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[Draugoth]

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The demo clocks in at around 60GB on Xbox and 23GB on PlayStation 5.​

The demo will includes five hours of gameplay, with all progress carrying over to the full release​

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・ Amazon ・ Best Buy ・ GameStop ・ Target ・ Walmart ・ Video Games Plus

・ Amazon ・ Best Buy ・ GameStop ・ Target ・ Walmart ・ Video Games Plus

PS5

• Get it at Amazon - $149.99
• Get it at Best Buy - SOLD OUT
• Get it at GameStop - SOLD OUT
• Get it at Walmart - SOLD OUT

Xbox Series X

• Get it at Amazon - $149.99
• Get it at Best Buy - $149.99
• Get it at GameStop - SOLD OUT
• Get it at Walmart - SOLD OUT

PC

• Get it at Amazon - SOLD OUT

What Time Will Metaphor: ReFantazio Be Released?​

No exact release time for Metaphor: ReFantazio has been confirmed, but it seems likely the game will be available to play from midnight EST on October 11, 2024, in all regions.

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Is Metaphor: ReFantazio A Part Of Shin Megami Tensai?​

No, Metaphor ReFantazio is not a part of the Shin Megami series, nor is it connected to Persona. It's simply developed by the same studio as both those series.

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Will Metaphor: ReFantazio Have Social Links?​

While Fantazio will not have the same social link mechanics as Persona per se, screenshots do seem to indicate its Memorandum will be very similar.​

OpenCritic - 91 average - 98% recommended - 7 reviews

MetaCritic - 93 average - Must Play - 20 reviews

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But Why Tho? - Jesse Vitelli - 9.5 / 10

Metaphor: Refantazio is the culmination of everything that came before it. It’s a mixture of Atlus’ RPG track record crafted into something bold and new. It takes stock of the fictional stories Atlus has told in the past and how people have resonated with them for years.

Checkpoint Gaming - Charlie Kelly - 10 / 10

I've always wanted Atlus to tackle political fantasy as a genre and of course when they finally do it with Metaphor: ReFantazio it's one of the best RPGs in years. This is the result of 20 years of incredible game craft that has taken shape in the best and most refined version of the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei formula that we've ever received. Probably the best we'll ever get. This is their magnum opus. With immensely satisfying and tactile turn-based combat, and a memorable cast of characters including the alluring and ever-intimidating villain Count Louis, you'll be taken by the world and story to explore within Euchronia. Much like the protagonist, you'll be compelled to save its people. Metaphor: ReFantazio is a crowning achievement under Atlus' long-running and award-winning belt. You should join them on the throne. The view is beautiful from up here.

Console Creatures - Matt Sowinski - 9 / 10

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a fantastic experience, built on the foundation set by Persona but becoming something all of its own. The story is great, the characters are interesting, and a brand-new combat system delivers one of the most exciting games this year.

Dexerto - Anyka Pettigrew - 5 / 5

Metaphor: ReFantazio is the ultimate culmination of everything Atlus has learned from its best games and is a huge step forward for the future of its JRPGs.

Enternity.gr - Christos Chatzisavvas - Greek - 9.5 / 10

Offering an ever-evolving combat system that rewards experimentation, along with a goal-focused plot and parallel activities that don't alter the mix, Studio Zero's first major title is a real gem at its peak.

GameBlast - Farley Santos - Portuguese - 9 / 10

Metaphor: ReFantazio combines tactical combat, social interactions, and exploration into a rich experience set in a unique fantasy world. The flexibility provided by the Archetype system encourages the creation of varied strategies, while the progression structured in days adds a layer of planning that enriches the journey. With so many options for activities, from side quests to moments of socializing, it is difficult to have two days the same. However, there are some limitations, such as the repetition of activities and the lack of creativity in some optional dungeons, making the experience tiring at times. In addition, the inconsistent graphic quality and the drop in performance are points that weaken the immersion. In the end, with an extensive campaign and a competent localization, Metaphor: ReFantazio offers a robust and memorable RPG. The title does not revolutionize the studio's formula, but it is still an immersive and engaging experience.

Gamer Guides - Ben Chard - 97 / 100

At the end of its massive runtime, Metaphor: ReFantazio never suffers from pacing issues and tells a captivating story that stirs your imagination. With fantastic additions to the familiar Press Turn battle system and one of my favorite casts in a long time, this is one fantasy you won’t want to miss.

GamingTrend - Jack Zustiak - 100 / 100

Overall, Metaphor plays like a dream from start to finish. There's less downtime than Persona and fewer frustrating moments than Shin Megami Tensei, with the whole game feeling like a high-stakes road trip with your best friends. The road to the throne is a tough one, but it's one well worth walking.

