Review [English ver.]: Metaphor: ReFantazio

 by: Nabila Rhapsodios

PLOT

Gallica & The Protagonist

Metaphor: ReFantazio. Let's call it with a shorter name: Metaphor. It's a new IP for Atlus, the creative minds behind Shin Megami Tensei and Persona. Metaphor will take your protagonist on a compelling tale in a world where eight tribes live in conflict, and the throne sits vacant after the king's assassination. With no successors to wear the crown, the will of the deceased king decrees that the people will choose the United Kingdom of Euchronia's next ruler, and thus begins your protagonist's battle for the future and to lift the curse from the kingdom's missing prince.

MY IMPRESSION

I hope Metaphor will become a successful IP in the long run for Atlus and, of course, SEGA, too. All right, I shall proceed to the review part.

(+)

a. Narrative (includes theme, plot, and twist)

I watched in blind and was immediately invested in the narrative. Genuinely, the narrative is grand, and I see no flaws. It leads to exciting drama and political intrigue. Very dark themes such as countless strategies, assassination schemes, political maneuvers, discriminations, racism, destitution, mental health, and such. The general message of the game is terrific, and this game holds the power to affect real things in the world. I hope the themes are brought back and fleshed out if there will be a prequel or sequel to the game because they are worth expanding upon.

b. Characters of Metaphor: ReFantazio

Characters of Metaphor: Refantazio

Interesting cast of characters. They have their own history, personality, and well-written twists. I loved Heismay & Strohl the most out of the main party, even though I wished I could love everyone. However, I couldn't do it because the rest of the party was too idealized, and it was tiring for me. 

Louis Guiabern

A crucial note: I must bring out one name again. And that is Louis Guiabern, one of the best villains in an RPG. I really feel how much of a threat he is and how intelligent he is. I understand why he must be eradicated. I thoroughly enjoyed the narrative, thanks to him.

c. Music

Metaphor's OST is okay—nothing more, nothing less. It has put so much effort into it, and its OST is nothing I've heard before—it's unique in a video game. In particular, the normal battle theme when you are not being ambushed is remarkably addictive. That battle theme is titled "Warriors in Valour". Try listening to that song, flavored by a Buddhist Chief Priest who is "rapping" in Esperanto language with a Shinto-style chant.

d. Shout out to English Voice Acting 

Speaking of voice actors, I watched in English, and they all pretty much knocked the park across the board. I wonder how on earth the voice actors were cast and also passed MY quality review. It is beyond me or anybody's review. I am enamored every time they speak in-game, playing their own characters. There are zero second-rate performances from the actors. It's an absolutely fantastic choice—good form from Atlus on that decision.

(-)

a. Art Style and Design 

Despite my positive experiences, Metaphor's art style and designs, the low resolution, inconsistent frame rate, and overdesign of UI elements and menus aggravating the situation and watching pleasantries, creating a muddy, unpleasant visual mess. I have kept my distance from Atlus RPG titles my whole life because I dislike their overly stylized art, designs, and graphics. However, Metaphor successfully drew me in not because of them but because of the story premise aspect.

Overall, Metaphor is a must-play game. Through its narrative, I want to see people learn to be better people. I want people to fall into more caring about other people. This game's narrative also teaches us important lessons about dignity, equality, and freedom of democracy. I give the game a 9/10. It's on sale now for PS4, PS5, Steam, and Xbox Series X/S.

-FIN-

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