Atlus' new IP Metaphor: ReFantazio has arrived, offering players an engaging 100-hour adventure in the United Kingdom of Euchronia that sees its protagonist doing whatever it takes to save the kingdom. Like Atlus' Persona games that came before it, Metaphor: ReFantazio is chock-full of lore, and much of that stems from the many tribes that make up its world.
There are nine tribes in Metaphor: ReFantazio, all of which make up the people and fuel the many prejudices of the United Kingdom of Euchronia. Each tribe is highly distinctive from the rest, whether that be in their physical appearance, their contribution to the overall population, or their abilities. Should players wish to know more about why the Kingdom of Euchronia is the way it is, they should look no further than Metaphor: ReFantazio's Memorandum for information on the tribes that make up its world.
How Metaphor: ReFantazio Incorporates Themes of Anxiety Into Its Gameplay
One of Metaphor: ReFantazio's overarching themes is anxiety, and the game incorporates that theme into its gameplay through a variety of features.
The History and Lore of Every Tribe in Metaphor: ReFantazio
The Elda Tribe Makes Up a Very Rare and Magical Group of People
Players are likely to be more acquainted with the Elda tribe, as Metaphor: ReFantazio's protagonist is an Elda. As such, players will experience the thorough prejudice of Euchronia against Eldas even as they walk through the streets of Grand Trad. The Elda tribe is much different than the other eight due to their human-like appearance, whereas each of Metaphor's other tribes has distinct features, leading others to view them as inferior beings. Furthermore, members of the Elda tribe, though they are few, are condemned by the Sanctist Church for inheriting a dangerous magic that goes against the teachings of the church, so they are heavily discriminated against and rarely make public appearances.
The Clemar Tribe Composes the Largest Population in Euchronia
Another tribe players are likely to grow overly familiar with during their time in Metaphor: ReFantazio is the Clemar tribe, due to it composing the largest population in Euchronia. Leon Strohl, who is arguably the game's breakout star, is a Clemar, though he doesn't exhibit some of his own tribe's most dominant characteristics. Members of the Clemar tribe make up a majority of the most important governmental positions in Euchronia, and the Euchronian royal family are all Clemar as well. This generally leads to Clemar believing they are necessary to Euchronia's survival, but Strohl's humility prevents him from believing that about himself.
Clemar are physically characterized by the horns that grow on the sides of their heads.
The Roussainte Tribe Consists of Excellent Fighters
The Roussainte tribe is essentially Metaphor: ReFantazio's version of elves, both in their appearance with long, pointed ears and their stereotypical martial prowess. Metaphor's Hulkenberg, whom players meet fairly early on in the game, is a member of the Roussainte tribe, and that is made especially clear in her fighting ability. They could also be compared to The Legend of Zelda's Gerudo, as the women that make up the Roussainte tribe are often found to be stronger than the men of other tribes. Roussainte members also look for opportunities to prove their superiority to others by outperforming them, and they compose the second-largest population in Euchronia.
The Paripus Tribe Is Highly Discriminated Despite Its Population
The Paripus tribe is another of Metaphor: ReFantazio's discriminated tribes, but not for their physical appearance or abilities. Instead, members of the Paripus tribe are happy-go-lucky and are, therefore, seen as reckless by the majority of the Euchronian population. This means that their personality alone is apparently enough to inspire prejudice against them, and it is especially noticeable in large cities. Finally, Paripus members are bestial in their appearance and even have tails, and their positive nature also contributes to their enjoyment of parties and other festivities.
Metaphor: ReFantazio Review - The Next Great RPG
Metaphor: ReFantazio leverages its Persona influence along with more classic RPG inspiration to deliver an unmissable role-playing experience.
Many of Metaphor: ReFantazio's Tribes Face Discrimination
The Rhoag Tribe's Members Live Much Longer Than the Other Tribes
Metaphor: ReFantazio's Rhoag tribe consists of individuals who live twice as long as other tribes, so they generally have a wealth of knowledge they are looking for opportunities to pass down. One of their unique characteristics is that they age at the same pace until they reach adolescence and then spend the rest of their lives in middle and old age. This leads to them also taking on the appearance of older individuals, with many others often referring to them as the "elderly." Furthermore, they wear traditional makeup on their faces and have been known to hold grudges for up to three generations.
The Mustari Tribe Members Have a Third Eye That They Use to See Magla
The Mustari tribe in Metaphor: ReFantazio makes up one of the most unusual groups of people due to their possession of a third eye, which allows them to see Magla. This strange physical appearance leads them to wear masks, and their uncommon religious beliefs require them to wear ceremonial dress at all times. They aren't necessarily a rare group of people in Metaphor: ReFantazio, but they make their home in the Virga Island archipelago and are thereby not seen much around Grand Trad in Euchronia. They also experience a bit of discrimination, like the Elda and Paripus tribes, due to their religious beliefs.
Euchronians often refer to them as "pagans" as a result.
The Eugief Tribe Is Made Up of Bat-Like Individuals at the Bottom Rungs of Society
The Eugief tribe makes up yet another of Metaphor: ReFantazio's most discriminated individuals, as their distinct bat-like appearance causes everyone to regard them as creepy and horrific. Unlike the game's other tribes, however, members of the Eugief tribe have night vision and excellent hearing, much like actual bats. They are incredibly fast and dexterous, but for some reason, they prefer to pour their energy into farming and hunting. Finally, they are all very gentle individuals and prefer to work with others than alone. Unfortunately, their discriminatory status doesn't contribute to that quality of theirs much.
The Nidia Tribe's Members Are Excellent at Winning the Hearts of Others
The Nidia tribe composes one of Metaphor: ReFantazio's most sociable and charismatic people — so charismatic, in fact, that they are experts at winning the hearts of others. They generally prefer to stay within the city, as they find it safer, and, despite all they are willing to put on display, there is a supreme amount of mystery to them. Furthermore, like the Roussainte tribe, the Nidia tribe could be compared to The Legend of Zelda's Gerudo, due to their exclusivity in their own settlements.
The Ishkia Tribe Is Composed of Highly Intelligent, Winged Individuals
The Ishkia tribe in Metaphor: ReFantazio is a highly intelligent group of individuals who possess two pairs of wings. They generally take on positions as scholars and clergy and are held in high regard by others thanks to their attractive appearance. Despite this redeeming quality, however, some members of the Ishkia tribe tend to look down on others due to their intelligence, and that often inspires the same response from those they look down upon. Finally, with the exception of perhaps the Elda tribe, the Ishkia tribe has the lowest population of any tribe in Metaphor: ReFantazio.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
-
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.
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
