Metaphor: ReFantazio Unveiled at Xbox Games Showcase – Atlus Ventures into High-Fantasy Realm

On June 11, 2023, Atlus showed strongly at the Xbox Games Showcase. Persona 3 Reload and Persona 5 Tactica, two Persona properties, were made public by the corporation. Atlus fans, however, received one more pleasant surprise at the occasion: the long-awaited Project ReFantasy’s official reveal as Metaphor: ReFantazio.

ReFantazio is Atlus’ first high-fantasy video game, a significant change from the developer’s previous focus on JRPGs set in contemporary, real-world locations like Tokyo, Japan. Here is a summary of all our current information about Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Release Period

Metaphor: ReFantazio only has a 2024 release window as of the time of writing. Given that this is the first official detailed demonstration of the game, it might take some time before a precise release date is announced.

Platforms

The only platforms made accessible when Metaphor: ReFantazio was shown off at the 2023 Xbox Games Showcase were the Xbox Series X/S and PC. However, launch dates for PlayStation and Nintendo Switch could be announced later. Additionally, the game’s inclusion in Xbox Game Pass at launch was not mentioned in the trailer; however, this could change once a firm release date is announced.

In-Game Trailer

The 2023 Xbox Games Showcase served as the official international debut for ReFantazio.

Gameplay information

Many metaphors: ReFantazio will sound similar to JRPG fans who have played Atlus’ earlier games, like Persona 5. This makes sense since the game was made by the same people who made Persona 3, 4, and 5. Like recent Atlus JRPGs like Persona 5 and SMT V, players can move around a world map to discover various places. A portion of the world map is also seen in the teaser, showing four possible destinations for players.

Characters in the game must manage their HP and MP during turn-based combat, reminiscent of the SMT and Persona titles. Characters can employ a Weapon, a Guard, or an Item to attack during battle. However, Alternatives exist, such as utilizing “Archetype” abilities and working with “Synthesis.” While some skills, like Matarukaja and Tetrabreak, are carried over from SMT and Persona, others, like the WInd skill Gacyc, have distinct names. In addition, players will be able to accept Quest and enlist Followers throughout the game. Our protagonist develops new “Bonds” with various characters, with Ranks comparable to Social Links and Confidants from Persona. However, it still needs to be determined what this signifies.