Metaphor ReFantazio: A Groundbreaking RPG Exploring the Complexities of Power, Oppression, and the Pursuit of a Just Society

Atlus' ambitious new RPG, Metaphor ReFantazio, is a captivating blend of fantasy storytelling and political commentary that challenges traditional tropes and invites players to grapple with the complexities of power, oppression, and the pursuit of a just society. Developed over nearly a decade, this game arrives at a particularly tumultuous moment in modern politics, making it one of the most timely and thought-provoking video game experiences in recent memory.

Unveiling a Realm Rife with Inequality and Unrest

A Kingdom Divided: The Complexities of Euchronia

Metaphor ReFantazio takes place in the kingdom of Euchronia, a land characterized by wealth, technological progress, and deep societal divisions. The eight tribes that call Euchronia home range from the religious Mustari, whose unorthodox beliefs make them outcasts, to the emotional and shunned Paripus, fox-like people who dare to express their feelings openly. Only two tribes enjoy privileged status, including the one that happens to rule the country.

The Curse of the Humans: Embodiments of Sin and Excess

At the heart of Euchronia's troubles are the monstrous creatures known as Humans, which represent sin and excess in its many forms. These Humans, some of which are drawn from famous artwork such as Hieronymus Bosch's "Garden of Earthly Delights," feed on the anxieties of the people, and the more anxious the populace becomes, the stronger the Humans grow. This dynamic creates an advantageous tactic for unscrupulous political actors, who seek to sow instability for their own gain.

The Protagonist's Mission: Awakening the Cursed Prince

The protagonist of Metaphor ReFantazio is an Elda, a race the state church declares as anathema due to their magical abilities. Their mission is to awaken the crown prince, who has been cursed by a powerful mage named Louis Guilabern. The urgency of this task increases when the king is murdered, and it becomes clear that Guilabern intends to seize the throne for himself.

The Power of the Banned Book: Inspiring a Revolution

At the heart of Metaphor ReFantazio's narrative is a simple yet powerful concept: the transformative power of a banned book. This book, written by a man named More, tells a fantasy tale of an ideal city where all are equal, and reading it becomes an act of rebellion for those living on society's margins. The book stirs within them a passion for change and a belief that the terrible world they inhabit need not remain so forever.

Blending Fantasy and Philosophy: Atlus' Ambitious Experiment

Metaphor ReFantazio is a story about revolution and philosophy, and it wears its inspirations and references openly. From the book about a utopia by an author named More, which mirrors Thomas More's work "Utopia," to the game's exploration of utilitarian theory, Enlightenment questions about the body and soul, and commentary on the spectator sport nature of electoral politics, Atlus has managed to cram an impressive array of ideas into this ambitious RPG.

Challenging Tropes and Embracing Diversity

One of the standout features of Metaphor ReFantazio is its willingness to invert traditional fantasy tropes. The hero's mission is to save a prince, not a princess, and the prince's most capable and loyal knights are a woman and an old man. The Rouissante tribe, for example, are common and earthy, unlike the usual ethereal interpretations of elves. Notably, the game also features prominent roles for Black characters, and the antagonist, Louis Guilabern, is a powerful and charismatic villain, rather than an offensive play on effeminate stereotypes.

Navigating the Complexities of Corruption and Discrimination

At its core, Metaphor ReFantazio is a game that has a lot to say about corrupt institutions and how they remain intact by dividing communities and fostering environments of fear and discrimination. The game is not subtle in these moments, and while the quest for the crown is the party's ostensible goal, the intellectual quest toward creating a just and equal society is what truly drives the narrative forward.

Crafting Compelling Characters and Moral Dilemmas

Metaphor ReFantazio's characters, or "Followers," are a properly ragtag bunch, each with their own views on life and government that tie into the main story. From a merchant who loves profits but hates capitalism to a brawler who wants to execute the rich after a lifetime of racial oppression, these characters are not mere caricatures but complex individuals whose development and choices reflect the game's broader themes.

Blending Familiar and Innovative Gameplay Mechanics

Metaphor ReFantazio blends familiar JRPG mechanics with Atlus' own design philosophies, resulting in a compelling and innovative gameplay experience. The game's turn-based combat system is built around the press-turn system from the Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series, while also incorporating elements from the Etrian Odyssey series, such as front and back row physical placement for party members.

The Archetype System: Customization and Flexibility

One of the standout features of Metaphor ReFantazio's gameplay is its "Archetype" system, which serves as a highly advanced job or class system. Any party member can study and swap between various Archetypes, and they can also inherit skills from other Archetypes, allowing for a high degree of customization and strategic flexibility.

Navigating Time and Relationships in Euchronia

Outside of combat, Metaphor ReFantazio requires careful time management, as the party travels on strict deadlines, with each journey taking days or even weeks. However, the game adapts the calendar system from Persona and improves upon it, allowing the protagonist to engage in meaningful side quests, deepen relationships with Followers, and refine their Royal Virtues (the game's version of Persona's social stats).

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Experimentation

While Metaphor ReFantazio's gameplay is generally well-designed and enjoyable, it does feature a few unforgiving systems, such as the non-refundable currency spent on unlocking new skills and the potential for mandatory boss fights with the wrong party setup. However, the game's frequent save points and the narrative context around these encounters help mitigate the frustration, and the overall emphasis on experimentation and flexibility in the Archetype system encourages players to adapt and overcome these challenges.

A Timely and Thought-Provoking Masterpiece

Metaphor ReFantazio is a stellar achievement, with Atlus refining and improving its design philosophies in meaningful ways. While the game's ideas and stances may not be entirely unique, the fact that a video game is bold enough to tackle such complex and timely themes of power, oppression, and the pursuit of a just society makes it a noteworthy and thought-provoking experience. In a time when oppression and injustice are sanctioned at the highest levels, Metaphor ReFantazio's willingness to confront these issues head-on is a testament to the medium's potential to engage with the most pressing issues of our time.