Metaphor: ReFantaziohas quickly established itself as one of Atlus’ most significant releases. The RPG launched to immense acclaim, selling over one million copies on its first day, making it one of the company’s fastest-selling titles.Winning Best Art Direction and Best Narrative at The Game Awards 2024only added to its growing prestige. These accomplishments, paired with its innovative approach to the genre, have sparked discussions about its potential to join Atlus’ other iconic franchises,PersonaandShin Megami Tensei.
Director Katsura Hashino, renowned for his work on thePersonaseries, has expressed his desire to seeMetaphor: ReFantazioevolve into a flagship RPG series for Atlus. While no official sequel has been confirmed, the game’s achievements and thematic richness suggest it has a solid foundation for future entries.
How Metaphor: ReFantazio Stands Apart
At its core,Metaphor: ReFantaziosets itself apart by tradingPersona’s settingof a modern high school for a medieval high fantasy world. The game builds on the team’s signature focus on psychological themes, centering around the concept of anxiety. This places it in familiar territory for fans ofPersona, which has long explored themes like truth, identity, and rebellion. However,Metaphor: ReFantaziodistinguishes itself by weaving these ideas into a world inspired by Jungian archetypes, creating a fresh narrative backdrop.
The game’s hybrid combat system is another key differentiator. By blending turn-based strategy with real-time action elements, it bridges the gap between the approachable combat ofPersonaand the more demanding systems found inShin Megami Tensei. Players can choose difficulty levels that provide a challenge without overwhelming those unfamiliar with Atlus’ style.
Persona’s Social Mechanics Made Simple
Metaphor: ReFantazioalso refines the social systemsfor which Atlus games are known. UnlikePersona, which includes detailed Social Links that require careful planning and can lock players out of content due to poor decisions,Metaphor: ReFantaziosimplifies these interactions. Bonding with teammates and NPCs is more straightforward, focusing on meaningful character moments without the fear of failure.
This streamlined approach has resonated with players who value emotional connections but want a more accessible experience. While less intricate thanPersona’ssystem, it effectively builds relationships and could serve as a foundation for more ambitious mechanics in future installments.
Despite its standalone success,Metaphor: ReFantazioleaves room for growth and evolution in potential sequels. The game’s conclusion introduces narrative threads that could be expanded, especially with how it integrates player involvement into its story. These elements offer opportunities for a sequel to explore new themes, mechanics, and character arcs while maintaining the essence of the original.
Director Katsura Hashino has expressed a strong desire to seeMetaphor: ReFantaziobecome a lasting series. If realized, it could stand alongsidePersonaandShin Megami Tenseias one of Atlus’ defining franchises. Additionally, Atlus’ upcoming announcements for 2025—rumored to include news aboutPersona 6—may provide further insight into the company’s long-term plans forMetaphor: ReFantazio.
The game’s strong launch and critical acclaim suggest it is already on the right track. With its engaging world, innovative mechanics, and thoughtful exploration of anxiety,Metaphor: ReFantaziooffers a fresh perspective on the Atlus RPG formula. If future entries continue to build on this foundation, the series has the potential to become just as iconic as Atlus’ other major franchises. As fans look ahead, the possibility ofMetaphor: ReFantaziogrowing into a major series offers an exciting prospect for the future of RPGs.
