One of the upcoming games I got to play during Gamescom 2024 was Metaphor: ReFantazio, an upcoming JRPG that blends anime with flashy turn-based combat. Let’s take a look!
Story is crucial
In the grand tradition of the JRPGs that came before it, Metaphor: ReFantazio tells a tale that’s as deep as it is engaging. The story, which unfolds through breathtaking anime-esque cutscenes, truly delivers something different. Each cutscene is a visual spectacle with beautifully animated sequences that wouldn’t feel out of place in a high-budget anime series. The first part of my hour with the game was pretty heavy on the story but I didn’t bother at all thanks to these gorgeous visuals. A lot of JRPGs are going taken that anime look for the story but Metaphor really knocks it out of the park.
But it’s not just the visuals that make the narrative shine. The game’s story is layered with emotional depth, exploring themes of friendship, betrayal, and self-discovery. Each character you meet along your journey is more than just a companion; they’re a fully fleshed-out individual with their own backstory and motivations. And trust me, you’ll want to learn all about them. Building relationships with these characters isn’t just a side quest; it’s essential to the progression of the story. The bonds you form with your party members feel meaningful, and these relationships have an impact on the game, making you feel even more invested in the narrative’s outcome. It’s a bit too soon to see how it will unfold in the full release but I’m wondering what we’ll see on the character side of things.
Flashy combat
Now, let’s talk combat, because Metaphor: ReFantazio doesn’t just depend on its story. The game brings a flashy energy to its turn-based battles, creating an experience that’s both strategic and visually stunning. If you’ve played the Persona series, you’ll feel right at home with the combat system. The menus are sleek and stylish which makes every selection feel satisfying. It’s a system that rewards planning and precision, yet it’s accessible enough that even those new to the genre will quickly find the right moves.
One of the standout features of the combat is the powerful transformations your characters can activate to take down the harder enemies, in my demo I took down a boss. This Archetype system transforms you character into something completely different. The designs of these transformed Archetypes are nothing short of epic, with each character taking on a new mythical appearance. The final game will have tons of those transformations so it’s something I’m looking forward to diving deeper into.
Early conclusion:
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a reminder of why we play JRPGs in the first place: to be transported to another world, to live another life, and to emerge from the experience feeling like we’ve gained something truly special. It’s shaping up to become a hit in the genre for sure.
