How Persona 5 Dev’s New Game, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Changes Combat And Relationships

Metaphor: ReFantazio–the upcoming RPG from the developers of Persona 3, 4, and 5–has received a substantial news update prior to its release later this fall. The update delves into more of the game’s systems, including combat, archetypes, and bonds, as well as offers fans a closer look at some of the game’s art and locations.

According to Studio Zero, Metaphor: ReFantazio’s combat will be one of its more innovative features and “an evolution in command battle.” Rather than traditional turn-based battle, the game will implement a “Fast and Squad” system that allows players to switch between real-time action, or Fast mode, and traditional command based combat, referred to in the game as Squad mode. When in Fast mode, players can use the lock-on, dash, and evade functions while they are exploring, eliminating the need to enter traditional turn-based combat. Studio Zero recommends reserving this function when in an area filled with lower-level enemies you’ve previous encountered, though it can also be used to gain advantage on an enemy before entering Squad battle.

Squad battle will resemble the more strategic command battle system we’ve come to expect from Studio Zero, and allows four characters to engage in turn-based combat using their Archetypes and special skills. Based on the description, it seems like Archetypes will play out very similarly to summoning a character’s persona in the Persona series, and will allow players to perform powerful attacks that strike enemies’ weaknesses. Studio Zero stated the “difficulty level of battles in this game is intentionally made to be high,” meaning players should be prepared to enter a lot of strategic battles. Fortunately, the studio shared that the protagonist’s fairy companion, Gallica, will have an ability known as Fae Sight, which allows you to understand the strength of the monsters within a dungeon.

Understanding and using Archetypes will be vital to player’s success in battle, according to Studio Zero. Archetypes are awakened when party members “face their fears” and form bonds with “their supportive followers to awaken the power of heroic images.” The protagonist can transform into a number of Archetypes in battle, with different Archetypes possessing different benefits and personalities. Some of the confirmed Archetypes are the Seeker, the Mage, and the Thief.

To power up these Archetypes, players will need to form bonds with party members and various people throughout their journey. As the protagonist strengthens his bonds with others, he will both awaken and strengthen different Archetypes. Additionally, forming connections with others allows for what Studio Zero refers to as “followers’ stories” to play out. These stories will add context to the game and “greatly influence party development and the story experience.”

Metaphor Re:Fantazio will contain both main dungeons and side dungeons, all of which the game’s party will travel to via Gauntlet Runner. Studio Zero described a Gauntlet Runner as “a large armored vehicle designed to move safely through such a wilderness.” In addition to providing transportation, it will also act as the party’s mobile base–similar to a “camper van” according to the developers. While in the Gauntlet Runner, players will be able to cook, read, chat with teammates, and even take a nap.

The studio then shared a first look at two of the game’s primary locations: Castle Town Martira and the Royal Capital. Whereas the Capital is a massive city with bustling markets–and extreme wealth inequality–Martira is more pastoral, and will offer shops, a tavern, and an inn players can go to to take on bounties and meet up with informants for pertinent information. Both locations reside in the Kingdom of Euchronia.

Once in a location, players must “conquer the main quest within their designated period of stay in each region,” making it seem like the game will be more linear rather than open-world. Each main quest will have a designated deadline, making completing side quests and strengthening the party an “important option,” according to Studio Zero.

On the subject of deadlines, Studio Zero has also confirmed the game will use a date system and the entire game will be set over the course of six months. To become king within that time, players must “win the trust of the people of the country over powerful rivals” and increase their overall popularity with Euchronia’s citizenry.

Lastly, Studio Zero shared a bit more about the game’s Collector’s edition. In addition to the base game, this version of Metaphor: ReFantazio contains an art book, soundtrack, steel book, Kingdom of Euchronia cloth map, metallic pins, stickers, and several digital goodies, including costume packs based on the Persona games. Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Collector’s edition retails for $150.

Metaphor: ReFantazio will be available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on October 11, 2024. For more information about the upcoming RPG, check out our Metaphor: ReFantazio hub as well as some of the new images below.