PPE.pl - Wojciech Gruszczyk - Polish - 9.5 / 10

A new world built on familiar foundations. Metaphor: ReFantazio does not revolutionize the genre, but encourages more players to the systems and mechanics offered by the developers of Persona.

Push Square - Robert Ramsey - 9 / 10

Metaphor: ReFantazio is one of the most memorable RPGs we've played in years. In pursuing a new property, complete with a fantasy setting, Atlus has allowed its creativity to blossom, resulting in a brilliantly rich experience - both in terms of narrative and audiovisual design. While Metaphor takes obvious gameplay and structural cues from the developer's previous projects, it combines and refines those elements to make an epic, kingdom-hopping adventure that feels unique and deeply fulfilling.

Quest Daily - Shaun Fullard - 10 / 10

I’m not going to beat around the bush, Metaphor: ReFantazio is my game of the year. Atlus and Studio Zero have taken the best bits of the Persona series and somehow made them work within a medieval fantasy setting. But it’s no mere Persona 'holiday special'. The new IP enhances and evolves the formula, becoming a shining example of how to do JRPGs right. When it comes to my games, I value story and character above all else, and Metaphor delivers that in spades.

Rock, Paper, Shotgun - Unscored

A wonderful RPG that builds on many of Persona's foundations, with a strong sense of exploration and a lovely suite of pals. But its heavy combat focus may mean it remains in the memory less than its high school predecessors.

Stevivor - Matt Gosper - 10 / 10

Metaphor ReFantazio sets out to blend the best of its predecessors’ gameplay with an all-new setting, and the result is far greater than the sum of its parts.

TechRaptor - Andrew Stretch - 9.5 / 10

Atlus has leveled up the Persona formula in every way. The world-spanning adventure of Metaphor: ReFantazio offers a diverse world to explore, deep and relatable stories to share with your party, an incredible combat system with unlimited possibilities of Archetype powers, and plenty of quality of life improvements to make sure you're spending more time playing the game and not wondering what to do next.

The Beta Network - Samuel Incze - 10 / 10

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a thrilling JRPG with a unique story and the typical engaging gameplay elements that Atlus is known for. The combat is challenging, featuring the press turn battle with a new risk-reward system adding depth to the classic turn-based formula. While the game shares some similarities with the Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series, such as social stats and character bonds, it carves its own path with a captivating narrative and stunning world. The excellent voice acting, music, and visuals further enhance the experience, making it a must-play for JRPG fans.

The Outerhaven Productions - Jordan Andow - 4.5 / 5

Metaphor: ReFantazio is one of the best turn-based JRPGs I've played in quite some time. It’s a fantastic game, featuring breathtaking visuals and incredible sound—kudos to Atlus for that. However, I do wish the game had better pacing and a more seamless world structure.

TheSixthAxis - Nic Bunce - 9 / 10

Metaphor ReFantazio is sublime. Persona fans will have an absolute blast playing this, and hunting out the subtle (and not-so-subtle) nods to its franchise cousin. A couple of minor annoyances make it feel a little rough around the edges hold it back from an otherwise perfect score.

VGC - Jordan Middler - 5 / 5

Metaphor: ReFantazio could have so easily been Persona with the names filed off, but it's so, so much more than that. It matches fun, expansive combat with an excellent cast of characters that make the near 100-hour journey an unforgettable one.

Video Chums - Mary Billington - 9 / 10

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a more mature take on RPGs that delivers something quite different while maintaining enjoyable and somewhat familiar gameplay. Plus, mastering archetypes, exploring dungeons, and fighting for the crown is handled with perfect pacing.

WellPlayed - Nathan Hennessy - 9 / 10

If you can only play one turn-based fantasy roleplaying game this year, let it be this one. Swords and sorcery Persona is a marvellously executed pitch.

Video Reviews:

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[nial]

85-89.

 

[Draugoth]

My guess is 88, Atlus is really good with JRPGs

 

[TintoConCasera]

My guess is that it'll land in the 90s, and since Jack Frost's in the game I voted 95-100.

 

[Big Baller]

Xbox game of the year

 

[Caio]

The reactions so far have been predominantly positive, with growing anticipation surrounding the story and design. However, the details regarding the gameplay have not been fully explored, leaving some room for uncertainty.

Considering all factors, a reasonable prediction would place the game between 85% and 90% on Metacritic, with slight potential for either an increase or decrease depending on how its innovative elements and pacing are received.

Ok, I say 88%.

