Metaphor: ReFantazio is only a few weeks away and it looks like a free demo for the massive fantasy RPG could be released today on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. The persona-esque riff on medieval politics and magically inspired friendships has been oozing style for months and will hopefully scratch that itch Persona6 fans for years.
A description for the demo leaked on the Hong Kong Xbox Store this morning, describes a prologue for Metaphor: ReFantazio This would show players the beginning and carry over their demo progress to the full game. It looks like the free demo will go live on each of the platforms later today. -[[[[Update 09/25/24 5:06 PM ET: It’s now live on PS5, Xbox Series X/SAnd Steam and it rocks except on the PC, where it seems to run like potatoes.]
Metaphor: ReFantazio will be released in full on October 11th and marks Atlus’ first major new RPG since 2021 Shin Megami Tensei V. Unlike that game, however, this one will take full advantage of the more powerful consoles of the current generation. And while it is being developed by experienced members of the persona And SMT teams, it’s also a completely new franchise with the freedom to experiment in different ways.
While Metaphor: ReFantazio takes over many well-known systems from persona– such as the calendar system, relationship meters, and character abilities that function similarly to Persona powers – it also introduces a number of new combat mechanics, as well as a campaign that is more exploration-based. I played it at the Summer Game Fest and had a lot of fun fighting. My city Employee Kenneth Shephard recently played it in more detail and also went home with a positive impression.
Another major differentiating factor for Metaphor: ReFantazio is that it’s set in a fantasy setting rather than modern urban Japan. So the game seems to be trying to address broader and more complex issues about society and politics without openly admitting it. We’ll find out how well that works next month.
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