The following contains spoilers for Metaphor: ReFantazio.
Although its prologue demo has been available for some time, the full release for Metaphor: ReFantazio is officially here, bringing with it plenty of new characters for players to grow attached to over the course of its lengthy narrative. However, despite characters that are introduced after its prologue, Metaphor: ReFantazio's best character arrived before the launch of the full game.
Leon Strohl has stolen the show in Metaphor: ReFantazio despite only being an ally. Much of this is due to his personality, his unbreakable bond with the protagonist, and his heart for justice, but Strohl can also be of great use to combat in Metaphor: ReFantazio.
Metaphor: Refantazio's Leon Strohl Steals the Show
Metaphor: ReFantazio's Leon Strohl Has a Tragic Backstory
When a character has a tragic backstory, as many RPG characters do, how they respond to those events ultimately makes them who they are. Leon Strohl de Haliaetus is one such character with a tragic backstory, although he began as a noble, born the son of the Count of Halia, a village once nestled within the northern hills of Eucronia. As the game's story progresses, it becomes evident that the events of Strohl's past have contributed to who he is today.
Seven years before the events of Metaphor: ReFantazio, on the first Flamesday of June, Halia was burned to the ground. When players first meet him, he implies that it was a human who destroyed his village, with frequent post-traumatic stress responses to the humans he and the game's protagonist encounter during the prologue. However, Leon Strohl soon finds out that Captain Klinger was responsible for allowing the human to rampage through Halia, as Klinger says he knew better than to confront the monster. As such, he allowed the human to destroy the village despite Halia's request for aid, seemingly leaving none alive — except Strohl.
Upon learning the truth about his past from a remark made by Captain Klinger, Strohl awakens to his Warrior Archetype.
Metaphor: ReFantazio's Leon Strohl Exhibits Characteristics Befitting a Hero
Apart from having a tragic backstory that makes him who he is, Leon Strohl exhibits plenty of lovable characteristics befitting a hero. Firstly, he has a strong desire for justice, likely motivated by the events of his past. Despite being a noble, he prefers not to put it on display and treats everyone fairly. Leon even adores Metaphor: ReFantazio's protagonist, who is a member of the Elda Tribe, those condemned and therefore discriminated against by the Sanctist Church for inheriting "dangerous magic."
Leon Strohl is also quite a bit like Final Fantasy 16's Clive Rosfield in that he is a very kind and softhearted individual. The only thing that really makes him angry or impatient is injustice, as he can't deny his own penchant for compassion when witnessing pain or unfairness being inflicted on those undeserving of it. Finally, Strohl exhibits great strength and leadership when it is required, courageously standing up for his convictions and defending those who need it. Although he is very empowering of Metaphor's protagonist and will occasionally allow him to lead, Strohl often still naturally assumes the role of leader, though in a way that is not overbearing or vainly assuming.
Metaphor: ReFantazio's Leon Strohl Has One of the Best Archetypes
Strohl also has one of Metaphor: ReFantazio's best Archetypes for its early game. Once introduced, the party can benefit from Leon's Warrior Archetype and the devastating damage it can deal to enemies. More often than not, Leon's Warrior Archetype skills can deal greater damage than some of the others, especially during the first half of the game.
Leon Strohl is undoubtedly Metaphor: ReFantazio's standout character, emerging from his tragic past as a kind, compassionate, and courageous hero who will do anything for those he loves. While there are many other memorable characters in Metaphor: ReFantazio, Leon Strohl takes the cake as its breakout star.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 93 /100 Critics Rec: 98%
- Released
- October 11, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Studio Zero
- Publisher(s)
- Atlus
- Engine
- GFD
- Number of Players
- 1
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Playable
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
