Atlus confirms that Metaphor: ReFantazio will be a multi-platform release

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.