A recent preview of the upcoming game, Metaphor: ReFantazio, showed how it has a unique blend of the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei franchises but makes itself distinct as well.
The first thing that many fans noticed about the latest preview is that the game's battle music sounds incredible. Metaphor: ReFantazio is structurally and gameplay-wise similar to the Persona series.
Metaphor: ReFantazio Preview
However, the upcoming game also made some changes as well as a shift to high fantasy to make sure that players can have a fresh experience moving forward with Atlus' RPGs. it is far more than just Persona in a fantasy setting.
A brand new standalone adventure and story that is built on recognizable mechanics is being called a "culmination of our RPGs" by Atlus. This comes as it wasn't until 2006, with Persona 3, that the developer hit the mainstream in the West, according to Eurogamer.
The biggest change that the studio did with Metaphor: ReFantazio is the high fantasy setting instead of opting for the modern-day Japan that characterized its most popular games.
At the beginning of the preview, the game outlined the events in the United Kingdom of Euchronia.
This is how the king was assassinated and left the kingdom with no heir to the throne. This means that the royal scepter along with its world-shattering magical power is up for grabs by anyone.
Atlus' RPGs are known for being slow at the start and it seems this holds true for even Metaphor: ReFantazio.
The early stages of the game were filled with tutorials and cutscenes and the ones who played the preview did not encounter a single battle scene before their time was up had they not skipped the dialogue, said PushSquare.
An Amazing Blend of Persona and Shin Megami Tensei
One noticeable detail that fans got from the preview was that Metaphor: ReFantazio treats you, the player, and the in-game protagonist, separately.
In the opening scenes, the game is speaking directly to you, asks you what your name is and then later asks for the protagonist's name as well.
The game boldly establishes the social dynamics of its medieval fantasy setting. The protagonist also bears witness when a red-haired elven girl slices down the bandits that ambushed his group.
Outside of towns, it is a dangerous world filled with outlaws and monsters who are always looking for prey. Even within the confines of the cities' walls, society is rife with classism and discrimination that shows you nowhere is truly safe, according to IGN.
