Atlus, the minds behind the Persona series, have once again proven their mastery of the JRPG genre with Metaphor: ReFantazio. This original title blends deep turn-based combat, rich world-building, and a distinctly anime-inspired style into one unforgettable fantasy adventure. Whether you’re a veteran of Shin Megami Tensei or just a fan of stylish anime aesthetics and complex characters, ReFantazio is a journey worth taking.
A Political Fantasy World That Feels Alive
Metaphor: ReFantazio transports players to the Kingdom of Euchronia, a realm on the brink of chaos following the assassination of its monarch. The game’s story follows the Seeker, a masked protagonist whose goal is to unite a fractured kingdom through a mysterious royal election. The setting may sound like traditional high fantasy, but Atlus injects it with the psychological depth and social commentary that Persona fans will instantly recognize.
The game’s lore is presented through cinematic cutscenes, detailed in-game tomes, and meaningful character dialogue. It doesn’t spoon-feed players the world’s rules but instead encourages exploration and curiosity. The political themes—power, legacy, and destiny—are thought-provoking without ever feeling heavy-handed.
A Cast of Unforgettable Characters
What truly brings ReFantazio to life is its vibrant cast. From Gallant, a chivalrous knight with a tragic past, to Hulkenberg, a stoic yet compassionate guardian, every party member has a compelling arc and distinct personality. Interactions between characters are rich and often emotional, touching on themes like loyalty, redemption, and finding one’s purpose.
The game’s “Archetype” system allows characters to evolve in unique ways, reflecting both gameplay choices and story progression. Watching your allies grow not just in combat strength but in personal conviction is one of the game’s most rewarding features.
Stylish, Strategic Combat
Metaphor: ReFantazio doesn’t shy away from Atlus’ roots in turn-based systems, but it refreshes the formula with modern flair. Combat is fast-paced, tactical, and beautifully animated. Players can combine Archetypes to create powerful synergies, giving battles an element of experimentation and personalization.
Enemy designs are delightfully grotesque and otherworldly, clearly drawing from mythological and dreamlike sources—perfect for anime and fantasy fans alike. Boss fights in particular are dramatic, cinematic, and demand strategy over brute force.
For fans who enjoy the mix of social sim and dungeon-crawling in the Persona series, ReFantazio offers a different but equally compelling loop. Managing your time between politics, exploration, and relationship-building gives the experience real weight and pacing.
A Feast for the Senses
Visually, Metaphor: ReFantazio is stunning. The art direction draws from both medieval fantasy and modern anime design, resulting in a world that feels simultaneously timeless and cutting-edge. The game’s UI, effects, and character portraits ooze style without sacrificing clarity.
The soundtrack, composed by Shoji Meguro (of Persona 5 fame), is an instant classic. Blending sweeping orchestral arrangements with jazz and experimental electronic beats, the music sets the tone perfectly—from tense political confrontations to ethereal dreamscapes.
Voice acting is top-tier, with both English and Japanese options fully supported. Each character’s voice actor brings nuance and emotion, enhancing already strong writing and helping the game’s dramatic moments hit even harder.
Built with Anime Fans in Mind
What makes ReFantazio a standout for anime and manga lovers is its heartfelt embrace of the medium’s storytelling techniques—flashbacks, symbolic visuals, character monologues, and emotionally-charged climaxes. This is a JRPG that feels like a long-form anime series in all the best ways.
Even the Archetype transformations recall magical girl transformations or shonen power-ups, complete with dynamic camera angles and brilliant visual effects. If you love the emotional highs of shows like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhoodor Attack on Titan, you’ll feel right at home here.
