Summary
Few new IPs manage to achieve whatMetaphor: ReFantaziohas since its release. Developed by the expert hands of Atlus and Studio Zero, one might have expected it to be nothing more thanPersonaset in a different universe, but it has managed to go above and beyond that sentiment in its originality. With its captivating fantasy world, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay systems,Metaphor: ReFantaziohas established a firm foothold in the RPG genre. Now, after its positive reception, including multiple Game Awards wins and record-breaking sales, it’s hard to imagine a world where this new IP doesn’t expand further.
The question now isn’t so muchwhetherMetaphor: ReFantaziowill receive a sequel, but when. While nothing is set in stone yet,Metaphor’s critical and commercial success makes the prospect of a sequel feel almost inevitable. It’s a rare case where all the right ingredients are in place for a brand-new IP, setting the stage for what could become one of Atlus' defining franchises beyondPersonaandShin Megami Tensei.
A Sequel to Metaphor: ReFantazio Feels Like a Given
Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Success All But Demands a Sequel
AfterMetaphor: ReFantazio’s massive success in 2024, there’s little reason to doubt that it will receive at least one sequel someday. It’s not very often that a brand-new IP achieves the level of acclaim thatMetaphorhas, but that could be attributed to the reputation of its publisher and co-developer, Atlus, as well as the well-oiledPersonaformula it borrows from. Even somewhat relying on the foundation thatPersonahas laid for it, however,Metaphor: ReFantaziohas still effectively carved out its own legacy in the gaming industry, serving up a unique fantasy setting and innovative gameplay mechanics thePersonaseries hasn’t yet explored. On top of that,Metaphor: ReFantaziointroduces brand-new memorablecharacters like Leon Strohland Hulkenberg who, in classic Atlus fashion, have been known to effortlessly leave a lasting mark on players long after the credits roll.
AfterMetaphor: ReFantazio’s massive success in 2024, there’s little reason to doubt that it will receive at least one sequel someday.
Metaphor: ReFantazioisn’t just a great game visually, mechanically, and narratively; it has been well-received by fans and critics alike, moving on to be nominated for several different categories at the 2024 Game Awards and ultimately winning three of them —Best RPG, Best Narrative, and Best Art Direction. This is all backed up, no doubt, by the fact that it sold one million units on the same day that it launched, making it the fastest-selling Atlus title ever made. With all of this success behind it,Metaphor: ReFantaziohas built up momentum that Atlus and Studio Zero would be remiss not to take advantage of by developing a sequel. In many ways, the acclaimMetaphor: ReFantaziohas achieved makes the question of a sequel not just a possibility but a necessity.
Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Director Hopes It Can Be a Series One Day
As if the massive success ofMetaphor: ReFantaziowasn’t enough, the game’s director, Katsura Hashino, has recently gone on record stating his hopes for the IP’s future. In the latest special double issue of Weekly Famitsu magazine,transcribed by ryokutya2089, Hashino says that “concrete” plans for aMetaphor: ReFantaziosequel, even making the game into a series, don’t currently exist. However, the director does hope thatMetaphor: ReFantaziocan be a series one day, much like Atlus’PersonaandShin Megami Tenseifranchises.
Given its critical acclaim and now the director’s comments on it potentially becoming a series one day, aMetaphor: ReFantaziosequel seems like a matter of when, not if. While it’s not at all a guarantee, it certainly feels like more of a guarantee than a mere possibility, though fans should still keep their expectations in check moving forward. At the very least, fans who have fallen in love with theworld ofMetaphor: ReFantazioand are wanting more should rest easy knowing that their dreams are shared by the game’s director, which is always a good sign of a game’s future.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
WHERE TO PLAY
From the creative minds behind Persona 3, 4, and 5 comes Metaphor: ReFantazio, a unique fantasy world, where your protagonist will journey alongside his fairy companion, Gallica, to lift the curse from the kingdom’s lost prince.Control your destiny, face your fears, and awaken magical Archetype powers that lie dormant in your heart. By awakening to an Archetype, you will unlock the power to channel and combine the abilities of unique job classes. Strengthen your bonds and build your party to take down powerful foes and discover the kingdom’s true nature.
