Metaphor: ReFantazio is Missing a Popular Persona Game Mechanic

gamerant.com:

Atlus game fans are looking forward to Metaphor: ReFantazio, but the game is going to be missing a common mechanic of Persona games that players enjoy: building romances with NPCs. While the mechanic may be missed, it's another indication that Metaphor: ReFantazio and its Shin Megami Tensei and Persona predecessors do differ, despite their similarities.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is heading towards a release later this year, and is set to bring fans of RPGs to a mythical and magical medieval world instead of the usual real-life exploration of Japan and its shadowy hidden side. Metaphor: ReFantazio will differ from Persona gamesin various ways, including the playable protagonist being having a voice and dialogue.

According toAtlus during the game's recent livestream, as translated by Siliconera,Metaphor: ReFantazio is known to be bringing in a social bond-building system, but it's going to lack romantic relationship options. In Persona games, some characters can build a bond with the playable protagonist, and a possibility for romance eventually opens up. While some of Persona's romantic partners are questionable, it's nonetheless a popular mechanic that players have come to enjoy. Metaphor: ReFantazio may be lacking this due to the type of bonding system the game has.

In Metaphor: ReFantazio, players can deepen their relationships with followers, learning more about them and eventually allowing the player to unlock new Archetypes. In contrast in Persona 5, reaching a certain point in a character's side quests or going through the story with them would improve Joker's abilities and Personas, but also opened the door to romance with some allies and confidants. While the possibility of wooing multiple characters is off the table, it remains to be seen if the game will feature a story-based romance or not.

While there seem to be some considerable differences between Metaphor: ReFantazio and the Persona or Shin Megami Tensei series, there are still some mechanics that are