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Metaphor: ReFantazio is a new fantasy RPG for the PS5, developed by the creators of the Persona series. It features a unique fantasy world where players embark on a journey to lift a curse from the prince, alongside a fairy companion named Gallica. The game incorporates elements familiar to Persona fans, such as a calendar system, social links, and social stats, while introducing new mechanics like "Archetypes" and real-time action in combat.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Story and Setting:
The game is set in the kingdom of Euchronia, where the king has been assassinated and his son is cursed.
Players must navigate a politically charged world, uncovering the secrets behind the king's death and the prince's curse.
The story explores themes of racism, inequality, poverty, and religious extremism.
Players will engage in a royal tournament to determine the next ruler.
Gameplay:
Metaphor: ReFantazio utilizes a turn-based combat system with real-time action elements, similar to the Persona series.
Players can utilize "Archetypes," which are manifestations of magical powers, and combine their abilities.
The game features a calendar system, requiring players to manage their time effectively while balancing story progression, side quests, and social links.
Social links with party members will enhance the abilities of their Archetypes.
The game also features synthesis attacks and allows for some real-time action during combat.
Exploration takes place across a vast world, with players traveling to different cities and dungeons using their "Gauntlet Runner".
Visuals and Audio:
The game features a unique art style with a blend of manga-inspired visuals and anime cutscenes.
The music is described as an epic orchestral score with operatic vocals.
The game's visual style is considered distinctive and inventive, set against beautiful landscapes.
Performance:
The game is reported to have an unstable frame rate on PS5, with dips into the 40s during combat and in some enclosed spaces.
Some players have reported performance issues even with VRR enabled, but the PC version runs well at higher resolutions and refresh rates.