 

[Yoshichan]

can't fucking believe this is out soon

30 hours into the demo

i'm FULL ready

 

[Nankatsu]

My guess is 85-89 because the comparisons with Persona will be inevitable.

 

[RoboFu]

The blue haired boy looks like a little girl so the media will give it solid 10s.

But seriously after getting past all the presentation bs there is a solid game there in the demo.

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

After sinking 11h into the demo I'm confident that this one will score great, probably low 90s.

 

[ARK1391]

Demo was sooo good. I've played through it probably 10 times and finally have a save I'm happy with to carry over.

Hoping for ~90, but critics are a coin toss these days. I'm mega hyped regardless of the reviews. The demo was all I needed to confirm this will be my GOTY for 2024.

 

[TheDarkPhantom]

86, won't be on the same level as Persona but I can't wait to dig in, will be bouncing between Metaphor and Silent Hill 2

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

Also, just 5 more days until the game's release. Can't fucking wait!

 

[amigastar]

I'm interested in the game. If it can deliver i'm very likely going to get it.

 

[Pasta la Vista]

If this scores 90+ i might have to get it despite hating the garish designs of the characters and UI. It's so all over the place with its design, while being a Persona clone it lacks that very cohesive and defined style those games are known for. I also dislike the music that I've heard so far.

I'm sure the battles will be fun and the story has a lot of potential to go places and challenge ideas, you know, do the metaphysical introspective thing that Persona games are known for.

I'll admit, it's shallow of me to base my decision off a high score and typically I don't go down that path, but I kinda need to be pushed to look past the things I've complained about. If it really is THAT good, maybe the characters and setting can grow on me. We'll see.

I think 88 is a good bet.

 

[vaibhavpisal]

Going with 95-100.

 

[MagiusNecros]

Can't wait for Metaphor Refantazio. Starring Marth from the Fire Emblem Series.

 

[The artful mincer]

can't fucking believe this is out soon

30 hours into the demo

i'm FULL ready

What chance does it have of topping Rebirth for you!?

 

[SenkiDala]

91

 

[Yoshichan]

What chance does it have of topping Rebirth for you!?

funny cuz me and misses spoke about this very recently - I think there's a 0% chance that'll happen NO MATTER how good Metaphor ends up being. Rebirth was a 150 hour vacation for us with tons of fun and especially nostalgia - it's VERY hard for a new ip to stand a chance against this. With that being said, nostalgia aside, Metaphor might very well end up being the -actual- better game

 

[T4keD0wN]

I expect graphics and tech to drag it down, 93 is my guess

 

[Kurotri]

Thanks to only recently getting into Atlus games with Persona 5 Royal in 2020, my wait for this game was only 4 years long. This game was announced in 2016. There are souls out there that have been waiting 8 years for this which is wild to me. However we have finally arrived at the moment of truth. After having played the demo I fully expect this to reach high 80s at the very least. I do not expect it to reach Persona 5 levels but this will be one of the best games of the year guaranteed. I'm gonna go with 85 - 89.

 

[Go_Ly_Dow]

Great if it can get 90+ but think maybe it will be 85-90. Hope I'm wrong!

 

[Danjin44]

I’m more than confident that I’m gonna enjoy this game, what “scores” it get wouldn’t make any difference to me.

 

[ShadyAcshuns]

80-84 range. I have a backlog of games to play, so gonna wait for a sale.

 

[Vyse]

I went 90-94 on this one. Hope to nail four game guesses in a row. High hopes my friends!

 

[ChuckeRearmed]

if they address technical issues then it might be 85-89.

 

[MagiusNecros]

I’m more than confident that I’m gonna enjoy this game, what “scores” it get wouldn’t make any difference to me.

Scores don't matter IMO.

Besides we got people that have spent over 100 hours farming a dungeon to max rank all the current Archetypes and farming lots of items. Which means there are ways to get lots of XP/Money and finding loopholes in the "time limit" to do stuff.

 

[The artful mincer]

funny cuz me and misses spoke about this very recently - I think there's a 0% chance that'll happen NO MATTER how good Metaphor ends up being. Rebirth was a 150 hour vacation for us with tons of fun and especially nostalgia - it's VERY hard for a new ip to stand a chance against this. With that being said, nostalgia aside, Metaphor might very well end up being the -actual- better game

Yeah OG FFVII was THE game for alot of us growing up.

Almost impossible for a new game to compete with that unless it literally becomes the best game ever lol.

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

Btw, Altus (and Vanillaware with Unicorn Overlord) released all these games in a 12 month span. Hell of a run for them!

 

[Yoshichan]

Yeah OG FFVII was THE game for alot of us growing up.

Almost impossible for a new game to compete with that unless it literally becomes the best game ever lol.

exaaaaaaactly my thoughts!

