ReFantazio locks in an October release date, showcases more gameplay in trailer

The fantasy adventure Metaphor: ReFantazio has a launch date locked in. Atlus has confirmed that its contest for the throne will kick off on October 11, 2024.

Shown off in today’s showcase, Metaphor: ReFantazio might look and feel a bit familiar to fans of other Atlus RPGs like Shin Megami Tensei or its spin-off series, Persona. The team working on it includes SMT 3 and Persona 3 through 5 director Katsura Hoshino (Persona 3 and 5), composer Shoji Meguro, and character artist Shigenori Soejima. While it’s a new IP, you can definitely see the SMT and Persona influences at play here.

Alongside the trailer, we got a big showcase, detailing just how this role-playing adventure will play out.

Competing for the kingdom

The story follows your name-able protagonist, who becomes a candidate in the race for the throne of this fantasy land. With a fairy helper, a traveling base called the Gauntlet Runner, and a full party, you’ll eventually build up both a strong force for fighting enemies and a loyal crew to bolster your campaign.

Travelling between towns links in some interesting time management concerns, and the player seems to have some freedom in how they approach various quests and challenges. Of course, there are also opportunities to hang out with your allies while getting around the world. It seems like there’s definitely some room for socializing of some kind.

In a surprising departure from the norm, Metaphor: ReFantazio mixes action and turn-based role-playing mechanics. You can strike and dodge on the overworld, then hit a button to leap into full-on turn-based combat. Getting a “Squad” strike without an enemy noticing you enables a first-strike round. It’s an interesting mix, but one I’m really keen to check out.

Each party member can confront their anxieties to gain Archetypes, which are essentially classic RPG jobs that also allow the fighter to transform for greater power. Like a Persona, essentially. Add in some flashy special moves, and the Metaphor team seems like it’s got some interesting ideas on how to tackle an evolution of its spiritual predecessors’ styles.

There’s also an absolutely gorgeous UI and some great character art, plus plenty of bonds to form, this really does seem to be an interesting twist on a familiar foundation. Even if it ends up just being a dark fantasy setting for an SMT-like RPG, I’m pretty okay with that.

Metaphor: ReFantazio heads to Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 4 and 5 on October 11, 2024.