Metaphor: ReFantazio is the upcoming new IP from Atlus. In this article, we've gathered all the details about the game, covering its release time window, characters, story, and a sneak peek into the game world!
Metaphor: ReFantazio really grabbed people's attention during Summer Game Fest 2023. It's not just a new game from Atlus, the developers of Persona, but it also stands out with its diverse and unique look.
So, what's the game about? In this article, we'll give you the details as Atlus gradually unveils more information about this upcoming fantasy game that shares some gameplay similarities with Shin Megami Tensei and Persona.
Metaphor ReFantazio: Release Window And Platforms
The official release window for Metaphor: ReFantazio is set for fall 2024, and it's coming to PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Metaphor ReFantazio: Story & World
The world in Metaphor: ReFantazio is called United Kingdom of Euchronia, founded by a hero king and eventually annexing its neighboring countries, where eight different tribes lives in discord.
Euchronia, once ruled by a powerful royal family with inherited magic, has succumbed to corruption, inequality, and discrimination over time. The kingdom now faces the threat of dangerous beings known as "humans". With those beasts around, both the prince and the current late king of Euchronia has been assassinated, or so the rumor goes...
You step into the shoes of the protagonist, a member of the small tribe called 'Elda,' which has long been a minority unrecognized by other tribes. You learn that the assassination of the prince was just a farce, with him being under a curse.
Thus, your journey begins to lift the curse plaguing the land and the prince himself as well. To lift it, you must take the life off the one who cast the curse upon the prince...
Metaphor ReFantazio: The Eight Tribes
Despite various physical differences, the tribes in Metaphor ReFantazio aren't split by races, nations, or ethnicity. Instead, it's their unique personalities and cultures that set them apart.
The divisions among the tribes stem more from their ideologies and beliefs than from physical disparities. These beliefs should ideally be something people can connect over, but in their reality, the course of their future is shaped by their birth.
- Clemar Tribe – The clemar tribes are the largest in number. The royal family in Euchronia belongs to the clemar, and many of them play crucial roles in the government. This has led many clemars to see themselves as the most prominent tribe. Identified by two horns on their heads, they cherish freedom and have a distaste for unnecessary restrictions.
- Roussainte Tribe – The Roussaintes rank as the second-largest tribe. Their standout feature is their long, pointed ears, and they take pride in showcasing strength, often eager to prove their superiority in various situations
- Rhoag Tribe – The rhoags have a longer lifespan, and that makes others think of them as the elders among different tribes. They treasure passing on their wisdom and goals. In fact, they're so serious about it that they're known to remember favors and hold grudges for three generations.
- Ishkia Tribe – The ishkias are fewer in numbers but have a reputation for their intelligence, giving them a strong presence in bigger cities. They get easily spotted by their bird-like wings, almond-shaped eyes, and long eyelashes.
- Eugief Tribe – The eugiefs have wings and ears like bats and look quite different from the humanoid tribes. They're usually calm and work well together. However, they struggle with making important decisions and often hesitate because they're always thinking about others.
- Nidia Tribe – The Nidias don't really stand out with distinct features compared to other tribes. They're known for being sociable and skilled at flattery. However, some see them as not very trustworthy, as it seems like they're always trying to win everyone's favor.
- Paripus Tribe – The paripus are usually known for their animal-like ears and tail. They're physically skilled and tend to be open about their feelings, earning them a reputation for enjoying life, whether it's good or bad. Discrimination against them is particularly noticeable in big cities.
- Mustari Tribe – The mustaris are rare to find, mainly residing in an archipelago within the inland sea. Due to their distinctive beliefs, they frequently face persecution when outside the islands.
Metaphor ReFantazio: Characters
In a world where discrimination is common, the protagonist joins forces with allies from across the tribes. Each has their own reasons for desiring a better world. Influenced by the "heroic embodiment" that awakens in the protagonist also called "Archetype" the allies also discover and awaken this power within themselves.
- Protagonist – He sets off on a journey with Gallica, aiming to break the curse of the prince of Euchronia, who happens to be his childhood friend.
- Gallica – She is part of the protagonist's traveling group and has a deeper knowledge of magic and abilities due to her fairy nature. She's straightforward but also a supportive friend.
- Strohl – A young man from the Clemar tribe, with a strong sense of justice, coming from a noble family. It seems his circumstances are still more complicated, as it's rare for a noble to enlist in the army alongside commoners.
- Hulkenberg – Once a Kingsguard for the royal family and a loyal knight of the Roussainte tribe, she stood by the prince's side. When the prince came under attack, she couldn't shield him, and haunted by this failure, she embarked on a journey, carrying the weight of it in her heart.
- Heismay – A former knight of the eugief tribe. He got sharp senses, thanks to the eugiefs being sound-sensitive for batter or worse.
Metaphor: ReFantazio: The Archetype
Magic exists in the world of Euchronia and can be controlled by one's imagination. However, most people have forgotten how to wield it. Instead, those with the means to use special tools hold a societal advantage. This leads to the wealthy nobility having significant influence over those who can't access magic.
Yet, the key members in Metaphor: ReFantazio are referred to as Archetypes. These characters have the ability to unlock their potential, transforming into magical weapons that resemble classic fantasy roles like magicians, warriors, or knights.
This Archetype concept resembles the Persona series, where characters tap into an inner power by uncovering a core aspect of themselves. Interestingly, the Archetype system might also be compared to a job system, a classic feature in JRPGs.
Watch the latest trailer below: