Atlus’s Metaphor: ReFantazio has been an interesting game to keep an eye on as it ramps up its marketing in preparation for its October 11, 2024 release date. Atlus has so far spent 2024 revisiting existing titles with the Persona 3: Reload coming out in February, and Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance coming out in June. Atlus is known for releasing definitive versions of initial releases, but Metaphor: ReFantazio is a completely new concept. 

Atlus released a story trailer earlier in July, and has just dropped a character showcase to introduce the new cast. Short story recap: ReFantazio follows our protagonist as they compete in the Tournament of the Throne, where the candidate who earns the most support from the population will assume the title of king. It seems to be proto-democracy in a fantastical world. Either way most characters in the game fall into two broad categories: other candidates vying for the throne, and followers who support the protagonist’s cause.

Among the other candidates two immediately stick out as top contenders. First is Forden, the “moderate” candidate and current head of the state religion’s church. He seems to already wield considerable influence in the nation, since the government is closely tied with Sanctism, the state religion. The other is Count Louis, a talented military officer, who is described as the protagonist’s archnemesis. He promises a “true meritocracy” and his approach is apparently very popular with the youth, especially more radical members. In a normal Atlus game these might be our alignment representatives but here they seem to be just adversaries on the quest for the throne. The rest of the candidates all come with more exaggerated defining traits, but some candidates can actually become the protagonist’s followers depending on the choices of the player. 

The protagonist’s closest allies Strohl and Hulkenberg travel with him and assist in battle which differentiates them from other followers. Followers are similar to social links from Persona 3 and 4, or Confidants in Persona 5. One such example is Brigitta, a merchant from the Royal Capital, who the protagonist can form a bond with by completing tasks for. Doing so grants the protagonist access to the merchant archetype, which offers more rewards in battle, and access to more shops. As previously mentioned some followers like Catherina, are also candidates themselves, adding a layer of complexity to their relationship with the protagonist. 

Look forward to Metaphor: ReFantazio coming October 11th, 2024.