The next big Atlus RPG Metaphor ReFantazio tries to break apart from its Persona mold, bringing a brand-new experience for everyone. As such, there are many things that the upcoming RPG does differently than others. And expecting it to be like Persona will be wrong.
If you are also looking forward to the upcoming Atlus RPG and want to grab a copy when the game launches on October 11, 2024, here’s everything you should know.
There will be no character romance in Metaphor ReFantazio
One of the most significant selling points of the Persona games is its romance options in-game. In recent Persona games, you can romance a cast of characters and strengthen your bond with them. However, the same won’t be available in Metaphor ReFantazio.
The upcoming RPG game still has a bond system, and you spend time with your party members and friends. However, you won’t be romantically involved with any of the characters. And I am okay with it because not every game needs a romance system!
Metaphor ReFantazio still uses turn-based combat
While veteran Japanese RPG series like Final Fantasy are slowly shifting to more real-time combat, Metaphor ReFantazio wants to stick to its roots while also introducing real-time combat for grunts. And since Atlus is responsible for making the game, the turn-based combat system is stylish.
Furthermore, there are fundamental changes to how the combat works compared to the Persona games. You won’t get to exploit an enemy’s weakness or get a crit like in the Persona games. So, there won’t be any all-out attacks on your party members.
The calendar system is back
If there is one thing returning to Metaphor from other Atlus RPGs, it is the calendar system. Much like Persona, Metaphor will also feature a full-fledged calendar with different weather on different days and time-specific tasks.
Additionally, you can only do specific activities on certain days and manage your activities accordingly. So, if you are a fan of the calendar system from Persona, there is something to look forward to!
Metaphor ReFantazio takes place in a fantasy setting
Unlike Shin Megami Tensei and Persona, which take place in a post-apocalyptic setting and modern setting, respectively, Metaphor ReFantazio will take place in a fantasy setting that is entirely different from the settings of Persona and Shin Megami Tensei.
In Metaphor, the protagonist and the fairy Gallica are tasked with removing a curse from the lost prince and bringing peace to the land. This sounds like an interesting backdrop for a studio that primarily creates Persona and SMT games.
The Archetype is a unique twist to the Persona system
Metaphor also introduces a brand-new system that might look familiar to the Persona system – Archetype. In it, a player can equip each companion with an archetype, letting them perform unique skills during combat. However, the Archetype is entirely different from the Persona system.
You can only equip one archetype to a companion, unlike multiple personas. This makes the system like a job system, where each archetype allows your companion to use other weapons and abilities. This also changes the overall combat experience.
