Metaphor: ReFantazio Review: A Fantastical Adventure That Redefines JRPGs

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is the latest JRPG from Studio Zero and Atlus, the latter of which is behind the beloved franchise. Given that was, in a way, an extension of an even earlier franchise for Atlus,, it’s no surprise that also has a familiar look and feel on the surface. That being said, this is not just a re-skin of the same old thing. is Atlus’ first step into true high fantasy, something a little less common for JRPGs, but a prime example of why it should be explored more.

Upon starting their journey, players are immediately met with a cutscene featuring the untimely death of a king, an event that will kick off the plot for the rest of the game. From there, we meet our voiced protagonist alongside his fairy companion, Gallica, whoboth begin their journey to save a prince and repair a desperate world. The kingdom of Euchronia is wrought with hardships that challenge modern ideas, asking players what a utopia is, and if such a thing is truly achievable when the world is already so corrupt.

As with other Atlus games, would be nothing without its story and world-building. Despite the emphasis on metaphors, there’s no mistaking the message Atlus is attempting to get across to its players as they explore a kingdom abundant with racism, classism, and religious fanaticism. To juxtapose this bleak society, players are occasionally given a peek at the protagonist’s storybook he carries around, which centers around a utopia in which everyone is equal regardless of tribe, lineage, or wealth.

Metaphor: ReFantazio, Atlus’ brand-new JRPG, has one key advantage over Persona 5 and the whole Persona series that makes it the JRPG of the year.

While challenging the ideas of the modern world is not exactly new for Atlus, given that the majority of its games often confront the corruption of society in some way, the darkness overseeing this fantasy world is one that many players may find ways to relate to in one way or another. As the protagonist explores the various regions of this world to ensure the