Major spoilers ahead for Metaphor: ReFantazio. Proceed at your own risk.
In today's AAA climate where games take longer than ever to produce, passion projects can be a risky play to consider. It is fortunate, then, that Metaphor: ReFantazio's praises continue to be sung, showing that the efforts of director Katsura Hashino and Studio Zero have borne fruit with the introduction of a new IP under Atlus' repertoire. In the wake of any IP's acclaim comes a look into how its success might be prolonged into the future, and with Hashino's desire to see Metaphor as its own flagship series, there warrants the question of what, exactly, a follow-up to the title might look like. The possible paths are many, for better or for worse.
In recent years, Atlus' approach to follow-ups has set a somewhat divisive pattern through its enhanced editions. What has become a staple of modern Persona has made its way into other properties, from Catherine: Full Body to the more recent Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance, setting up a formula that has garnered mixed reaction from fans. There are, of course, pros to enhanced editions that come with the name; better platform accessibility, iterations on shakier design mechanics, and story alterations/additions might justify a purchase for some. For others, the idea of cashing out a second time calls into question the ethics of the practice. Whether Metaphor: ReFantazio warrants a similar approach remains up for debate.
How Persona 6 Can Profit Off of Metaphor: ReFantazio's Merchant Archetype
Metaphor: ReFantazio's Merchant Archetype channels classic JRPG vibes with its creative uses for cash, and Persona 6 would be wise to copy it.
Metaphor: ReFantazio's Follow-Up Paths are Numerous
Following or Straying From Atlus' Enhanced Edition Formula
It is unclear whether Metaphor will follow suit with an enhanced edition, though that hasn't stopped discourse from circulating as fans call into question what content was cut throughout the game's development. As any development cycle goes, the scope of a game often starts far larger than it ends up; in Metaphor's case, this appears to have resulted in both party members and followers being culled from the title's final version.
Still, Metaphor feels feature complete in most respects, especially when compared to the OG Shin Megami Tensei 5, whose Vengeance upgrade was definitely needed to better serve the game's world and story. Whether an enhanced edition is necessary for Metaphor remains up to personal preference, though mixing up Atlus' formula could work to the IP's benefit.
A Story Sequel, With or Without Following the Same Cast
Beyond the avenue of an enhanced edition, there are plenty of options for a Metaphor sequel. An anthology approach wouldn't be surprising considering its use across both SMT and Persona, and following a new cast of characters within Metaphor's world would be interesting on its own. With that said, this type of approach raises the question of how transferable Metaphor's core components are to a different premise and cast. While the title touches on the societal relations of Euchronia as a whole, it's worth noting that so many of its moving parts are contingent on the protagonist's identity, from More's involvement to the mysterious voice that ushers in its Archetype awakenings. This framework could certainly be reshaped, maybe even casting the prince as the next mentor figure, though it does present some obstacles.
A direct story sequel following the same cast could also be considered, and would work to the favor of Metaphor's ending. Despite the party's efforts for social reform, Metaphor makes it clear by the end of its story that there is still work that needs to be done, offering a hopeful look into the future that keeps in mind the problems that may yet surface. Seeing the prince's retinue expanded on in their older years, especially with the popularity of Metaphor's cast, would be a welcome path to take, and could work to remedy the cut content of the original game without necessitating an enhanced edition. Though, there is the case of whether starting fresh would be preferable, as new tales within Metaphor's world would be just as intriguing.
Metaphor's Spinoff or Prequel Potential
It wouldn't be a stretch to say that a Metaphor spinoff in the vein of the Persona dancing games would be a bit of a poor match, though Persona 5's other spinoffs, namely the tile-based strategy of Tactica and the musou gameplay of Strikers, could have merit. Even an Arena-like fighting game could work with Metaphor's gorgeous fantasy styling and weaponry, provided that its more serious tone is upheld. Lastly, the concept of a prequel to Metaphor that further expands on the lore surrounding its society's previous downfall (which in itself channels Etrian Odyssey and, to an extent, SMT4), could be interesting to showcase the origins of its fantasy setting more closely after its technological collapse, giving a greater glimpse into how Euchronia was formed.
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
From the creative minds behind Persona 3, 4, and 5 comes Metaphor: ReFantazio, a unique fantasy world, where your protagonist will journey alongside his fairy companion, Gallica, to lift the curse from the kingdom’s lost prince.
Control your destiny, face your fears, and awaken magical Archetype powers that lie dormant in your heart. By awakening to an Archetype, you will unlock the power to channel and combine the abilities of unique job classes. Strengthen your bonds and build your party to take down powerful foes and discover the kingdom’s true nature.
- PC Release Date
- October 11, 2024
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- October 11, 2024
- PS5 Release Date
- October 11, 2024
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat
- 65 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- File Size Xbox Series
- 81.15 GB
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
