during the Xbox 360 era.
The recent confirmation of Metaphor: ReFantazio’s multi-platform release seems to align with this sentiment, proving that the game’s initial Xbox and PC exclusivity was a misstep.
The future of third-party exclusivity in the gaming industry remains uncertain, but it’s clear gamers demand transparency and inclusivity from console manufacturers and publishers alike. It will be interesting to observe how this dynamic plays out in the coming years.
Meanwhile, fans eagerly await Metaphor: ReFantazio’s release in 2024, hoping that the game will deliver a rich, immersive fantasy experience that pays homage to the roots of the genre, while offering the unique “Atlus flavor” that has come to define the studio’s releases.
Until then, fans can check out Persona 3 Reload later this year and Persona 5 Tactica next year.
