Metaphor: ReFantazio Won't Include Romance Options

thegamer.com:

Metaphor: ReFantazio is the next big title to be released this year by developer Atlus, and it recently gave us a bunch of new details and a release date to get us all nice and excited about this October. Over the past 24 hours, Atlus has been showcasing gameplay and answering questions about Metaphor, which is where it was revealed that the game will not feature any romance options.

Being developed by Atlus and led by one of the main men behind modern Persona, a lot of elements from those games feature in Metaphor. Turn-based combat, an emphasis on time, and a stylish UI are all present in Metaphor, which had some asking whether the series' Social Link mechanic would be making the jump as well.

According to a comment from the developer during the Metaphor: Stalker Club Final live stream (translated by Persona Central), a Social Link system is in place, but it will differ from the Persona series. Instead of forming bonds and then eventually taking that relationship to further levels, whether it be romantic or not, players will instead deepen the relationships with people they meet on their journey to have them become "supporters".

All hope isn't lost for you hopeless romantics just yet though. Many have pointed out that while Metaphor won't let you actually choose someone to romance, it doesn't mean there's absolutely no romance in the game at all. Unlike the Persona series, the main character of Metaphor is fully voiced and isn't silent, suggesting he has more of a role in the story, and isn't just a blank canvas for players to project themselves onto.

A canon romance is still very possible, and honestly would be a little more meaningful than the romance options in Persona games. Just due to the fact that they're optional, Persona romances often have very little bearing on the story as a whole outside a few dialogue options and the odd special cutscene.

Or (hear me out), Metaphor: ReFantazio could simply have no romance in it at all and Atlus just wants