Metaphor: ReFantazio is Atlus’s first new major JRPG in several years. It introduces new characters, objectives, and a brand new world with a medieval setting. However, compared to other titles we’ve seen from the publisher, these elements are not significantly different. While refreshing in many ways, Metaphor’s world and narrative are far from inviting to its characters and heroes. It also doesn’t offer the light-hearted experience seen in many of Atlus’ titles, as it fundamentally has a negative and depressing world.
Metaphor takes place in the United Kingdom of Euchronia, a kingdom consisting of three countries with eight distinct tribes. These include major tribes such as the Clemar, who occupy the majority of the important roles in the kingdom and are considered the central tribe. There’s also the elf-like Roussainte, who has high physical abilities and occupies military roles, and Rhoag, who occupies leadership roles and is revered for their intelligence and long lifespan.
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The rest of the tribes are considered “minor” tribes. Because of this, these tribes are often belittled, scorned, and discriminated against. This is the core foundation of the game’s narrative. Euchronia has a clear power imbalance and classist system that sees minor races being segregated and limited in the world.
This also results in areas of poverty mostly filled with these minor tribes, such as the Paripus, who are significantly looked down upon in society. To put it simply, Eurochonia has a racism issue where the average person has no qualms or reservations pointing out their prejudices against their fellow man. Paripuses are discriminated against for their hybrid beast-like features. The Eugief are discriminated against for not being humanoid, and the Mustari are discriminated against for their unique appearance and a different religion from the state, and are thus regarded as heretics.
All these tribes are actively prevented from being in powerful positions and climbing the social hierarchy. This even notably affects the protagonist, who is part of the Elda tribe. This tribe is borderline extinct and, like the Mustari, are treated as heretics and curse bringers for their history and background. Because of this, many characters are flat-out racist against the protagonist and outwardly treat him differently.
This even extends to gameplay, as players have to earn the right to be allowed in locations and even purchase gameplay-critical items by connecting to characters of a particular tribe or performing heroic deeds. Otherwise, they won’t have the opportunity simply because the protagonist is an Elda.
However, racism is far from the only issue in Metaphor‘s world. Like parallels to the real world, Euchronia’s leadership is rife with corruption and conspiracies. A great example of this can be seen in the very beginning of the game, starting with the curse of the kingdom’s prince and the assassination of its king. With this act, the villain succeeds in starting an uproar and a power struggle, shaking the nation’s very foundation.
This prompts a competition where every citizen of Euchronia can compete for a seat on the throne. This essentially ushers in the very first instance of democracy in Euchronia. Prior to this, members of minor races could only dream of being in such a powerful position, and only royal families and revered members of preferred races were given the opportunity.
While many of Atlus’ titles have featured several dark themes, moments, and subjects, none have accurately and consistently portrayed the grim realities of existence as Metaphor. Euchronia, and to a larger extent, the game’s world, is neither inviting to players nor does it enact hope or a sense of whimsy. While the adventures of Metaphor, much like the Persona games, are one in the pursuit of justice, they’re also one in pursuit of equality in a world actively fighting against it.
This can be seen even in the interactions with characters, which are done through Bond Quests, its version of social link events in Metaphor. While these events are a little more light-hearted in Persona games, Metaphor has you help your bonds navigate issues related to discrimination, harassment, and inequality.
But thankfully, there is hope. The protagonist and his friends join the competition to garner followers and lead a new revolution that will not only put the deserving leader on the throne but also fight for equality and justice for those who cannot. This hope extends to gameplay as players learn more about the world through NPCs and perform deeds that help them. These acts make them more empathetic while expanding the in-game traits of Wisdom and Tolerance.
This is all in the pursuit of the protagonist’s goal of making Euchronia more similar to the fantasy novel he carries, which is notably portrayed in the image of our world. While acknowledging that our own world is far from a fantasy and has the same issues plaguing Euchronia, it is still a far cry in comparison.
As a Persona fan who’s played nearly every single title, it’s hard not to notice the stark differences while playing Metaphor. It is a lot more focused, serious, and often a lot more drab. The narrative experience is less fun compared to the light-hearted experiences offered by the Persona series. While Metaphor still has fun moments, the overall narrative is comparatively grimmer.
However, this isn’t to say this is a bad thing. I believe Metaphor: ReFantazio is a fantastic game. While the packaging is similar to Atlus’ other JRPGs, it is the most unique title from the publisher in terms of narrative and world-building. It is also a unique new direction that I believe Atlus should dive fully into. A sequel would help foster a new series catered to fans of the Persona formula who prefer a more realistic, adult, and grim approach to storytelling.
All in all, despite its fantastical setting, Metaphor: ReFantazio painfully and accurately portrays the ugliness of life. This makes it one of the most unique titles Atlus has ever published and has one of the most pessimistic outlooks on life. Metaphor: ReFantazio pushes the envelope in terms of visuals and gameplay, but its excellent, in-depth narrative and world-building make it stand above the publisher’s other titles. It reminds us that while the world can be cruel, there will always be hope as long as, like the protagonist, we keep fighting for change.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, and PC.
