I am one of the many who became a first-generation Atlus fan when Persona 5 was released in 2017. Before that, I wasn’t familiar with their work, but Persona 5 changed that, opening up the world of JRPGs in a way I had yet to experience before. Since then, I’ve slowly come to see why Atlus is so revered among gaming enthusiasts, especially those who have followed their Shin Megami Tensei series for years. However, I had never been there to witness the beginning of a new Atlus franchise—one not directly connected to Shin Megami Tensei —until now with Metaphor ReFantazio . Having spent around 100 hours with the game, I’ve come to appreciate it on a deeper level. Something about this title feels timely, almost as if it was made for the current moment we find ourselves living in. By the time the credits rolled, it all clicked. I found myself reflecting on the idea that video games can transcend mere entertainment and become something more profound. All that lofty talk boils down to one simple truth: Metaphor ReFantazio is one of the best RPGs I’ve ever played, and it has quickly risen near the top of my list for Game of the Year.

The game’s story takes place in the Kingdom of Euchronia, a fantastical world that is immediately compelling due to its complex political and social dynamics. The narrative kicks off in the wake of the king’s sudden death, and from there, the kingdom is thrown into disarray. Euchronia is a society composed of numerous tribes, each with its own cultural identity and societal roles. In theory, the kingdom tries to treat all of its tribes as equals, but as you quickly learn, some tribes are afforded more respect and power than others. This hierarchical structure grabbed my attention early on, as it effectively reflected many of the societal issues we face in the real world today. In fact, this was one of the first moments where I found myself so engrossed in the game’s world that I had to flip my phone upside down to avoid looking at any news notifications. Euchronia may be a fictional kingdom, but its struggles with inequality, unrest, and political uprising feel all too real in 2024.

One of the standout features of Metaphor ReFantazio is how well it blends its fantastical elements with its more grounded themes. At its core, the game is a high-fantasy JRPG, complete with sprawling landscapes, magical creatures, and towering castles. But under the surface, there’s a layer of social commentary that feels incredibly relevant. The game explores themes like class division, the dangers of authoritarianism, and the consequences of unchecked power. These ideas are woven into the narrative in a way that never feels forced, giving the game a sense of weight that elevates it beyond typical fantasy fare.

The cast of characters is another strong point. Each member of your party is well-written and fully realized, with their own motivations, backstories, and personal struggles. One of my favorite aspects of the game is how it handles character development. Unlike many RPGs where the protagonists often feel static, the characters in Metaphor ReFantazio grow and evolve throughout the game. Relationships between characters also feel organic, and I found myself genuinely invested in their stories. However, the way the game involves your choices is what struck my interest the most about the narrative front. Your interactions with other characters have a tangible impact on the narrative, and the choices you make can lead to different outcomes. This adds a layer of replayability, as you’ll want to go back and see how things could have turned out differently.

The game’s combat system is another area where Metaphor ReFantazio shines. Atlus is known for creating turn-based combat systems that are both strategic and engaging, and this game is no exception. The battles are challenging but fair, and they require you to think critically about your party composition and tactics. The game introduces a variety of mechanics that keep the combat fresh, such as elemental weaknesses, status effects, and combo attacks between party members. As you progress, you unlock new abilities and spells that allow for even more complex strategies. I particularly enjoyed the way the game encourages experimentation. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to combat, and I often found myself switching up my tactics depending on the enemy I was facing.

Visually, the game is stunning. The art direction is a perfect blend of fantasy and surrealism, with lush environments, detailed character models, and beautifully designed creatures. Each location in Euchronia feels distinct, from the bustling streets of the capital city to the eerie, fog-covered forests on the outskirts of the kingdom. The attention to detail is impressive, and it’s clear that much care went into creating a world that feels both alive and immersive. The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, with a sweeping orchestral score that perfectly complements the game’s epic scale. The music adds to the atmosphere, whether you’re exploring a quiet village or engaged in a tense boss battle.

If I had to point out a few minor flaws, the pacing can sometimes feel uneven. There are moments when the story slows down too much, and certain side quests feel like they’re padding out the game’s length rather than adding meaningful content. However, these issues are relatively minor in the grand scheme of things and don’t detract from the overall experience. Another aspect worth mentioning is the game’s exploration mechanics. Euchronia is a massive world filled with hidden treasures, secret paths, and side quests. I spent countless hours simply wandering the world, soaking in the atmosphere, and discovering new areas. The game rewards exploration with rare items, powerful equipment, and unique encounters that make the extra time spent worthwhile. It’s a world that invites curiosity, and I often found myself peeking off the main story path to see what was around the next corner.

As I reflect on my time with Metaphor ReFantazio , it’s clear that this is a game that will stay with me for a long time. It’s a game that not only offers a compelling narrative and deep gameplay mechanics but also one that resonates on a deeper level. The themes it explores—inequality, political corruption, societal unrest—are issues that feel incredibly relevant in today’s world. It’s rare for a game to feel so timely, but Metaphor ReFantazio manages to do just that. In many ways, it feels like a reflection of the times we live in, packaged in a beautifully crafted fantasy world.

In the end, should you give this game a chance when you find time? Yes, Metaphor ReFantazio is a masterpiece of the JRPG genre. It’s a game that offers something for everyone—whether you’re a fan of deep, strategic combat, rich world-building, or thought-provoking storytelling. Atlus has once again proven why they are one of the best developers in the industry, and I’m excited to see where they take this franchise in the future. If you’re a fan of JRPGs or even just a fan of great storytelling, you owe it to yourself to play this game. It’s not just a game; it’s an experience, one that will leave a lasting impression long after the credits roll.

Score: 10 out of 10

Reviewed on Xbox Series X