 

[Danjin44]

 

[Mercador]

Team 86! So where is Steam Deck 2 so I can play it?

 

[RavenSan]

I think at least 90. Voted 90-95. Really enjoyed my time with the demo.

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

 

[StueyDuck]

I am really hoping this isnt one of those "from the creators of popular IP" that disappoints.

Here's hoping it's great. I do think high 70s low 80s though

 

[Krathoon]

I actually like the game more than Final Fantasy 16 and Rebirth.

It has that disturbing fantasy vibe.

 

[Hookshot]

Went low 80's. This is the ugliest game I've seen in a long time., like they've accidentally been showing the Switch version all this time.

 

[Astray]

Feels like a high 80's game to me.

 

[GHound]

Mid 80s or higher whether it deserves it or not.

 

[Topher]

Went low 80's. This is the ugliest game I've seen in a long time., like they've accidentally been showing the Switch version all this time.

It really isn't that ugly at all, imo. It needs to some touching up, sure, but the art is great.

But between the voice acting, fantastic music and what looks like a great story......I'm going to be shocked if it isn't high 80s at the least.

 

[ShaiKhulud1989]

Tbh it will be a testament to Persona's formula with way less attractive art style and unfamiliar visuals.

I bet it will sit decently at 84-86 but very few will actually play it. Demo left me torn tbh.

 

[EDMIX]

So I'd say low 70s, 60s even

 

[ShaiKhulud1989]

So I'd say low 70s, 60s even

No way in hell.

Maybe visually it's unappealing and too biege/brown (for me at least), but it's still a decent JRPG at it's core and I'm condfident in Studio Zero's wiriting skills.

They'll need to royally (sorry) eff up with the plot or systems to somehow break lower than their traditional corridor of 85-90.

 

[brenobnfm]

low 90s, if it was called The Legend of Zelda: Metaphor Refantazio easy 98

Tbh it will be a testament to Persona's formula with way less attractive art style and unfamiliar visuals.

Talk for yourself, the art style is breathtaking, it's just technically rough.

 

[ShaiKhulud1989]

Talk for yourself

There is a reason why P5 is by far the most successful game by Atlus. It's way easier for the eyes with very sparse palette and striking color separation. Plus modern Japan, especially Tokyo, is a setting that is just way-way easier to sell to mainstream (I personally love P4s village atmosphere more, but that's me).

Setting in Refantazio is fresh, striking on it's own and interesting for a keen viewer, but it will be monumentally harder to move to mainstream IMO.

 

[Danjin44]

Setting in Refantazio is fresh, striking on it's own and interesting for a keen viewer, but it will be monumentally harder to move to mainstream IMO.

I absolutely in love with Metaphor’s artstyle but I do I agree with you on that.

Metaphor is also not going for colourful fantasy setting like Mana or Dragon Quest…Metaphor’s setting is much harsher with politics, corruption, race discrimination, poverty, public executions and “human” monsters threat.

I’m still surprise this game is not rated “M” with how much violence it has.

 

[brenobnfm]

There is a reason why P5 is by far the most successful game by Atlus. It's way easier for the eyes with very sparse palette and striking color separation. Plus modern Japan, especially Tokyo, is a setting that is just way-way easier to sell to mainstream (I personally love P4s village atmosphere more, but that's me).

Setting in Refantazio is fresh, striking on it's own and interesting for a keen viewer, but it will be monumentally harder to move to mainstream IMO.

P5 was successful because P3 and P4 were successful, it built up on that, also helps that it was an amazing game, but don't think for a second it would've been nearly as hyped if it wasn't for the PS2 Persona games, maybe Metaphor will suffer a little because of that, not art style, we know it's just Persona 6 on a fantasy setting, but the casual gamer will most likely not.

 

[Flabagast]

Low 90s as well, story, style and sense of epicness will carry it hard I guess

 

[Topher]

There is a reason why P5 is by far the most successful game by Atlus. It's way easier for the eyes with very sparse palette and striking color separation. Plus modern Japan, especially Tokyo, is a setting that is just way-way easier to sell to mainstream (I personally love P4s village atmosphere more, but that's me).

Setting in Refantazio is fresh, striking on it's own and interesting for a keen viewer, but it will be monumentally harder to move to mainstream IMO.

That very well may be true since we are getting more earthy tones versus the glitzy Persona games, but I think it is a separate conversation to talk about how well the game will sell rather how well it will review. I agree the theme of Metafor may be offputting for some who really want the highly colorized Persona themes. But I think Metafor will do well enough as a JRPG even with the subdued colors as long as the story holds up.