Metaphor: ReFantazio is only a couple weeks away, and it seems to be like a free demo for the large fantasy RPG could possibly be hitting PlayStation 5, Xbox Collection X/S, and PC immediately. The Persona-like riff on medieval politics and magic-infused friendships has been oozing fashion for months, and can hopefully scratch that itch Persona 6 followers have been harboring for years.
An outline for the demo leaked on the Hong Kong on the Xbox retailer earlier immediately, describing a prologue for Metaphor: ReFantazio that will present gamers its opening, and carry over their demo progress to the total sport. It looks as if the free demo will go reside on every of the platforms later immediately. -[Update 9/25/24 5:06 p.m. ET: It’s now live on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam and it rocks except on PC where it runs like potatoes apparently.]
Metaphor: ReFantazio comes out in full on October 11, and can mark Atlus’ first large new RPG since 2021’s Shin Megami Tensei V. Not like that sport, nevertheless, this shall be taking full benefit of the higher-powered current-gen consoles. And whereas it’s being developed by veteran members of the Persona and SMT groups, it’s additionally a totally new franchise with the liberty to experiment in numerous methods.
Whereas Metaphor: ReFantazio borrows a number of acquainted methods from Persona—just like the calendar system, relationship meters, and character skills that perform loads like Persona powers—it additionally introduces a bunch of novel fight mechanics, as nicely what looks as if a extra exploration-based marketing campaign. I performed it at Summer season Recreation Fest and had a good time with the fight. Kotaku staffer Kenneth Shephard performed it in additional in-depth extra just lately and likewise got here away with a optimistic impression.
One of many different large distinguishing elements for Metaphor: ReFantazio is that it takes place in a fantasy setting relatively than modern-day city Japan. In consequence, the sport appears to be attempting to deal with extra broad and sophisticated themes about society and politics with out really popping out and saying it’s about these issues. We’ll learn how nicely that works out subsequent month.
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