Learn more about the fantasy with new Metaphor: ReFantazio details

Today, Atlus released new details on their upcoming RPG, Metaphor: ReFantazio. The Fast & Squad battle system allows players to swap between real time action and more traditional, turn-based command battles. Players can use Gallica’s Fae Sight to scan their surroundings and determine the best course to take. For example, some enemies cannot be defeated in Fast battle, so it may be worthwhile to stun your foe then begin the Squad battle. Squad battles allow you to choose each action characters in your party of four will take, using quick, single button menus much like Persona 5 and Persona 3 Reload.

During Squad battles, characters can transform into awakened Archetypes. Each Archetype has its own set of skills, so you need to balance your team to strike enemy weak points. If a character isn’t suited to the battle at hand, they can hand their turn to the next member, swap between back and front rows, and even swap to another character in reserve. Battle difficulty is intentionally high to emphasize tension and strategy, and make victory all the sweeter.

On the road to the throne, the protagonist will face many dangerous dungeons filled with strong foes and valuable treasure. The game features two types of dungeons: main dungeons which are along the story’s critical path, and side dungeons for side quests and other challenges. Along the way, you’ll gain followers who awaken new Archetypes for your party after building trust with them. Archetypes include the Seeker, an all-rounder, the Mage, an offensive magic user, the Thief, who can steal from enemies, and more. Each follower has their own unique story and background, so it’s up to the player to determine who they’ll bond with, what Archetypes to unlock, and how to use them in dungeons.

To travel the wastelands, the player will use the Gauntlet Runner, a large, armored vehicle powered by magic. As you travel, you can spend downtime traveling to cook, read a book, talk with friends, take a nap, or even go on deck to watch the scenery fly by. One of the towns the party will first travel to is Martira, Old Castle Town, home to a monster called the Giant Sandworm. Luckily, each town has a facility called the Recruitment Centre where the protagonist can accept monster hunting requests. These quests are dangerous, but the rewards are well worth the trouble.

Towns also have taverns where you can purchase information, weapon and armor shops to gear up and appraise your loot, and of course inns to rest up and plan your next day. While your time to complete the main quest in each area is limited, side quests may be the key to success. Side quests are everywhere in towns and may require you to defeat strong enemies, investigate, and explore. You can choose what to tackle first, but rewards like powerful equipment may help you along the way. The Royal Tournament lasts only a short six months, so use your time wisely. Do you focus on the main quest, side quests, or get a little touristy?

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a 35th anniversary project for Atlus, the game being a fantasy drama for the modern age, using the themes of inequality and class divides. The gameplay and scenario are built around a message of “If you stand still in fear, you will not be able to move forward.” Metaphor: ReFantazio launches on October 11th, 2024 for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC through Steam and Windows.

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